Day 3: Magic Mountains
Driving south on the A9 from Inverness, something changes. The peaks you’ve seen so far suddenly appear as mere molehills as proper mountains start to spring up from the roadside like giants.
In the Cairngorms, a collection of peaks – many over 1,200m – scrape the skyline and offer walkers the chance to get off the beaten track (though map, compass and ability to navigate on pathless terrain are vital). The most accessible peak is Cairn Gorm. A footpath weaves to its summit from Cairngorm Mountain. Those feeling less energetic can take the funicular railway to a viewpoint to spot ptarmigan, snow bunting, eagles and even reindeer, the only herd in Britain; guided walks to the top are also available from here. Note that snow can linger on top well into spring, and even into the summer.
After a bracing walk visit the Cairngorm Sleddog Centre, which offers husky rides year round. Then head back to Aviemore for a whisky at the Cairngorm Hotel before catching the sleeper train home, ready to be back at work the next morning. A wild weekend indeed.
