Routes » Route » Cairngorms Winter Traverse
Cairngorms Winter Traverse
Cairngorms, UK
| Type | Route |
|---|---|
| Grade | Alpine |
| Distance | 35 km |
| Typical days | 2 |
| Ascent | 1600 m |
| High point | 1309 m |
| Terrain | snow, plateau |
| Best seasons | winter |
Exposed sub-arctic plateau crossing; full winter kit required.
📌 Trail noticeboard
No current notices. Conditions can change fast — check the forecast.
Log in — verified users can pin notices.
What to pack for Cairngorms Winter Traverse
Check the forecast and local advice; this list does not replace mountain skills or a safety assessment.
| Kit | Priority | Trip requirement | Suitable shop option |
|---|---|---|---|
| Backpack | essential | 2 days carrying camp · 45L or more | Hyperlite Southwest 55 |
| Boots / shoes | essential | Snow and ice need stiff, insulated boots · 4-season, crampon compatible | La Sportiva Nepal Cube GTX |
| Waterproof jacket | essential | Weather can turn on any hill | Arc'teryx Beta AR |
| Insulated jacket | essential | Cold stops and summits · 4-season warmth | Rab Neutrino Pro |
| Navigation / comms | essential | Map, compass or GPS for route finding | Suunto MC-2 Compass |
| First aid kit | essential | Basic emergency care | Adventure Medical Kits Ultralight/Watertight .7 |
| Head torch | essential | Early starts and late finishes | Petzl Actik Core |
| Sun protection | essential | Snow glare and altitude UV · Category 4 glasses | Julbo Explorer 2.0 Cat 4 |
| Base layer | essential | Dry layer for multi-day comfort | Smartwool Classic Thermal Merino Crew |
| Gloves | essential | Frostbite risk on snow · 4-season | Black Diamond Guide Glove |
| Tent / shelter | essential | Snow loading and high wind · 4-season | Hilleberg Nammatj 2 |
| Sleeping bag | essential | Expected night lows near 0°C · Rated to 0°C or colder | Western Mountaineering UltraLite |
| Sleeping mat | essential | Insulation from cold ground · 4-season (high R-value) | Therm-a-Rest NeoAir XTherm NXT |
| Stove | recommended | Melting snow for water · 4-season (cold-weather) | Jetboil MiniMo |
| Water treatment | essential | Safe water from streams | Sawyer Squeeze |
| Trekking poles | recommended | Long days and big descents | Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z |
| Gaiters | recommended | Bog, snow or river crossings | Outdoor Research Crocodile Gaiters |
| Crampons | essential | Hard snow and ice | Petzl Vasak |
| Ice axe | essential | Self-arrest on steep snow | Petzl Summit Evo |
| Helmet | essential | Rockfall and icefall | Petzl Meteor |
Related UK routes
- Ben Nevis Carn Mor Dearg Arete · 18 km · Lochaber
- Ben Nevis via Mountain Track · 17 km · Lochaber
- Snowdon via Crib Goch · 12 km · Eryri
- Scafell Pike from Wasdale · 9 km · Lake District