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.
Snowy start turning to almost alpine conditions- sunshine and breeze on the tops. Decision to take a different path back based on OS Maps info was disastrous - last 5k through swamp and deep undergrowth. Lot of pain in hips, back and feet. Lesson: stick with the plan.
