Starting at the Cas car park in the Cairngorms we have an advantage of being at 650mtrs; we head along the track to the summit of Ben Macdui, the 2nd highest in the UK, before heading down towards the Lairig Ghru at Corrour bothy where we will camp for the night.
A bid day to ascend the 3 highest peak in the UK. We will start at the sugar bowl to take advantage of the extra height gain. We then set off through towards the reindeer sanctuary making our way towards the Cahalamin Gap. We then gain our first views of the route. We pass through the Larig Ghru and ascend the path on the shoulder of Corie Gorm (which can be seen from Aviemore) towards the summit. The views are truly unique here with the snowiest corie being seen from the summit. We retrace our steps back to the sugar bowl to finish.
A shorter day today to help with tired legs. We meander our way through the pine forest valley of Ryvoan towards the bothy at the bottom of the mountain. Grabbing some food before we tackle the steady ascent to the summit. Takinbg in the views of the northern Cairngorms and the kettle basin loch of Loch Morlich before heading down via the The Queens Forest.
The historic glen of Glen Feshie offers us an array of options, if the weather is playing ball then we will head for the peak of Sgor Gaoith (the windy peak). After making our way across rolling mountains, it's a suprose when we see the pointy peak and steep sides looking down towards Loch Eanaich.
We head back through the pine forestsof Ryvoan but take an eastern track toward the steady rise towards the peak of Bynack Beag and onto Bynack Mor. Giving us one of the best views in the Cairngorms, Loch Avon. We will return the same way via Ryvoan Forest.
All of our staff hold the relevant qualifications and substantial experience for any courses that you book with us here at Scottish Rock & Water. We can provide any relevant certifications upon request.
Yes, you can secure your course/trip with a deposit. We only require a 25% deposit to reserve your position, with the full payment due 30 days prior to the start date.
Yes! Around 40% of people book as solo travellers.
Yes! You can use our fast checkout option to secure your spot without adding participant details. All we need is your name and email to send the confirmation.
While it's not legally required, we strongly recommend that you secure comprehensive travel/activity insurance before your trip to Scotland. Our courses involve outdoor adventures where weather conditions or unforeseen events could cause cancellations or prevent attendance. Having insurance ensures that you're financially protected if these situations arise. For example, many adventurers opt for specialized coverage such as Sports Cover Direct's offerings for canoe holidays or winter climbing, and the British Mountaineering Council also provides tailored policies for mountaineering activities. We encourage you to review these options and choose a policy that best suits your needs for peace of mind during your adventure.
Need to swap dates, change participant details, or ask technical kit questions? Our instructors are on hand to assist.
Want dedicated 1:1 instruction or exclusive guiding for your party on cairngorms classics? Choose your target dates, customize the daily objectives, and enjoy 100% guide focus.
The route, the weather call, and the pace are handled by someone who knows the hill.
We’re a very small, family-run business built on a love for Scotland’s wild places. Unlike big providers, we focus on personal connections, tailored experiences, and a deep commitment to the landscapes we work in. When you book with us, you're supporting a passionate local team who truly care about your experience.
We’re committed to protecting the landscapes we love. Unlike providers who put profit first, we focus on responsible guiding, conservation, and a leave-no-trace ethos. When you book with us, you’re supporting sustainable tourism and helping preserve Scotland’s wild places for future generations.
We keep our group sizes small to provide a personal and tailored experience. Whether it’s your first time in the mountains or you’re a seasoned adventurer, we take the time to understand your goals and adapt each course to suit your needs.
Sure, you can find the well-trodden routes in a book—but we take you beyond the usual paths. With our deep local knowledge, we’ll guide you to hidden ridges, quiet valleys, and secret spots that make every adventure feel truly unique.
What other walkers say about the pace, the route, and the day with a guide.
Boots, weather, and how a guided hill day is paced.
MountainsStephen McCall
Of Scotland's 'Big Three' sea stacks, Am Buachaille stands out as the most adventurous. What makes it unique? A mandatory swim that adds......
MountainsStephen McCall
11 days, 435km, 13 blisters, 1 suspected 'Carpal tunnel syndrome' and no transport. It was going to be one hell of a trip. I had been......
MountainsStephen McCall
Memories on the Black Cuillin Ridge I've had my fair share of memorable days in the mountains — an environment that provides my income,......
Not sure which route suits your pace, or what the weather is likely to do? Talk to the guides who walk these hills.
Gift vouchers
A voucher from £50, posted to you and valid for three years. It can go toward a course, a private day, or winter kit hired for that trip.
