A strenuous route in Cairngorms. Check the GPS track on Outdooractive for full details of the route, waypoints, and terrain.
Starting Point: Ski Centre Base Station, Cairn Gorm (NH 989 059)
Terrain: Cairn Gorm Trail winding fairly steeply around to right, south to Ptarmigan Station, path to summit, good clear path, alternative longer route via Cairn Lochan available, towards Lochan Buidhe, fairly steep final climb, faint path southeast, steep descent (wild walk, no path), Coire Clach nan Taillear, across stream, path to Lairig Ghru, great path, clear path to Corrour Bothy
This is an outstanding point-to-point first day of a two-day Cairngorm 4000ft expedition, completing Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui before overnighting at the famous Corrour Bothy. Having already bagged Cairn Toul on a previous walk, this expedition targets the remaining four Cairngorm 4000ft mountains. The bus from Aviemore to the Ski Centre offers a practical alternative to the car park for those walking back to the town. The Cairn Gorm Trail winds fairly steeply right before heading south to the Ptarmigan Station, from where the path climbs to Cairn Gorm's summit where clouds allowed brief, spectacular views before closing in. The good clear path continues right from the cairn to Stob Coire an t-Sneachda with an alternative longer route via Cairn Lochan available if the main path is missed. After Lochan Buidhe the final steep climb reaches Ben Macdui - the second highest mountain in the British Isles - where views to die for were absolutely amazing, again short-lived as cloud returned. The descent via the Sron Riach ridge turns right for a steep wild walk with no path through Coire Clach nan Taillear, where spotting a path on the stream's other side and crossing at NN 986 978 provides a welcome route down to the Lairig Ghru. Turning left on a great path then right on a clear path delivers the wonderful Corrour Bothy - one of Scotland's most famous remote shelters built in 1877, offering free, non-booked refuge with stove and basic facilities. Opening the door to find it empty despite bags on the beds, a bench provided comfortable overnight shelter without needing to pitch the tent in the rain. Two 4000ft mountains down, two to go for Day Two.