The Cairngorms has vast wind swept plateaux of rock and alpine plants clinging to the ground for dear life. In winter its covered in snow. In summer its a dry desert - nearly always windy, breathtaking and open, free and magnificent.
Ice scoured this landscape thousands of years ago to create steep sided valleys of rock - highly sort after my mountaineers prepared to walk for miles to reach their goal. (Often wild camps or bivvy under boulders such as the famous "Shelter Stone", or in winter in snow-holes).
Devoid of trees, the mountains and valleys are a place where man rarely treads - only the fit and self-sufficient should explore for the weather can turn savage and once committed there is no quick way out. Its brilliant! The absence of man means the eagles and reindeer roam free - a real delight for the intrepid.
But there are ways to get into this wilderness - either on foot or mountain bike (though it'll be carried a fare bit) - and its worth it. To be completely away from all human activity, just you and nature - in Scotland.
How to get there?
Train or coach to Aviemore (north west) - then in through the ancient Pine forest of Rothiemurchus and Glenmore.
Although there are a few bothies and shelters hidden away, most have been removed to preserve the natural wilderness and hence the "Long Walk In" without roads or main paths - so go prepared and take emergency shelter.
Water in Scotland? Not usually a problem - but take water purifying tablets (deer poo) and and you'll certainly need it if up on the plateau - where there is no water!
Also - take all - and I mean ALL - your rubbish out with you. That includes toilet waste - so take bags and be careful about hygiene.
There is nowhere else like it in Britain!
So thats my tip!
Get a flight to Inverness, Aberdeen, Glasgow or Edinburgh Airports, jump on a train or bus and then find your self - in the Cairngorms.
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on Apr 29, 2004
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