Cairngorms Raid
Grade: 
(Grade explanation)
Get in behind the view from the road and discover what a spectacular area this really is. This short camping trip concentrates on the Eastern and Central blocks of the Cairngorms heartland between Beinn Avon and Carn a'Mhaim and gives a fantastic high level trek over 8 mountains.
NB: Due to the remote nature of the trip and lack of easy escape routes, participants should ensure that they have a high enough level of fitness to enable them to complete at least the linear parts of this holiday in full. The ability to carry 30-35lbs is essential. Fitness for such walks is important for full enjoyment.
Cairngorms Raid Brief Itinerary:
Day 1: Equipment distribution / check at C~N~Do's office. After sorting out gear from the store, travel by mini-bus to near Linn of Quoich via Braemar. Start walking towards a possible camping location in the vicinity of Clach a'Cleiridh (~14km / 400m ascent) on the slopes of Ben Avon.
Day 2 After breaking camp, we head off to the high tops, first with Ben Avon then Beinn a'Bhuird. In the afternoon we head off towards Beinn a'Chaorainn and then, on route to Beinn Bhreac, find a camping spot for the night. After dinner and travelling light we can pop up Beinn Bhreac and back. (~20-22km / 1060m).
Day 3: Strike camp and head down and across the great divide of the Lairig an Laoigh and continue on up to Loch Etchachan. From a camping spot by the loch we can pop up Beinn Mheadhoin before returning to claim Derry Cairngorm (~14km / 950m).
Day 4: Today we claim the highest one in the Cairngorms, Ben Macdui, then over to Carn a'Mhaim, our last mountain, before heading down to camp near Derry Lodge (~14km / 650m)
Day 5: This leaves a very pleasant walk back to our start point, via the Clais Fhearnaig glacial melt water channel, before returning to Stirling (~10km / 250m).
Cairngorms Raid - What's Included?
Your walking holiday includes:
- 5 days with backpacking
- 4 nights wild camping
- Tents, stoves, gas and pots are provided.
- Food for all meals
- Transport from and back to Stirling
- Qualified leader
Group Size:
The minimum group size is 4. The maximum number of participants per leader is 8.
Group Bookings & Private Guiding
Additional dates or spaces are available for group booking and private guiding by arrangement. Please phone us on 01786 445 703 or complete the Special Enquiry form.
Early Bird Bonus
Book your holiday more than 12 weeks in advance to claim 5% off.
You must quote “Early Bird 08” promotional code on your booking form as the discount will not be automatically applied.
Book Your Cairngorms Raid walking holiday
How would you like to pay for your CNDo Scotland activity?
If you would prefer to pay by:
- Cheque - download our postal booking form.
- Credit/Debit card securely online - use the form below
| Dates | SRS | Price | Places (?) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 24 - 28 June | n/a | £299 |  |
Recommended Reading
To get the most from your walking holiday you may wish to do some background reading prior to departure.
Books which you may find informative are:
- The High Mountains of Britain and Ireland by Irvine Butterfield
- The Cairngorms (Scottish Mountaineering Club District Guidebook) by Adam Watson
Maps which you may find informative are:
- Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50000 No. 36: Grantown, Aviemore and Cairngorm Mountains
- Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50000 No. 43: Braemar to Blair Atholl
Alternatively this map covers a lot of the area:
