CAIRNGORM WINTER SUMMITS - hillwalking from £460

The high sub arctic summits of Cairngorm, Ben MacDhui, Beinn Mheadhoin, Breariach & Cairn Toul are just the highlights of the Cairngorm national park.

Course Only

£460

Price Includes:
4 guided mountain days
All specialist equipment, crampons, ice axes etc. No extra hire charges
Free transfers and pick ups throughout from your accommodation location around Aviemore.

Not Included:
Accommodation - book this yourself in the Aviemore area to suit your own budget.
Day food - you'll need a packed lunch each day along with a flask for a hot drink.

Testimonials

what a great few days up in the most amazing part of Scotland. Thank you for all the guidance and encouragement to push myself more than I thought I could. Great to crampon around the hills and get involved in some serious real world navigation. Highlight was gazing across to Bein MacDhui from Cairn Toul having been there 24 hours earlier! Coming back for more! James Halliwell. Feb 2025

Cairngorm Winter walking

Words can't describe fully the wildness of this extreme place. From sunkissed snowy vistas one minute to white out blizzard the next! What a buzz - all wrapped up with goggles on and spikes on my feet - felt like Scott of the antarctic! Learned so much from your careful, informative instruction and enjoyed every wind swept minute. March 2023. Helen McGrath

Winter in the Cairngorms

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Trip Description

Explore the Cairngorm Winter Plateau

Winter on the highest plateau in Scotland's mountains is a truly unique challenge. Towering snowbound mountains rise above 4,000 feet in a sub-arctic environment, offering long days and remote Munro summits to explore.

Over four days, we’ll plan lightweight ascents, carrying all essential safety equipment as we aim to reach as many summits as conditions allow. Along the way, you’ll gain practical experience in winter techniques—walking confidently in crampons, handling an ice axe, and negotiating the varied snow types that Cairngorm winters deliver.

Navigating to a summit in a whiteout is both exhilarating and demanding. With expert guidance, you’ll tackle this under supervision, building confidence and learning how to make sound decisions in challenging conditions.

Our plans will adapt to the weather, and you’ll be fully involved in the process, giving you the chance to develop your own mountain skills throughout the trip.

The trip begins in Aviemore on Monday morning and concludes on Thursday afternoon. We’ll collect you from your accommodation (booked independently) or meet at the Tiso car park before heading to the start point each day.

  • Free transfers are provided for those without a car.

  • Flying into Inverness? We’ll pick you up on Sunday morning and drop you back after the trip, ready for your onward journey.

  • Daily transfers between your accommodation and the mountains are also included.

  • Fitness & Kit Requirements You’ll need the stamina to carry a day rucksack through deep snow or in windy conditions, along with appropriate clothing and personal equipment. We provide all specialist kit free of any extra hire charges - includes crampons, ice axe. You will need have your own B2 rated winter mountain walking boots - if you don't already own suitable boots then you can hire from www.expeditionkithire.co.uk. They provide a convenient hire service by post to your home address. Full pre trip packing advice is provided upon booking.

Schedule

Monday - meet 0830 each day in Aviemore outside Tiso outdoor shop
Tuesday - full mountain day
Wednesday - full mountain day
Thursday - mountain day finishing late afternoon in line with ongoing travel

Instructor Ratio

1:4

Suitable For

Anyone with summer hillwalking experience (not essential). Good fitness required for multiple winter days.

2025 - 2026 Dates

DEC 12-15 , 19-22

JAN 5-8 , 12-15 , 19-22 , 26-29

FEB 2-5 , 9-12 , 16-19 , 23-26 

MAR 2-5 , 9-12 , 16-19 , 23-26