Cairngorms Peaks and Passes
Grade: 
(Grade explanation)
About Cairngorms Peaks and Passes
The Cairngorms National Park is the largest and wildest in the UK. The classic Jock’s Road, Kilbo Pass and Lairig Ghru are traversed on our journey across the mountains, with time enough to 'claim' the 'deep frowning glory of dark Loch Nagar' and Ben Macdui the highest point of the Park.
Our walk takes us by ancient hill tracks and drove routes, and through the heartland of the Cairngorms, forming the largest area of high ground in Scotland, renowned for wildlife and expansive landscapes.
Brief Itinerary for the Cairngorms Peaks and Passes Isles:
Day 1: Meet at Stirling and travel by mini-bus to our overnight accommodation (first of 2 nights) in Glen Prosen. Perhaps there will be time for a wee stroll before dinner.
Day 2: Travel up to the end of the road and head up the Kilbo path. From the crest of the pass we can claim Mayar and Dreish, descending down the Shank of Drumfollow to Glen Doll (~19km / 920m ascent).
Day 3: Pack up to move on. We return to Glen Doll and start up Jock’s Road, the historic route over to Braemar. From near the crest we can pop up Tolmount at least which is nearby. On return from there continue on down into Glen Callater to wander down by the loch to the road. (~22km / 900m). First of 2 nights in Braemar.
Day 4: Today we head for Loch Nagar, the complex mountain in the middle of the Balmoral estate. Various routes are and the most suitable will be chosen on the day. (~20-22km / 920-1020m).
Day 5: Today needs an early start so we pack up ready to leave by about 8am. The short drive to Linn of Dee lets us get started walking by 08.30 to head through the Lairig Ghru. This is a dramatic, long, high route linking Deeside to Speyside. We emerge by Loch Morlich a short distance from our accommodation for the remainder of the trip. (~30km / 750m)
Day 6: The plan for the day is flexible but, if suitable, we aim to be on the mountains. Cairngorm and Macdui is the classic route (~18km / 1030m) although there are other possibilities.
Day 7: Pack up for the final time and head back to Stirling, via Pitlochry and Perth.
Cairngorms Peaks and Passes- What's Included?
Your walking holiday includes:
- 5 days walking
- 6 nights hostel accommodation
- All meals
- Transport from and back to Stirling and daily as required and for baggage
- Qualified Leader
- Support Manager
Group Size:
The minimum group size is 6. The maximum number of participants per leader is 10.
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 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 | Spaces (?) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 18 - 24 May | n/a | £519 |  |
|
| 5 - 11 July | n/a | £519 |  |
|
| 10 - 16 August | n/a | £519 | |
Recommended Reading for Cairngorms Peaks and Passes
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 Living Mountain by Nan Shepherd
- Memoirs of a Highland Lady by Elizabeth Grant
- The Drove Roads of Scotland by A.R Haldane
- The Cairngorms: S.M.C District Guidebook by Adam Watson
Maps which you may find informative are:
- Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50000 No. 43 Braemar to Blair Atholl
- Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50000 No. 44 Ballater & Glen Clova
- Ordnance Survey Landranger 1:50000 No 36 Grantown, Aviemore & Cairngorm
- Harvey Maps Superwalker 1:25,000 Cairn Gorm
- Harvey Maps Superwalker 1:25,000 LochNagar
Alternatively the whole route is on:
