Crossing the Cairngorms - Wild Camping Expedition
4 people attending
2 places left
Tuesday 15th May - Friday 18th May
This expedition is a challenging event for which you need to have a good level of fitness and ability to look after yourself in remote territory. The route covers almost 50 miles over which you will be carrying all of your own equipment and food which may weigh 15-20kg. If you are unsure if this event is for you please contact the event leader for advice before signing up.
Come for a trek across one of Britain's largest wildernesses as we cross the Cairngorms, from Blair Atholl in the south west of the national park to Nethy Bridge deep in Speyside, accessing some parts of Scotland that are most remote from civilisation.
Day 1 (Tuesday)
We will meet up at Blair Atholl and head NE up Glen Tilt, one of Scotland's great historical rights of way. Depending upon how energetic we are feeling we have two options to reach that day's destination of Feith Uaine (The Tarf Hotel) - the easier option is to follow the track as it climbs past Dun Mor then head west, or we could walk via Carn a' Chlamain - this would involve a steep climb but is a shorter distance to reach our destination. 21km / 13 miles.
Day 2 (Wednesday)
We pick up a rough path east away from Feith Uaine and past the Falls of Tarf to pick up the northern reaches of Glen Tilt as it passes over the watershed and into Glen Geldie. We pass White Bridge and walk to the Linn of Dee where we head north to Derry Lodge to camp for the night. 27.5km / 17 miles.
Day 3 (Thursday)
From Derry Lodge we head north up Glen Derry and pass over the Lairig an Laoigh to head for the Fords of Avon. Our path climbs the east shoulder of Bynack More before dropping down towards the Ryvoan Pass where we will find some space to pitch our tents for the night. 21km / 13 miles.
Day 4 (Friday)
The final day is a shorter walk from Ryvoan through the Abernethy Forest to bring us out at Nethy Bridge. 11km / 6 miles.
This event is limited to 6 places for safety reasons under guidance from the BMC and Mountaineering Scotland. The route is well away from roads and in the event of an accident we would require the assistance from mountain rescue to get the injured person out.
In the event of an adverse weather forecast this expedition may be altered or postponed by the event leader due to the higher level of risk involved with this type of activity. The leader will inform you by the Friday evening prior to the start of the event.
What to bring
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: Walking socks are often overshadowed by those new to hiking, with many novices failing to invest in proper socks. Good walking socks are essential in regards to keeping the feet dry, and in turn stopping the development of blisters. Sports socks and other socks not designed for walking will often become waterlogged, or damaged which will in turn blister feet.
Gators: Gators attach to the bottom of walking boots and extend to just under the knee. They provide waterproofing for the bottom half of the leg, and are essential in keeping the feet dry.
Walking Trousers: Walking trousers should be of a windproof design and made of a rip stop material, that will stand up to walking through ferns and undergrowth. They should also ideally be water resistant, or at least not gain weight, and lose their insulation properties when wet. Jeans are therefore to be avoided, as they are heavy when wet and provide no protection from the elements.
Waterproof Trousers: Waterproof trousers are essential in keeping the legs dry, as water resistant trousers will not keep out any significant rainfall. Walker’s should look for waterproof trousers that are breathable, in order to avoid being soaked with sweat.
Base Layer: A breathable base layer should be chosen in order to let sweat escape from the body. This should ideally consist of a breathable synthetic, specially designed fabric, though a polyster or sports T-Shirt is sufficient.
Mid Layer: A Mid Layer goes on top of the base layer and should consist of a 100 weight micro fleece, or a rugby typed thick shirt. The layering system is important as it allows walkers to quickly adapt to changes in the weather as well as body temperature.
Outer Layer: The outer layer should consist of a windproof jacket or a thick fleece. This is the final layer and walkers should ensure that this layer provides ample warmth.
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.
Hat: As most heat is lost through the head a good hat is essential. The best hats are those of a fleece design, with wool also being acceptable.
Gloves: Gloves are essential in the colder months as walkers will require the usage of their fingers for various activities such as map reading. 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. Expedition sacks should have a capacity of around 60+ litres with equipment being placed in waterproof bags inside.
Emergency Equipment: A number of items should be taken in case problems occur whilst walking in the hills. Emergency equipment becomes of greater importance the further from civilisation walkers are. Equipment should include spare food stuffs of high energy, a survival bag, a whistle, a medical kit, a torch and something to make fire, either storm proof matches or a firelighter.
Food & Water: At least two litres of water should be brought for each day hiking, with more being taken if cooking is required. Due to the amount of time away from a proper water supply it is recommended that you bring water purification equipment or products, to reduce the risk of drinking water from mountain streams. Enough food for the duration of a walk should also be taken. Food should be of the high energy variety, with hot food being able to be eaten raw if necessary. Boil in the bag meals, while more expensive than packet noodles, are nutritious and also reduce the amount of washing up you have to do. A stove is also required, remember to bring adequate gas for your needs for the journey. Don't forget to bring a plate and eating implement - modern plastic packable plates, bowls and cups are ideal, along with a metal spork which has a spoon at one end and knife/fork at the other.
Tent and sleeping bag/mat: Your tent should be lightweight but suitable for camping in wet and windy conditions. A warm sleeping bag is advised as temperatures at night in the glens can get down to near freezing point even in May, and a sleeping mat must be brought - modern memory foam type mats are ideal for getting a good night's sleep.
Other bits: We may be away from civilization however that doesn't mean we stop looking after ourselves - pack some travel sized deodorant, shower gel and lightweight travel towel for those impromptu opportunities to freshen up. Midge repellant and sun cream are also essential.
Mobile Phone: A mobile phone should also be brought and kept in a waterproof bag for use in emergencies.
Food & drink
You will need to provide your own food for the four days, note that you will need to carry all your food throughout the duration of the event.
The meals that you need to plan for are from lunch on the Tuesday through to breakfast on the Friday.
You will need to carry water - up to 4 litres is recommended, depending on how much you require for cooking. There are a couple of locations where water bottles can be refilled from mountain streams - this is at your own risk.