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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.
The trip begins at Linn of Dee where the group meets the mountain leader for a briefing and kit check before setting off. The route follows forest tracks towards Derry Lodge, passing through sections of ancient pine woodland.
Near the lodge sits Bob Scott’s Bothy, a simple mountain shelter that the group will return to later in the week. The path then climbs gradually into a quiet glen. After crossing the River Luibeg, the group continues towards a camping spot between Devil’s Point and Carn a’ Mhaim where tents are pitched for the night.
The second day includes the ascent of Ben Macdui, Scotland’s second highest mountain. Although the distance is shorter, the climb makes this the most physically demanding part of the trip.
From the summit plateau there are wide views across the Cairngorms with other well-known peaks visible in the distance on clear days. After reaching the summit, the group descends towards the Hutchinson Memorial Hut beneath Creag a’ Choire. If space allows the group may stay inside, otherwise tents can be pitched nearby.
After the previous day’s climb, the third day offers a more relaxed walk of around five miles. The route follows a stream before crossing near Little Loch Etchachan and continuing north towards the Shelter Stone, a natural rock refuge hidden among large boulders.
The trail then follows the edge of Loch Avon, one of the most remote and dramatic lochs in the Cairngorms. Camp is set up near the far end of the loch, providing a quiet overnight location surrounded by steep mountain slopes.
The fourth day begins with a gradual descent southwards through the Glen of Derry. The terrain becomes greener as the route follows the river downstream.
Eventually the group re-enters woodland before reaching Bob Scott’s Bothy. Participants can stay inside the bothy if space allows or pitch tents nearby along the riverbank or within the surrounding forest.
The final morning involves a short walk back along the forest track towards the starting point at Linn of Dee.
Completing the loop marks the end of five days of trekking through the Cairngorms, finishing back where the trip began.
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.
Highlands & Islands, United Kingdom
From £325
About the centre
Braemar, Ballater
Operated by Boot Up Adventures, a partner of adventuro.
North Wales, United Kingdom
From £199
