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.
Bluebird day - though possibly one of the hardest, most demoralising days I've ever had. Last day of the week. Tired and couldn't be bothered. Sunk to my shin/knee/thigh on almost every step for 18km. The rest of my kit fell apart. I needed the toilet from about 20 mins after I left ski centre. Sun was blazing. So hard to keep going. A real test of physical & mental fortitude. Made it to Ben Macdui via Cairn Gorm and back before dark. Toilet was closed. Totally depleted.
