Introduction to Winter Hill Walking - Cairngorms, Scottish Highlands

This is a week-long event that includes five days of winter hill walking in and around the Cairngorms national park - Scottish Highlands led by a professional IFMGA certified guide. It is ideal for anyone wishing to learn the basics of winter hillwalking or build on their experience in winter navigation, use of crampons and an ice axe for walking in snow and ice.

The event is limited to a group of six people. Proposed itinerary shown below:

Saturday 8th February: arrive in Aviemore (contact leader for travel options)

Note: You are responsible for making your own travel arrangements to get to Aviemore. The group plans to rent a mini-van and use it to get from the airport in Inverness or train station in Aviemore to the accommodation (Oakwood Cottage) as well as to the start point for the walks and for food shopping trips into Aviemore

Sunday 9^th February: attend a Sunday morning service at a local church followed by a short walk in the afternoon.
Monday 10^th to Friday 14^th February: guided walks in and around the Cairngorms national park.
Saturday 15th February: leave group accommodation in Aviemore by 10am

Walks are expected to be between 12 and 18+ miles with an ascent of over 1200m on some days. The walks may be categorized as special circumstances, hard or very hard involving walking over rough uneven terrain as well as snow and ice (depending on weather conditions). Previous trips have involved an ascent to the summit of a few Scottish Munros including: Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm, Sgor an Lochain Uaine (Angels Peak), Cairn Toul and Braeriach. Our guide will determine the route/walk the group does on each day based on weather conditions, the capability of the group and other considerations.

We have booked Oakwood Cottage - a recently built self-catered four bedroom, two bathroom/toilet semi-detached house with modern facilities located in the Oakwood Caravan park in Aviemore. Ideally, individuals in the group will volunteer to prepare evening meals and do the washing up. We will take turns doing this. On the last night, we may choose to have a meal in a local restaurant/pub.

Guide fees and accommodation costs:

Cost for individuals sharing a room for two: £408 (four spaces available on the event)
Cost for individuals not sharing a room: £549 (two spaces available on the event)

Allow for additional costs of self-catered meals and local transportation/mini-van rental costs for the week (approx. £700 not incl fuel) - to be shared with the group. Some investment in renting/buying equipment, clothing, boots for winter hill walking may be necessary. The CWC has ice axes that you can use free of charge.

Please indicate what type of accommodation you prefer and pay a deposit of £188 to the CWC by 31 October 2024. The remaining balance for guide fees and accommodation will be due by 15th January 2025 i.e. £220 for individuals sharing a room, and £361 for individuals not sharing a room.

There are limited places on this event. Please book as soon as possible to ensure your place is secure.

Contact the event leader for more information about the event as well as a full equipment list and suggestions on what to rent where.

Follow this link for CWC Members Only Information on this event

Non members follow this link to the Website Contact Form