City Mountaineering

Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining

*TRIP FULL*
Our next Cairngorm Wild Camp trip with availability is taking place on the 24 May Public holiday weekend. More information can be found here: https://www.meetup.com/citymountaineering/events/307108290/

Return travel on The Sleeper Train included! (bed in single-sex, twin room)

3-days hiking and wild camping in The Cairngorms National Park.

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Is there a better way to spend a long weekend than sleeping under the stars, hidden away from the crowds, in the mountains?

This long weekend will involve exploring the The Cairngorm Plateau - The highest plateau, featuring 5 of the highest 6 mountains, in the UK - hiking and wild camping away from the crowds to clear your mind and open your senses to your majestic surroundings.

Over 500 miles north of London, it's amazing that this trip is even possible within this timeframe and we are so excited about it!
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ITINERARY
Please note that exact timings and order of activities are subject to change, based on the local conditions at the time.

Friday evening: Departure

• Meet outside London Euston train station at 8pm, you will board the Caledonian Sleeper train for a relaxing overnight journey to The Scottish Highlands (twin beds in single-sex cabins on the train)

Day 1: Arrival and Begin the adventure

• You will be met at the train station in Scotland for a brief introduction before being transported into the heart of the national park to begin your journey
• Today will involve hiking on relatively easy terrain (although the heavy rucksacks will ensure a slow pace) up the valley - through lush green forests, along beautiful rivers and across the site of many BBC Nature Programmes (look out for Golden Eagles, Red Deer, Red Squirrel, Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Otters, Water Voles, Pine Martin... I could go on and on... This place is as diverse in nature as the UK has to offer!)
• Evening: You will pitch your tents next to the river/lake (wild swim anyone?) before enjoying dinner and retiring to bed under the stars

Day 2

• Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy an al fresco breakfast surrounded by the huge mountains of The Cairngorms
• Continue the Hike: After breakfast and taking down the tents, you will continue your journey on the great Cairngorm Plateau. Once up high, you will hike over the rolling hilly landscape on your journey to your next camp
• Camp Setup: Set up camp near a remote and serene location, perfect for a restful night.
• Evening: Share stories around the stove and enjoy another night under the stars.

Day 3: Braeriach Ridge and Return to Aviemore

• Rise early to catch the sunrise and savour the tranquility of the morning as we embark on our final hike through the Cairngorms's unique landscapes.
• Breakfast: Start the day with a nutritious breakfast before packing up camp.
• You will continue on your journey north, towards Aviemore. Reaching Aviemore at around 6pm, you will head to a local pub for a hearty dinner before boarding the Caledonian Sleeper Train back to London
• Departure: Board the Caledonian Sleeper Train for a relaxing overnight journey home (first class, twin, single-sex bedrooms with en suite toilet and shower facilities).

Tuesday Morning: London Arrival

• Arrive back at Euston station at 8am, feeling accomplished and with memories to last a lifetime.

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DIFFICULTY: This trip is designed to be a moderate 3-days in The Cairngorms National Park and requires a reasonable level of fitness:

• This trip is designed for individuals with a reasonable level of fitness. The hikes involve hiking up and down hills over rugged terrain.
• You should be prepared to carry their own camping gear and supplies during hikes.

Your qualified guide is highly experienced enough to keep the pace slow and everyone happy, safe and motivated throughout the trip

TRANSPORT: Return sleeper train journey from London to The Cairngorms. Bed in twin, single-sex cabins (first class on the return journey)

ACCOMMODATION: 1-person tents.
This is a Wild Camping Challenge trip. We can provide you with a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat if you don't already have them
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Join us for an unforgettable 3-day adventure hiking and wild camping adventure in The Cairngorms National Park! Reserve your spot now and get ready for a challenging and rewarding experience in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

COST: £545
To join simply RSVP and pay the £100 non-refundable deposit. We will then be in contact with more information.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Return sleeper train travel from London to The Cairngorms
• All logistical support in Scotland
• Use of our tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, water purifiers and cooking equipment
• All meals from lunch on Saturday until lunch on Monday
• Guiding hiking with a highly experienced and qualified Mountain Leader

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Personal hiking kit
• Personal travel insurance
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All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining

**TRIP FULL**
This trip is being repeated at the end of May (spaces still available): https://www.meetup.com/citymountaineering/events/305419701

A 9-day trip (just 4-days off work!), including 7-days of hiking the Skye Trail - an unmarked route of 127km (79 miles) through the island of Skye.

Embark on a once-in-a-lifetime journey through the rugged and mystical landscapes of the Isle of Skye on the iconic Skye Trail!

Join us for an unforgettable hiking adventure as we traverse this legendary route, immersing ourselves in the breathtaking beauty and rich history of Scotland's Highland wilderness.

There are no waymarks for the route and we are off the beaten track so many sections do not even have a path.

🗻 Spectacular mountain views - passing under the shadow of the Jagged Cuillin mountains;
🏝️ Coastal scenery - from beaches to cliff-tops that are remarkable but almost unvisited;
🏞️ Haunting deserted villages - destroyed in the highland clearances;
🐬 Wildlife watching - From Sea Eagles to Dolphins

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ITINERARY
Saturday (AM)
Meet in Inverness, then drive to Isle of Skye for a short walk to your first wild camp location

Sunday: Coastal hike to Flodigarry (17km)
The trail starts from Skye's most northerly tip, Rubha Hunish, and follows a spectacular section of the coastline, continuing above dramatic cliffs to reach Flodigarry for a night of wild camping

Monday: Hike inland to The Storr - Trotternish Ridge (25km)
A slightly more challenging stage climbs from Flodigarry beneath the amazing rock formations of The Quiraing, continuing south on the Trotternish Ridge towards the Storr - this must be one of the most dramatic ridge traverses in Britain!

The day will end with a wild camp amongst the dramatic scenery of our surroundings

Tuesday: Cliff-top hike to Portree (18km)
The third stage of the Skye Trail, takes a short walk to The old man of Storr before a descent to the road, which leads to a fabulous parade along the top of dramatic coastal cliffs with superb views.

We will restock supplies in Portree and spend the night in a local hostel.

Wednesday: Rest Day
You have the option of either hiking stage 4 of the trail, or seeing the trail in the comfort of the minibus. We will also visit some other local attractions that are not on the trail (e.g. Fairy Pools, Talisker distillery, Black Cuillins)

At the end of the day we will stay in a hostel connected to arguably the best pub on the island.

Thursday: Hike below the mighty Cuillin mountains to Elgol (15km)
This day we follow a rough track through the remote Glen Sligachan (a valley separating the mighty Black Cuillin with the Red Cuillin) to the beautiful bay at Camasunary . Arriving at the coast on the south-west of the island, we will camp on the shores of the Atlantic ocean

From here a vertiginous cliff path with fantastic views across the water to the Cuillin

This will be a shorter hiking day, where we can spend the afternoon relaxing in Elgol for the afternoon

Friday: Hike on good trails to Torrin (17km)
The sixth stage presents a lovely day with great views to Sleat and the small isles, ending at Torrin where there is a summer cafe and a B&B - Although, depending on the weather, we may be spending our final night on that trail on a summit with views over the bay, the ocean and the mountains!

Saturday: Coastal hike to Broadford (20km)
The final stage follows the coast from Torrin to the cleared villages of Suisnish and Boreraig before heading inland to pick up the Marble Line, the old railroad route into Broadford and the end of the Trail.

We will then check-in to our accommodation and celebrate the completion of the Skye Trail with a hearty meal and drinks

Sunday (AM)
Return to Inverness (expect to arrive around 2pm)

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Join us for the adventure of a lifetime as we trek the Skye Trail and discover the wild beauty of the Scottish Highlands! Reserve your spot now and get ready to experience the magic of Skye's legendary landscapes!
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9-days for an all inclusive price of just £795 To reserve your place, simply click on the RSVP, pay the £100 deposit and we'll be in contact with further details

Cost includes
• Travel and logistical Support from Inverness
• All food whilst hiking (from breakfast on Sunday to lunch on Saturday) - excluding the rest day
• All accommodation (tents provided for wild camping sections, hostels & B&Bs)
• Guided hiking by an experienced and qualified Mountain Leader

Not included
• Return transport between home and Inverness
• Your personal hiking kit
• Your personal travel insurance
• food & drink before/after the hike and on the rest day

***
All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining

Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining