Discover the beauty of the Cairngorms
4-Day Guided Wild Camping Adventure
Join us for a breathtaking journey into the heart of the Cairngorm National Park – one of the UK’s last true wildernesses. Towering granite peaks, ancient Caledonian pinewoods, high mountain passes and vast moorlands form the backdrop to this immersive 4-day wild camping expedition.
This course is designed for walkers who want to develop the confidence and practical skills needed to spend multiple nights out in the hills — whether you’re preparing for a future expedition, planning multi-day routes, or simply looking to enjoy the peace and solitude of sleeping wild.
Led by a qualified International Mountain Leader, this small group trek is designed to build on your confidence in remote mountainous environments. You will gain hands-on experience of pitching camp in the mountains and managing yourself and your kit in a remote environment.
Sample Itinerary
Itinerary may vary based on group needs and weather conditions.
Day 1 – Blair Atholl to Glen Tilt & River Tarf
We begin at Blair Atholl train station, winding through woodlands into open hill country. A climb of Beinn Mheadhonach reveals stunning views over the southern Cairngorms. We camp beside the River Tarf – a peaceful setting for our first night under canvas.
Day 2 – Into the Lairig Ghru
Our journey deepens, crossing wild moorlands and quiet glens. We pass near An Sgarsoch and cross the Geldie Burn, entering the legendary Lairig Ghru – a dramatic mountain pass framed by cliffs and scree. We camp in the shadow of these giants.
Day 3 – Over the Plateau
A climb to the high Cairngorm Plateau may include Ben Macdui, weather permitting. We traverse this otherworldly landscape, camping high with unforgettable views across the mountain skyline.
Day 4 – Descent to Aviemore or Cairngorm Ski Centre
Our final morning takes us across the plateau past Cairn Gorm before descending to the Ski Centre or into Aviemore through ancient forest – both offering a satisfying return to civilisation.
What We Will Cover
Core Wild Camping Skills
- Choosing appropriate and legal wild camping locations
- Tent and bivvy options – what works best and when
- Packing for efficiency, balance and weight
- Stove use, fuel types, and safe outdoor cooking
- Meal planning for lightweight overnight trips
- Water sourcing and purification techniques
- Staying warm, dry and comfortable overnight
- Weather awareness and decision-making
- Leave No Trace principles in a mountain setting
You’ll spend the night at a carefully chosen upland site with time to enjoy the landscape and reflect on the experience.
Prerequisites
This course is open to confident hillwalkers who want to take the next step into overnight adventures. You should:
- Have a good level of hill fitness
- Be able to carry a fully loaded backpack over rough and possibly steep terrain for multiple days on the mountain
No prior wild camping experience is required — this course is designed to help you build that confidence in a supportive, small-group setting.
Kit List
Camping Equipment
- Tent, tarp or bivvy (lightweight, suitable for hill use)
- Sleeping bag (3-season minimum)
- Sleeping mat
- Backpack (50–65L recommended)
- Stove + fuel
- Cooking pot/mug and utensils
- Meals and snacks for 4 days (including hot evening meal and breakfast)
- Water bottles or hydration system (min. 2L)
- Water purification (filter, tablets or UV)
Clothing & Personal Kit
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm layers (fleece, insulated jacket)
- Base layers (wool/synthetic – avoid cotton)
- Warm hat and gloves (plus a spare pair)
- Walking boots (well broken-in)
- Gaiters (optional)
- Headtorch (with spare batteries)
- Dry bags or liners to keep gear dry
- Personal first aid kit
- Emergency whistle
- Toiletries and hygiene kit
- Sunscreen and sunglasses
If you’d like to explore your limits, gain practical mountain experience, and enjoy the unique reward of a night under the stars, this is the course for you.
Check out our available dates here.
