Cairngorm 4000ers

A guided mountain journey across the UK’s highest mountain interior—built around good pacing, quiet camps and calm decisions. A traverse of the five 4000ft peaks included.

Point-to-point journey Wild camping throughout Arctic Plateau

A rare chance to walk across the UK’s arctic plateau

The Cairngorm plateau is a landscape of scale and silence. This trip is designed as a continuous, point-to-point journey across the five highest peaks in the range, staying high to maximize the wilderness experience.

Why the 4000ers

The Cairngorms offer a sense of space that is increasingly rare. It is remote, weather-beaten, and uncompromising in the best possible way.

We move steadily through the high glens, then build towards the committing plateau days when conditions allow.

Who this journey suits

Ideal for confident walkers with good fitness who are comfortable on rough ground and want a remote, well-led expedition.

  • Comfortable with full days outdoors
  • Happy on uneven, pathless terrain
  • Looking for a true mountain journey

Itinerary (3 Days)

Day 1

Lairig Ghru to the High Plateau

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We meet in Aviemore and head into the iconic Lairig Ghru before climbing onto the shoulder of Braeriach for our first wild camp.
Day 2

The 4000ers Traverse

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A massive day traversing Braeriach, Sgor an Lochain Uaine, and Cairn Toul. This is the heart of the arctic plateau.
Day 3

Ben Macdui & Northern Corries

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We cross to Ben Macdui—the second highest peak in Britain—before descending via the spectacular Northern Corries.

Wild camping on the Plateau

Wild camping (Nights 1-2)

  • High-altitude plateau camps
  • Leave No Trace approach
  • Simple expedition routine

Food & Support

We supply premium quality tents, stoves and complete sleep systems, plus high quality dehydrated meals suitable for multi-day expeditions.

Talk to us about equipment →

Practicalities

Wildlife & Landscape

The plateau is home to ptarmigan, dotterel, and mountain hares. It is a place of immense scale and sub-arctic beauty.

Terrain

Expect pathless plateaus, boulder fields, and steep ascents carrying your kit between camps.

Decisions

The plateau weather is severe. If the high ground isn’t sensible, we choose the best alternative to keep the journey safe.

Unsure about fitness or pack weight?

Send a quick message with your experience and dates. We’ll help you judge suitability and prepare properly.

Talk to a guide