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.
A weekend out with a friend. From Glenmore we approached Loch Avon via Strath Nethy but due to a late start (train logistics!) on Friday only made it as far as a camp under Stac na h-Iolaire, although we did spot an adder. Saturday we reached Loch Avon where we camped two nights. Sunday we climbed Bein Mheadoin in mist from Loch Etchachan before going up Ben Macdui in sunshine retruning to Loch Avon. An early start on Monday took us via Coire Raibert to catch the bus at the ski car-park.
