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.
From the main ski centre car park, over to Fiacaill a Coire Sneachda, up the ridge (mostly powder over the rock). Walk across to Loch Avon, snack by the Shelterstone, up Castlegates Gully (well consolidated, small icy step). Then nav practice back across the plateau to point 1141 and down Fiacaill a Coire Cas.
