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.
Usual preparation, planning route, checking weather and ground conditions. Long walk and used my MTB for the first part. There was (melting) snow on the higher slopes which was challenging and had to make sure I was walking carefully bearing in mind the skills I learned on winter skills courses. Frozen snow and ice nearer the top so had to put my crampons on. When at the top of the plateau the wind was strong and at one point it felt like a full on blizzard and your face being sandblasted by the hail showers. I took shelter between the rocks of Ben Avon and had a hot drink and some food, put more extra layers on. It wasn't too long before the hail stopped and I made my way back to the Glen where it was much milder and actually very warm as the sun came out so I had to get layers off again. Great refreshing walk to say the least, especially after being cuped up working from home all week. Navigation not too challenging in between the hail showers
