Is there a better way to spend a long weekend than sleeping under the stars, hidden away from the crowds, in the mountains?

This long weekend will involve exploring the The Cairngorm Plateau – The highest plateau, featuring 5 of the highest 6 mountains, in the UK – hiking and wild camping away from the crowds to clear your mind and open your senses to your majestic surroundings.

You don’t need to have any prior experience (although carrying a larger rucksack may require a basic standard of fitness) and the small group size will enable us to give you our full attention throughout the weekend, ensuring your safety and enjoyment is our number one priority.

Itinerary

  • Meet outside Euston train station and board the Caledonian Sleeper Train for a relaxing overnight train to The Cairngorms National Park (bed in a twin-share, single-sex room)

  • Meet your guide in Aviemore at 7:30am for breakfast and a trip briefing in a local cafe before transferring to the trail head to begin your wild camp journey through one of the UK’s last wildernesses.
  • Today will involve hiking on relatively easy terrain (although the heavy rucksacks will ensure a slow pace) up the valley – through lush green forests, along beautiful rivers and across the site of many BBC Nature Programmes (look out for Golden Eagles, Red Deer, Red Squirrel, Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Otters, Water Voles, Pine Martin… I could go on and on… This place is as diverse in nature as the UK has to offer!)
  • You will pitch your tents next to the river/lake (wild swim anyone?) before enjoying dinner and retiring to bed under the stars

  • After breakfast and taking down the tents, you will continue your journey on the great Cairngorm Plateau. Once up high, you will hike over the rolling hilly landscape on your journey to your next camp (where you camp will depend on the weather – perhaps camping on a summit if the weather allows)

  • Following a second night camping, you will continue on your journey north, towards Aviemore.
  • Reaching Aviemore at around 6pm, you will head to a local pub for a hearty dinner with your guide and new friends.
  • Optional: Board The Caledonian Sleeper train at 9pm for a relaxing journey to London/Birmingham/Crewe. The train is scheduled to arrive at London Euston around 8am on Monday.

All travel and logistical support in The Cairngorms National Park
Accommodation (we provide you with a 1-person tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat)
3-days guided hiking by a highly experienced and qualified guide
Dinners and breakfasts when camping
Use of camping stoves and water filters
Optional: Return Travel on The Caledonian Sleeper Train between London/Birmingham/Crewe and Fort William

Personal hiking kit
Lunches
Personal travel insurance
Travel between home and Aviemore (unless that option is chosen)

Note:  The weather and ground conditions will not be known until closer to the date and full winter conditions, whilst expected at this time of year, cannot be guaranteed.  The trip will go ahead regardless of conditions (The only exception being if the prevailing weather is too dangerous e.g. Thunderstorms)

Clicking the ‘Add To Cart’ button is taken as confirmation that you have read and understood the Participation Statement.

Trip Highlights

  • Spend 3-days in the Highland Wilderness
  • Detox from the distractions of city life
  • 2-nights under the stars in one of the UK’s last remaining dark sky regions
  • Highly experience and qualified guide
  • All logistics taken care of, so just turn up and enjoy
  • Optional: Add to the adventure with return travel on The Caledonian Sleeper Train!

Our Hike Grading System

A simple 1–5 difficulty rating, built on real feedback from asking over 1,000 participants who’ve joined more than one City Mountaineering trip.

This grading system gives you an honest idea of how each trip feels — physically, technically, and mentally — based on the experiences of people who’ve actually done it.