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

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.