Rock Climbing in the Cairngorms: Top Outdoor Adventures Awaiting You

The Cairngorms are a mountain range in the eastern Highlands of Scotland. This vast elevated plateau with low and rounded glacial mountains offer great rock climbing options for all levels. Five of the six tallest mountains in Scotland are in the Cairngorms, as well as some of the most accommodating pitches, such as the Afterthought Arete and the Shelterstone Crag. The rock composition the region is ancient, dating back to the Cambrian and Precambrian eras, and features great granite slabs for phenomenal climbing.  All climbing levels are welcome, as the Cairngorms are home to simple single-pitch routes and more adrenaline-pumping intermediate and advanced multi-pitches. Many climbing courses are offered in these mountains for climbers who want to learn the sport and others who want to develop their technique.

Unique Ecosystem!

The Cairngorms, not only home to some of the highest mountains in Scotland, are also the native habitat of a very rare environment. Bird species are particularly fascinating here, including golden eagles and snow bunting. The semi-tundra climate of the elevated plateaus offers a rare peak at an incredible collection of wildlife.

Many Different Climbs!

The Cairngorms is an assortment of moderate mountains, so it should come as no surprise that they offer a little bit of everything. The granite here can assist first timers and veterans alike. From Ben Macdui (1,309m) to the Cairnwell (933m) and everything in between, you can choose a very different climbing experience in the same great mountain range.

Remote Culture!

Scotland isn't a well-known sporting hot spot, but this makes it that much more alluring. Get away from the crowds and see where the ancient rock of this country can take you. Meeting other "Munro Baggers" and climbers might send you off on an entirely new adventure. Enhance your Cairngorms rock climbing trip with a trip to a regional mountain railroad, a distillery, or even a notable castle to the south for a full Sottish immersion.

The weather in Scotland, particularly the Highlands, can be volatile. It is temperate and oceanic, with winters generally moderate because of the Gulf Stream. Summers are usually warm, though climbers should expect rainy weather as well.

English; Scottish Caelic; Scots

Pound sterling (GBP)

Flying into London is a reasonable endeavor as flights to Aberdeen and Inverness are just an hour and a half away. From there, you can bus or drive to the desired area of the park. Trains also run regularly from London to either side of the park (Royal Deeside in the east; Dalwhinnie and Aviemore in the west). The east coast and west coast of the Highlands even have long distance footpaths to the Cairngorms for the most ambitious travelers!

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Climbing in the Cairngorms is commonly enjoyed in the summer months from June to September. It can be climbed year round, though winter trips can include ice climbing and more substantial mountaineering tactics.