New Year Winter Walking – 6-Night Adventure in the Cairngorms

By Rebecca

New Year Winter Walking – 6-Night Adventure in the Cairngorms, photo 3

New Year Winter Walking – 6-Night Adventure in the Cairngorms, photo 4

£ 895

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New Year Winter Walking – 6-Night Adventure in the Cairngorms, location map

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Activity Highlights:

Experience the beauty of the Cairngorms National Park in winter with a guided hiking holiday over the festive period. Under the expert guidance of a fully certified International Mountain Leader, you’ll gain essential winter skills before heading out to conquer some of Scotland's most iconic summits. From learning ice axe and crampon skills to climbing Munros, this trip offers an unforgettable adventure capped off with the festive Hogmanay celebrations in Grantown.

Key Details

Group size: 1-5 people
Location: Fraoch Lodge, Deshar Road, Boat of Garten, PH24 3BN
Duration: 6 nights

Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive at Fraoch Lodge, where you'll meet your guide and enjoy a briefing over dinner. You’ll go over the itinerary, your kit list, and essential safety details for your winter adventure.

Day 2: Begin the day with a winter skills session, focusing on the use of ice axes and crampons. Afterward, you’ll hike up Cairngorm, one of Scotland's highest peaks, to put these new skills into practice.

Day 3: Tackle the Kinkardine Ridge for more winter mountain exploration, with amazing views of the surrounding landscape and the distant highlands.

Day 4: A rest day gives you the chance to relax, explore the area, or simply take in the beauty of the Cairngorms at your own pace.

Day 5: Climb the dramatic summit of Sgor Gaoith, a Munro offering panoramic winter views of the surrounding peaks.

Day 6: The final ascent takes you to Ben Macdui, the second-highest peak in the UK. Celebrate your achievement as you enjoy the beautiful views before descending.

Evening of Day 6: Celebrate Hogmanay with a transfer to Grantown on Spey for the traditional Ceilidh celebrations, bringing in the New Year in true Scottish style.

Departure Day: After breakfast, you'll be transferred to your onward transport from Aviemore Station.

Location

Fraoch Lodge is located in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park, providing a comfortable and cosy base for your winter adventure. Situated in Boat of Garten, it is easily accessible from Aviemore, making it a perfect spot for exploring the surrounding mountains.

The Lodge offers a welcoming environment where guests can relax after their mountain expeditions, with meals freshly prepared from local ingredients, many grown on-site.

Accommodation

During your stay, you'll be based at Fraoch Lodge, a charming and well-equipped accommodation offering a warm and inviting atmosphere. The lodge combines comfort with an authentic Scottish experience, providing a perfect base for winter adventures.

The accommodation includes six nights of full board, with all meals made from locally sourced ingredients. After your days of hiking, enjoy the comfort of your room and relax in the cosy lounge areas, making for an ideal place to unwind before and after your mountain expeditions.

Prerequisites

No previous winter walking experience is required, but a good level of physical fitness is essential. Participants should have prior summer mountain walking experience and be prepared for 5-7 hours of hiking daily, including steep ascents and challenging weather conditions.

Participants should also be able to carry a minimum 40L rucksack and manage their gear in cold and snowy conditions.

Why Choose Us

The team leading this winter hiking holiday brings decades of experience in guiding, with a strong focus on safety, environmental knowledge, and the local landscape. Each guide, including the lead guide who is a fully certified International Mountain Leader, offers a deep understanding of the Cairngorms' history, wildlife, and geology.

The carefully crafted itineraries and the exceptional hospitality at Fraoch Lodge ensure that your winter adventure will be both enjoyable and informative, creating memories that will last a lifetime.

FAQs:

Which airport should I fly to?

The closest airport is Inverness, which has a growing number of UK domestic flights. Travellers are encouraged to check the airport’s website for current routes and airlines.

Once flight details are confirmed, guests can provide their arrival information so arrangements can be made for collection. Return transfers to the airport are also available.

Is accommodation included?

Yes, accommodation is always included in the price of all courses and holidays.

Stays are on a full board basis with all meals provided, including home-baked bread.

What is the experience level required for this winter hiking holiday?

No prior winter hiking experience is needed, but a good level of physical fitness is required. Participants should have previous experience with summer mountain walking, as the conditions can be more challenging.

Expect to hike 5-7 hours each day with steep ascents, and be prepared for potentially harsh winter conditions. If you’re new to winter walking, our guides will teach you essential winter skills to ensure your safety.

What happens if not many people book?

Because all elements of the holidays are run in-house, trips aren’t dependent on hitting high numbers to be viable. Once a booking is confirmed and payment is received, the trip goes ahead.

If the itinerary originally involves a location away from base and becomes impractical, alternative plans such as a revised base or Tentipi accommodation may be offered—always with a discussion beforehand to ensure guests are happy.

What should I bring with me?

A full kit list will be provided upon booking, but the essentials include B2 or B3-rated winter boots, a minimum 40L rucksack, waterproof clothing, and a sturdy pair of hiking gloves.

Ice axes and crampons are available to borrow for free, but if you have your own, feel free to bring them. It’s also important to bring a personal first aid kit, a headlamp, and sufficient layers for warmth.

Can I hire any equipment for the trip?

Yes, you can borrow essential winter gear, including ice axes and crampons, at no additional cost. However, we recommend bringing your own B2 or B3-rated winter boots for the best fit and comfort.

If you have other specific gear you would like to hire, please get in touch before your trip, and we can advise on availability.

What sort of people come on these holidays?

People from all walks of life join the holidays and courses—from post workers to professionals and everyone in between. The mountains tend to bring people together on equal footing, and shared experiences often lead to good conversations and new friendships.

Ages vary, but the most common range is between 30 and 55.

Will I be fit enough?

Please read the prerequisites section above. If guests are still unsure about their suitability, it’s best to speak directly with a guide or instructor via the adventuro chat below before booking.

That way, the right course or holiday can be recommended based on fitness level and experience.

I have a food allergy—will this be a problem?

Not at all. All meals are home-cooked and tailored to individual needs. Guests simply note allergies and preferences on the booking form.

Because the food is prepared in-house, it's easy to accommodate special diets. Many guests have commented on the care and attention put into ensuring they feel safe and well-fed during their stay.

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