There’s nothing quite like the adrenalin of being up high, winds buffeting your body, panoramic views on every side. From the Pinnacles in New Zealand to Preikestolen in Norway, I think I might be addicted! Unfortunately, there’s not much chance of climbing mountains near London – Primrose Hill doesn’t really cut it. So, one thing I knew I wanted to do on my long weekend in the Highlands was to climb a mountain, or bag a Munro as the locals call it.
According to the Scottish Mountaineering Club there are 282 Munros in Scotland, being a peak over 3000 feet. Of these, the best known is Ben Nevis, the highest mountain in Britain. However, we had chosen to stay in Aviemore, a little town nestled in the Cairngorms National Park, where there were Munros aplenty! After consulting Walking Highlands and the lovely lady at YHA Aviemore, we decided to tackle Cairn Gorm, a 4084 feet beauty. It’s also the sixth highest peak in the UK, an accolade I will happily boast of… even if you do drive quite a bit of the way to the start!
We were already in paroxysms of delight from the drive out to the mountains, as the forested road wound its way around Loch Morlich and up into the low hills. The crystal clear water of the loch and the beautiful sunshine lifted our spirits sky high and made the busy streets of London seem a million miles away.
Setting out on the path to the top
As sensible Kiwis brought up on bush walks, we had backpacks filled with snacks, water and warm clothing, and pulled up to the ski lodge car park at a decent hour in the morning to make sure we had plenty of time to complete what was billed as a 5-6 hour hike. I was instantly trigger-happy on the camera, and the views only improved as we began our ascent. From teeny ice-cold streams to the stern cliff-faces high above us, the scenery was gorgeous and eye-catching in every direction.
Emma and I enjoying the views
We met all sorts on our journey to the top, from children and dogs to grizzled hill-climbers who eyed our brightly-coloured Nikes with a mixture of caution and derision. The small incline soon mounted and the breeze grew stiff and chilly, making us glad of our warm layers. We followed the detailed directions of the Walking Highlands website and, via a few muddy detours, gained height at a steady pace.
Even a patch of snow!
It’s difficult to explain the feeling of elation as we scrambled up a steep rocky slope and stood admiring the first of our real panoramas. My heart lifted even further as I took in the beautiful blues, greens and browns of the Highlands around us. While I love a city escape, there’s nothing quite like getting out to admire nature’s beauty – and this is surely the place to do it!
Me, Emma and Kate – slightly windswept!
By the time we made it to the actual summit of Cairn Gorm, the clouds were starting to close in and the wind was strong. We sat in the lee of the rocks and began to plan. It had taken us far less time than advertised to make it to the top – something I’m putting down more to generous walking times than any mighty athleticism on our part! With hours of the day stretching out in front of us, we came down to two options. The first was a relaxing afternoon in Aviemore, with maybe a snooze or a short walk, followed by a pint. Or we could make the most of our rental car and time available, and head past Inverness to Loch Ness and the ruins of Urquhart Castle. As inveterate explorers, there was only ever one real option – Nessie, we’re on our way!
With that decision made, we took the shorter, faster option down the mountain, heading straight down to the Ski Centre. We tried not to roll our eyes at those huffing and puffing their way up the short path to the top, and instead admired the views once again before jumping in the funicular to further speed our descent. A quick stretch and we hit the road – it was time to head North. For the afternoon’s Nessie spotting adventures at the beautiful ruins of Urquhart Castle, click here!
Have you ever bagged a Munro? Which option would you have taken – relaxing or exploring?
Linking up for Travel Tuesday with Bonnie, Lauren and Courtney
