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    | The Cairngorm Plateau

    Wilderness Walking

    High Points of the Cairngorms National Park

    57 reviews


    Deposit From: £642
    Region: Cairngorms and Central Highlands
    Duration: 7 Days / 6 Nights
    Confirmed: When 2 Travellers Book

    All you need to know about your trip, this essential document is a must for all adventures.

      From:  £2,495 View Prices & Dates

      Trip Overview

      Created by: Stevie Christie


      Join us to explore the majestic, wild beauty of Scotland’s best-known mountain range—the Cairngorms. With summits rising to 1,220 m/4,000 ft, they form a vast expanse of rolling peaks connected by a high arctic plateau. This dramatic landscape is shaped by steep-sided glens and scree-scattered corries, where heather and rock give way to ancient pinewoods, dark lochs, and open grassy fields.

      Led by an expert guide, this all-inclusive walking trip explores the Cairngorms on foot. Enjoy hiking up Cairngorm itself (the sixth-highest peak in the UK) and the impressive peak of Sgor Gaoith, where precipitous crags plunge to the inky waters of Loch Einich. As you ribbon your way through old forests and high, heathery moorland, look out for the wildlife that makes this national park so special, including red deer, red squirrels, ptarmigan and golden eagles. After perfectly-paced days surrounded by incredible scenery, relax in hand-picked accommodation, enjoying delicious food and warm Highland hospitality.

       

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      Day by Day
      Itinerary

      Day 1 – Creag Bheag Read Less

      Day 1

      Creag Bheag

      Meet your guide at Aviemore Railway Station this morning and transfer a short distance to the traditional village of Kingussie. From here, enjoy a short, stunning walk that offers the perfect introduction to the surrounding landscape. Hike through fragrant pinewoods, the trail steep in places, to reach a summit at 487 m / 1,598 ft. From the top, take in expansive views across Strathspey and towards several of the peaks we’ll explore later in the week. After the walk, a short drive will take us to a lovely hotel, which will be our base for the duration of the trip.

      Meals Included: Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 7 km / 4 miles | 275 m / 902 ft | Approx: 3.5 hrs

      Day 2 – Northern Corries of the Cairngorms Read Less

      Day 2

      Northern Corries of the Cairngorms

      Today, set out on a classic Scottish hill walk into the Northern Corries of the Cairngorms. Beginning at 600 m / 1,970 ft, wind your way into a wild, high-mountain landscape. Walk beneath the cliffs of the Northern Corries, keeping an eye out for Scotland’s only herd of free-roaming reindeer, which often graze nearby. A steady ascent brings increasingly expansive views, with the option of a short detour to look down over the dark waters of remote Loch Avon. A final climb leads to the summit of Cairngorm Mountain, the sixth-highest peak in the UK.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 11 km / 7 miles | 775 m / 2,543 ft | Approx: 7 hrs

      Day 3 – Creag Dhubh Read Less

      Day 3

      Creag Dhubh

      The peak of Creag Dhubh (which means Black Rock) is a more modest mountain than its neighbours but is nevertheless a wild and wonderful place. Begin with a steep ascent through ancient pine forest, the trail climbing quickly before breaking out above the trees. From here, take in wide views across the Cairngorms. The route passes Clach Mhic Calein – known as the Argyll Stone – before continuing to the summit of Creag Dhubh. At the top, enjoy a sweeping panorama down Glen Einich and across to the peak of Sgoran Dubh Mòr.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 18 km / 11 miles | 650 m / 2,133 ft | Approx: 7 hrs

      Day 4 – Western Summit Circuit Read Less

      Day 4

      Western Summit Circuit

      Today, travel a little further south while staying within the boundaries of Cairngorms National Park to hike a rewarding circuit that takes in two distinct summits and a broad expanse of upland terrain. Despite beginning next to a busy road, this soon fades as the trail follows a babbling burn, gradually gaining height. A steep pull leads to the plateau, where the route becomes more undulating, connecting the two peaks. The views here are expansive, stretching in every direction to take in Loch Ericht, Ben Alder, and all the way west to Ben Nevis.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 16 km / 10 miles | 900 m / 2,953 ft | Approx: 8 hrs

      Day 5 – Hill of the Shepherd Read Less

      Day 5

      Hill of the Shepherd

      Today’s walk takes us to the northern reaches of the Cairngorms, where we’ll summit Meall a Buachaille (Hill of the Shepherd), one of several peaks that overlook the beautiful Abernethy Forest. The trail begins by passing through a steep-sided pass and the picturesque ‘Fairy Lochan’. Legend has it that the loch’s green hue is because of the fairies washing their clothes in the icy water. Beyond the pass, we turn left at an old bothy to begin a steady ascent up a well-trodden path that leads directly to the summit. On the descent, enjoy fabulous views of the larger hills to the south and across the glittering shores of Loch Morlich.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 9 km / 6 miles | 550 m / 1,804 ft | Approx: 5 hrs

      Day 6 – Sgor Gaoith Read Less

      Day 6

      Sgor Gaoith

      Today, set out to climb the striking peak of Sgor Gaoith, found in the very heart of Glen Feshie. From the valley floor, a well-defined trail winds through beautiful pinewoods before steadily climbing up onto the rocky plateau. From here, an undulating path ribbons towards the pointed summit, where the land suddenly drops away, offering dramatic views down to the remote Loch Einich and across to the wild corries of Braeriach, the third-highest peak in Britain. On your return, enjoy chatting with your guide about the native wildlife, keeping an eye out for red kites, meadow pipets and eagles.

      Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner
      Walk Details: 14 km / 9 miles | 915 m / 3,002 ft | Approx: 7 hrs

      Day 7 – Farleitter Crag Read Less

      Day 7

      Farleitter Crag

      Today, head out for a relaxing morning hike. From your hotel, hop in with your guide and head back towards Aviemore, stopping along the way to explore the Uath Lochans–favoured by bird watchers and locals. Enjoy walking around the lochs and up to the little summit of Farleitter Crag, which offers lovely views across the pinewoods to the central Cairngorm plateau. Afterwards, your guide will drop you off at Aviemore train station just after lunch, where your trip will conclude.

      Meals Included: Breakfast and Lunch
      Walk Details: 4 km / 2 miles | 165 m / 541 ft | Approx: 2 hrs

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      High Points of the Cairngorms National Park

      To download a PDF copy of our Trip Itinerary, containing full details about this holiday, please complete the form below:

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      The phone number field is not required but if you would like us to give you a call to help find the trip for you, then enter your telephone number including the country code.

      Trip Dates & Prices

      All payments taken in local currency GBP

      Trip Dates for 2026 Availability StatusPriceBook
      15th May - 21st May 2026 8 place(s) left Available £2,495 Book Now
      19th Jun - 25th Jun 2026 8 place(s) left Available £2,495 Book Now
      24th Jul - 30th Jul 2026 8 place(s) left Available £2,495 Book Now
      8th Aug - 14th Aug 2026 8 place(s) left Available £2,495 Book Now
      5th Sep - 11th Sep 2026 8 place(s) left Available £2,495 Book Now
      19th Sep - 25th Sep 2026 8 place(s) left Available £2,495 Book Now

      Make This Trip Private

      Fancy this trip just for your group? Get together with family and friends spend quality time exploring wild places. A private trip allows you to benefit from all the features of the group departure, including hand-picked accommodation and expert local guides but with the advantage of the flexibility to tailor the days to your group. Make the trip more or less challenging depending on your experience or choose to add in some optional extras like castle or distillery visits depending on your interests. The price of a private trip will depend on the number of travellers in your group. Let us know your preferred departure date and we'll take care of the rest.

      Enquire Now Learn More
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      High Points of the Cairngorms National Park

      For private departure enquiries, please complete the form below:

      Trip Details

      Accommodation Read More

      This walking holiday enjoys accommodation in a family run hotel just outside Aviemore.

      Accommodation is a choice of double or twin rooms with ensuite facilities.

      Single Rooms

      There is no supplement charged to solo travellers, however, you will be required to share a room with another person of the same sex. If you request a double room for single occupancy, a supplement of £400 is charged.

      Due to the nature of the accommodations we use, single supplements are limited and are allocated on a first come first served basis.

      Meals Read More

      This trip includes all meals, from lunch on day 1 to lunch on day 7. Dinners are two courses as standard. 

      Great food is paramount on all Wilderness Scotland trips, and we will enjoy excellent regional cooking throughout this all-inclusive trip. Of course, dietary requirements can be catered for; just let us know at the time of booking.

      Your guide will have an evening off during this trip where they do not eat with the group.

      Inclusions Read More
      • Six nights accommodation in a cosy family run hotel.
      • All meals, from lunch on Day 1 through to lunch on Day 7.
      • The services of an experienced and knowledgeable guide / driver throughout.
      • All transport throughout the trip starting and finishing in Aviemore.
      Grading Read More

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Travel - Arrival and Departure Read More

      You will be met by your Wilderness Scotland Guide at Aviemore Railway Station at 10.30am on Day 1 of your trip. We aim to be back at the station by 1.30pm on the final day. It’s a small station so you should find the group and guide quite easily.

      Speak to an Expert

      Chris Page

      Our friendly office team hail from across the world but share a passion for the outdoor and wild spaces of Scotland. We are committed to providing you with the best customer service and are more than happy to chat through options and provide help and advice. Get in touch to find your perfect adventure.

      Ask Chris a Question

      Difficulty Grades Explained

      Blue Graded 4-6

      Blue graded walking holidays are suitable for fit and experienced hikers. We walk at a good pace and you can expect to be out for 6-8 hours a day. You will not always be on a path and the terrain underfoot can be rough and boggy, including boulder fields and mountain tops. Some of the daily walks will involve a mountain ascent of over 3000ft / 900m high. Daily distances will be typically up to 16km but may be longer occasionally. Daily hike details are available in the itinerary.

      Find Out More

      Trip Reviews

      Rated 4.95 out of 5 based on 57 review(s) of Wilderness Walking – High Points of the Cairngorms National Park

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      Every client receives a feedback survey when they return from their guided, self guided or tailor made holiday with us. Once completed the review is published on our website just as soon as our database updates. The little touches and details are important to us and where issues are raised we make positive changes to our trips to improve your experience.

      That’s why we read each of our client’s reviews and although we don’t respond to all of them, if it’s glowing feedback then we get the satisfaction of helping to make your holidays truly memorable.

      WP

      William Polking

      Reviewed on 05/08/2024

      Age: 50 - 60
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 20/07/2024
      Trips Taken: 4

      The Bottom Line

      The Bottom Line

      Exactly the challenge I was hoping for.

      SW

      Steve Watson

      Reviewed on 29/07/2024

      Age: 60 - 70
      Country: United Kingdom
      Trip Date: 20/07/2024
      Trips Taken: 2

      The Bottom Line

      ED

      Eileen Drummond

      Reviewed on 18/05/2024

      Age: 70 - 80
      Country: United States
      Trip Date: 27/04/2024
      Trips Taken: 2

      The Bottom Line

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