The Cairngorms are ‘a little piece of the arctic in Scotland’ according to the SMC Munros Guide and the area contains many of the tallest peaks in the East Highlands. Ben Macdui (1309m), Cairn Gorm (1244m) and Braeriach (1296) are probably three of the better known and the whole area is full of steep corries and high plateaux. Access to the mountains is typically from Aviemore or Braemar.
Challenging walk with winter (and cold) conditions and deep snow in places. Had to use my micro spikes for higher parts. (not hard enough for crampons) Slow moving at times but managed to reach the munro. Intially planned to do the 2 munros but the conditions were so that it would not be safe to be out there solo. On the way back I had to use all my navigational skills and tools at hand to get myself back onto the main path covered with snow. When crossing a steam I fell and my bottom half was wet and big lumps of ice where frozen under my boots making walking difficult over the snowy and wet terrain. I was prepared and had dry clothes in my bag. However I was very well aware it was getting darker and darker and walking solo I had to get myself back to the main path which I wasn't that far away from. It was an adventure and my friend was glad to hear from me when I got signal again as I was out longer than I anticipated to be.
