This five-day wild camping trek explores the remote landscapes of the Cairngorms National Park, starting at Linn of Dee and travelling deep into the mountains. The route combines forest trails, glens, high mountain terrain and remote lochs, creating a varied journey through one of the UK’s largest national parks.
Participants carry their own camping equipment, food and personal kit throughout the trip, giving the experience a genuine expedition feel. An experienced mountain leader provides guidance, navigation and safety support while helping the group identify suitable campsites and water sources along the route.
Trips are led by fully qualified mountain leaders with extensive experience working in the UK’s mountain environments. Their focus is on safe travel in remote areas while helping participants gain confidence in wild camping and mountain navigation.
Group sizes are kept small to create a friendly atmosphere and allow the leader to support each participant throughout the journey. This approach also makes it easier to adapt to changing mountain conditions and maintain a comfortable pace for the group.
Accommodation during the trip consists of wild camping in remote mountain locations. Participants carry their own tents and camping equipment and set up camp in suitable areas each evening.
One night may be spent at the Hutchinson Memorial Hut if space allows. This basic mountain shelter provides protection from the weather but has very limited facilities, maintaining the remote feel of the trip.
Previous wild camping experience is helpful but not essential. Many participants join this trip specifically to learn how to manage multi-day camping in remote mountain environments.
Your guide will provide advice on camp selection, water collection and practical outdoor skills throughout the trip, helping you build confidence while travelling through the mountains.
A reasonable level of fitness is required as you will be walking for several hours each day while carrying your own equipment. The terrain includes mountain paths, rocky sections and steady climbs.
Preparing with regular hill walks and training with a loaded backpack beforehand will make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.
Most participants carry packs weighing between 12 and 18 kilograms depending on their equipment and food choices. The weight includes your tent, sleeping gear, clothing and meals for the trip.
Using lightweight camping gear and packing carefully helps keep the load manageable during the five days of hiking.
Water is collected from streams and rivers along the route. The Cairngorms contain many natural water sources, but they must still be treated before drinking.
Participants should carry purification tablets, filters or another treatment method. Your guide will help identify safe locations for collecting water.
You will need to bring food for the full five days of the trek. Freeze-dried camping meals are commonly used because they are lightweight and easy to prepare.
Snacks such as nuts, energy bars, chocolate and dried fruit are useful for keeping energy levels up while walking.
There are no toilets or facilities at the camping locations. The route passes through remote mountain terrain where infrastructure is limited.
Your guide will explain responsible outdoor toilet practices to minimise environmental impact and maintain good hygiene during the trip.
Ben Macdui does not require technical climbing skills, but it is still a high mountain with a long approach and a steady ascent.
The group travels at a manageable pace with regular breaks, allowing participants to complete the climb safely while enjoying the views across the Cairngorms.
Group sizes are kept small, typically between one and five participants. This helps create a more relaxed experience and allows the guide to focus on each person in the group.
Smaller groups also move more efficiently in mountain terrain and make it easier to choose suitable camping locations.
About the centre
Braemar, Ballater
We partner with Rewilding Britain to help protect our natural spaces for future adventures.
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