MNF, RNE and GBG took four boys to the Cairngorm mountains to trek, climb peaks, scramble and wild camp. They ticked off four Munros along the way – a list of Scottish mountains over 3,000ft – including the second highest mountain in the UK, Ben Macdui.
After a relatively comfortable first night in a campsite the group set off from the ski centre to climb Cairn Gorm via the Fiacaill Ridge. By the time they reached the top of the ridge the wind was blowing hard and the mist had closed in. They didn't spend long on the top of Cairn Gorm before descending to Loch Avon then steeply up to a campsite at Loch Etchachan at over 900m.
It was brighter the next morning but still very windy. It wasn't too far to the top of Ben Macdui then down to a saddle where they could dump packs and climb the superb ridge up to Carn a' Mhaim, our third Munro. Back to the saddle to pick up packs and then steeply down to the valley and, eventually, a camp site at the Corrour Bothy.
The next morning they scrambled the east ridge of Carn Toul, the fourth and final Munro, before returning to the bothy to collect packs and start the long walk out to the minibus via the Lairig Ghru and the Chalamain Gap.
Congratulations to Alfred Backhouse, Ivo Inglis, Ollie Slack and Alex Stansfield who learned fast and tackled some impressive mountain challenges. With thanks to Dr Edmonds and Mr Gundle for their support, input and participation.
