Outdoor Adventures

Walk on the Wild Side Cairngorms Wild Camping Adventure

With Mark Reid FRGS – author of ‘The Inn Way’ guidebooks & Mountain Leader

Hike for 3 days through the wild rugged mountains of the Cairngorms on this wild camping adventure trip. Escape modern life and enter a world of soaring mountains, deep glaciated valleys and cascading waterfalls as we traverse the Cairngorms from north to south.

From Aviemore we’ll hike for 36 miles over 3 days (and 2 nights wild camping) through some of Scotland’s most rugged, wild and remote glens and mountain passes to reach the village of Blair Atholl on the southern edge of the Cairngorms, from where we’ll catch the train back to Aviemore. This will be a mountain adventure to remember!

We can provide most of your camping kit – choice of lightweight backpacking tent (1-person or 2-person), sleep-mat, expedition rucksack, dry-bag, JetBoil stove & gas (please provide your own sleeping bag, walking clothes & food).

WHAT AN EXPERIENCE!
  • Wild camping adventure through the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
  • Hike 36 miles over 3 days (with 2 nights wild camping) via remote glens and mountain passes between Aviemore and Blair Atholl
  • Experience the peace, quiet & solitude of true wilderness
  • Self reliance, personal development & achievement
  • A real ‘bucket list’ adventure!
  • Explore the mountains in confidence with Mark Reid
  • Small group size – 8 people, plus Mountain Leader
  • Mark has over 100 nights of wild camping experience
PERFECT FOR
  • A group of friends or family – a trip away to remember
  • Relaxing time in nature away from the stresses of life
  • Quality time away with your son or daughter in the Great Outdoors
  • Gaining mountain knowledge & experience
  • A true mountain adventure experience

ITINERARY
TUESDAY

9:30am – Meet at Aviemore in the Highlands of Scotland, to discuss the expedition, weather forecast and gear check. Aviemore has a train station, parking, lots of shops, cafes and facilities. 
10am – Catch the bus from Aviemore to the Cairn Gorm ski centre (23 minute bus journey)
10:30am – Set off on our walk from the ski centre, heading through the Chalamain Gap and into the famous glaciated trench of the Lairig Ghru, before steadily heading down through this deep valley, with soaring Munros on either side, to reach the Corrour Bothy, where we’ll camp nearby. 17 km with 590m of ascent, taking around 7 hours. 
6pm – Wild Camp; set up camp, eat dinner, watch the sunset
9pm – Retire to your tent

Optional evening hike up the Munro of The Devil’s Point (1004m), which rises about Corrour Bothy. This evening hike is around 4-km with 450m of ascent, taking around 2 hours. You may wish to stay in your tent.*

WEDNESDAY

8am – Breakfast and break down camp.
9am – Continue on our walk through the remote valleys of Glen Dee, Geldie Burn, Bynack Burn and over the ‘pass’ into Glen Tilt, where we’ll camp for the night. 27 km with 230m of ascent, taking around 7 – 8 hours.
5pm – Wild Camp; set up camp, eat dinner, watch the sunset
9pm – Retire to your tent

THURSDAY

8am – Breakfast and break down camp.
9am – Our final leg of our hike continues down through the deep valley of Glen Tilt to reach the village of Blair Atholl and journey’s end. 14 km with 100m of ascent, taking 4 – 5 hours.
2pm – 5pm – Arrive at Blair Atholl – catch the train back to Aviemore (trains at 15:31 & 17:02 / 55 minute journey)

Optional extension to this last day’s hike to include the Munro of Càrn a’ Chlamain (963m). This adds an additional 5-km and 665m of ascent, making it a 7 – 8 hours day. This would require an 8am start.* 

The hike from Aviemore to Blair Atholl covers 36 miles through remote and rugged mountainous terrain with 920m of ascent, spread over 3 days with 2 nights wild camping. All timings and distances are approximate – the daily distances may vary according to weather and ground conditions, as well as group needs. *Both of the ‘optional’ Munros are subject to weather conditions, group needs, pace and timings. The decision to include these Munros will be made by Mark Reid on the day.

Please arrange your own travel and accommodation to and from this wild camping trip. 

Useful links

Visit Aviemore
Blair Atholl 
ScotRail

YOUR GUIDE - MARK REID

Fitness & Information

BOOK NOW

This includes:

  • 3 days of guided walking from Aviemore to Blair Atholl through remote glens and mountain passes of the Cairngorms, with two optional Munros.
  • 2 nights wild camping
  • Guided by Mark Reid, an experienced Mountain Leader
  • Lightweight backpacking tent
  • Expedition rucksack
  • Camping kit (drybag, sleepmat, stove & fuel)
  • Use of our waterproof clothing & boots if required.
  • TeamWalking Loyalty Reward scheme
PLEASE PROVIDE:
  • 3-season sleeping bag
  • Packed lunch, camp food, drinks and snacks for 2 nights and 3 days.
  • Personal walking clothing and equipment (base layers etc)
  • Bus from Aviemore to the Cairn Gorm ski centre on Day 1. Train from Blair Atholl to Aviemore at the end of the walk.
NB: Please provide food, travel & accommodation (other than wild camping, as this is the key activity of this trip). A detailed list of what to wear and bring will be sent to you.
NUMBER OF PEOPLE

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