Cairngorm 4000 Footers

This lightweight 3 day trek in the Cairngorms includes 2 high wild camps and a more leisurely way of summiting the UK’s next 5 highest mountains, all over 4000 feet, after Ben Nevis – Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Carn Toul, Angels Peak and Cairn Gorm. Additionally there will be an option to summit the additional Munros of Devil’s Point and Carn a Mhaim. It will also give you plenty of time to fully absorb and appreciate the unique environments presented in the central Cairngorms.

Starting at the Sugarbowl our route will take us through the dramatic and narrow rocky pass of the Chalamain Gap before gently descending to the Lairig Ghru. We will then ascend into a true mountain environment over Sron na Lairig and our first summit of Braeriach (1296m 4250ft) followed by our first high camp near to the  Wells of Dee [Source of the River Dee]. Once camp has been set up there should be opportunities to explore the stunning views westwards down to Loch Einich and eastwards across the dramatic corries down to the Lairig Ghru.

Day Two will take us around the edge of the vast An Garbh Coire and over Sgor an Lochain Uaine (Angels Peak: 1258m 4126 feet), above the hanging Loch Uaine, then steeply over Carn Toul (1291m 4234 feet) before crossing Stob Coire an t-Saighdeir before descending to the head of Coire Odhar. This should allow a quick ‘no pack’ ascent to the top of Bod an Deamhain (Devils Point: 1004m 3293 feet). Our route then takes us down past the world famous Corrour Bothy, across the River Dee and up the Tailleur Burn to our final camp on the shoulder of Carn a Mhiam. For the energetic, an evening packless walk along the ridge to the summit of Carn a Mhaim (1037m 3,401 feet), and back, will be offered.

Day Three leads us to the summit of Ben Macdui to the second highest mountain in Britain at 1309m (4293 feet).  We will then meander ‘off track’ toward the atmospheric Feith Buidhe plateau region above Loch Avon with views down to the Shelter Stone area. The route will then take us over the northern crags above the Loch following a pathless, but easy ascent, to the popular summit of Cairn Gorm (1244m 4080 feet) before descending the less touristy Fiacaill a’ Choire Chais, and into the atmospheric enormity of Coire an t-Sneachda, before finishing our journey at the Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre [Coire Cas].

This is a description of our intended route but it will be adapted as necessary in relation to weather conditions and the performance of the group.