Christmas in the Cairngorms / Nollaig anns a ’Mhonadh Ruadh
36 people attending
3 places left
3 Nights in the Cairngorms!
Christmas is back! And we are going back to Cairngorm Lodge near Aviemore to celebrate a proper Christmas after the gap of 2020, and hope that one of Santa's best friends can find our hideout for the weekend.....
We are staying at a great hostel in an amazing location, nestled within the area that is Rothiemurchus - one of the last large areas of Caledonian pine forest with lots of easy walking to discover. Our base is also at the foot of the northern Cairngorms which has numerous options for going up a mountain or two if that takes your fancy. What we do is very much up to the weather gods but we will try and keep them happy.
This weekend is also your annual opportunity to dig out those Christmas jumpers, and any other fancy seasonal outfit you may have, to wow our guest who will be along to entertain(!) and give out the secret santa presents on Saturday evening; In years past we have seen more and more distant relatives of the Santa family come along and cause mayhem, as Santa never came back after the first Scottish Christmas event many years ago.....
One ask before you hit the Add To Cart button... could you see yourself as the chef one night? As this is an event for over 30 guys we're not asking you to go it alone, however can you create a menu to tantalise taste buds? If this could be you message the leader!
Dogs: Please note this event is not suitable for dogs.
Photos: Taken by AMD and used with permission.
IMPORTANT! - Participation Statement
You MUST complete a Participation Statement in addition to booking your event space before attending an OutdoorLads event. You only need to complete this Participation Statement once, not for each event you attend.
COVID-19 – IMPORTANT, Please read the following before you sign up to this event:
- Anyone with COVID-19 symptoms, even if they are extremely mild, or who lives or is in a support bubble with someone showing symptoms, is asked not to attend. This is in line with the government’s coronavirus advice.
- You must also immediately self-isolate and not attend the event if you or someone in your household or support bubble shows coronavirus symptoms or tests positive. You can find the NHS self-isolation guidance here.
- OutdoorLads’ Covid-19 Policy for hostel and BIG events applies to this event. On arrival, we will need to see evidence that you are fully vaccinated, or have registered a negative lateral flow test in the last 48 hours, or have Covid-19 antibodies. Evidence of this can be obtained via the NHS App in England, with equivalent schemes available in Wales and Scotland. Our full policy and more details can be found here.
What to bring
The main activity planned for the weekend is to explore the area on two feet, good walking boots are a must along with clothing for any weather - the area often has the first snows of the winter around this time.
Boots: Hiking boots are arguably the most essential piece of kit when hiking just about anywhere. Walker’s should make sure that their boots are both waterproof and breathable, and provide good ankle support. Boots should also be in good condition.
Socks: A good comfy pair of walking socks is essential really; they keep your feet warm and drier than normal socks.
Gaiters: Gaiters attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg. They are not essential to have but you will feel the difference if you have them when walking through muddy or boggy ground - which is almost guaranteed in Scotland.
Walking Trousers: You should have a suitable pair of trousers for walking in, jeans are not suitable as they take on water when wet and will make you cold. The same goes for jogging pants/tracksuit clothing.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in case of wet weather. They are also good to be worn as a second layer as they can act as a windproof barrier, keeping the legs warm.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This could be a cheaper sports top or you could go top of the range with a merino top, as cotton T-Shirts can become damp and uncomfortable when climbing a mountain.
Other Layers: On top of your base layer, you can have a variety of options such as a micro fleece, a fleece jacket or a rugby/sports top can sometimes be good. Having one or two additional layers gives you flexibility when the weather is changeable – the more layers, the more flexible you can be in adapting to the weather.
Waterproof Jacket: A good waterproof jacket is one of the most important pieces of kit you will require when hiking. Walkers should look for a jacket that is both waterproof and breathable in order for them to be protected from sweat. Materials such as Gore-tex are often the best choices but they can be expensive unless you shop sensibly, don’t forget your OutdoorLads discount for Full Members at Cotswold outlets.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months, windproof or better still waterproof gloves are the best choice.
Rucksack: A good Rucksack that is comfortable to wear is essential, and required to carry both food and equipment. Day sacks should have a capacity of around 30 litres. As an option you could store your items in waterproof bags inside just in-case or ensure the bag has a waterproof bag to pull over the top.
Map & Compass: If you want to learn to be a leader or you just like to know where you are, then you can bring a map that covers the area. It is best to bring your map either in a map case or purchase maps which are waterproof.
Mobile Phone: If you choose to bring your phone, then you are well advised to buy a waterproof bag or if that is not possible a simple food/freezer bag will suffice.
Food & drink
Friday evening - please bring an item for the buffet
For the customary Outdoorlads buffet, please bring something to feed 1 or 2 people, but no more otherwise we will have enough food to feed the reindeer herd that lives nearby. Be imaginative with your offering... You could bring a selection of meats or cheese, some pasta salad, fancy bread or even do a bit of baking!
Saturday & Sunday dinner along with breakfasts, are included in the event cost.
Saturday & Sunday lunch - you will need to bring with you.
Tea & coffee is available throughout the weekend.
Should you require any last minute shopping, there is a Tesco Metro and Aldi both located on Grampian Road in Aviemore.