At 4,084 feet (1,245 metres) Cairngorm (sometimes spelt Cairn Gorm or CairnGorm) is the sixth highest mountain in Britain and forms part of the Cairngorm plateau, a mass of granite cut by many steep-sided glacier-dug valleys. The Cairngorms are regarded as one of Britain’s last great wildernesses and only rough tracks cut across them. Cairngorm is one of the few places where public access is easy and doesn’t involve a long trek.
Party because of its ease of access Cairngorm has developed into a popular skiing and walking area in winter as well as in summer. On the tops of the plateau visitors are treated to a glimpse of a fragile environment with few birds (often rare), fewer mammals and little vegetation, as well as stunning views towards the interior of the mountain massif.
Getting to Cairngorm
Developed as a ski resort, Cairngorm has good road access. It is reached via a well-signed road from Aviemore, coming via the attractions of Glemore Forest Park and passing through the pinewoods which surround the scenic Loch Morlich. Though steep, the route is cyclable and those arriving by bike receive the incentive of a free ticket on the Cairngorm funicular railway.
The ski lifts are accessible by bus: services run regularly from Aviemore. And of course serious walkers can either walk from Aviemore (which adds ten miles to the journey) or take the Allt Mor Trail which leads into the mountains from Glenmore – a moderately difficult walk over a distance of around 2.5 miles.
Summer Access to Cairngorm
The uplands of the Cairngorm plateau are a fragile environment and proposals for a mountain railway were met by concerns that the influx of visitors would lead to environmental damage. As a result, the operators applied the principle of the ‘long walk in’. Those using the funicular to ascend are restricted to the top station: anyone who wishes to visit the summit of Cairngorm itself must walk up (but can take the funicular down).
As well as the funicular (2010 adult day ticket £9.75) there are several alternative paths to the top. Most are strenuous (the height gain between bottom and top stations is over 1,500 feet) but the paths are clear even though the terrain is rough. Anyone of reasonable fitness should reach the top station in around 90 minutes to two hours, depending on the path taken; from here there is access to other wilderness trails.
The bottom station has a limited network of simpler paths, including an all-abilities trail and an accessible mountain garden which includes some of the summit vegetation. Twice a week there are ranger-guided walks from the Ptarmigan Station to the summit, allowing access for those who have take the funicular up: numbers are restricted and there is a charge.
Winter Access to Cairngorm
Cairngorm is one of Scotland’s most popular ski resorts. Skiing, sledging and snowboarding are catered for, with 11 ski lifts and almost 20 miles of piste, capable of hosting all levels of ability. Ski hire and lessons are available. The area is also popular with ice climbers and winter walkers. In winter, the funicular functions as a ski lift and passengers are permitted to leave the top station to ski down.
Facilities at the Ptarmigan Station
The top station, known as the Ptarmigan Station after the ptarmigan bird which lives on the mountain, is at a height of almost 3,600 feet and has a range of facilities which include a shop (selling everything from extra hats, gloves and waterproofs to postcards and souvenirs) along with a bar and restaurant. The Ptarmigan even has a licence for civil and religious wedding ceremonies and can cater for up to 140 guests.
Mountain Safety in Scotland: A Note
The development of an access route to Cairngorm has made it easy for visitors to reach the wilderness. The Scottish mountains, however, are often hostile, with rough terrain and subject to sudden and unexpected changes in the weather. Any visitors planning to walk further into the mountain and perhaps try some of the classic climbing routes which are within relatively easy reach should be aware of the potential risks and be properly equipped.
Advice on weather conditions and the weather forecast is available from the Rangers’ Office at the base station. Rangers can advise on suitable routes and anyone planning to leave the paths or travel further on should complete a note of their route at the office. Those who do so should also remember to check back in on their return – and make sure that they know the time of the last train down.
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