A weekend ticking off some big Scottish Munros with the added pleasure of a night out under canvas. The plan (weather permitting) is to attempt the Cairngorm 4000s – that is five out of only nine mountains in Scotland whose summits are over 4000 feet above sea level. However, should the weather dictate, we will change objective.

Whilst these are undoubtedly big mountains (by Scottish standards) this particular objective does have several features that might encourage adventurous members who have never tried backpacking before: there are several options for bailing out at different points; we will drop down from the plateau to a lower elevation for the camp; relative security of a bothy nearby. Equally if we are feeling fit, there is an opportunity to add two extra Munros (The Devil’s Point and Carn a’ Mhaim) without much additional detour.

You don’t need to have been backpacking before to come on this meet, but you do need to be very hill fit and able to manage around 30km walking (split over the two days) carrying your kit. In terms of the latter, in addition to standard hill walking kit, you will need a lightweight tent, sleeping bag and mat, food and stove/utensils. It can be a good idea to pair up with someone and then share carrying tent/stove between you. You also need to think about your impact on the environment and how you plan to deal with your human waste.

As the Cairngorm National Park is a sensitive ecological area, I propose limiting numbers to 8, possibly 10 if interest is very high. For this reason I am not activating the Intend to Attend button, please contact me directly to express interest (or with any questions, or to discuss options if you don’t have full kit of your own but would like to share with someone who does). Places will be allocated to Members/Associate Members only in the first instance. Exceptionally well behaved dogs are welcome provided owners take full responsibility for their dog’s behaviour.

I will try to reserve some spaces at the FRCC hut, Karn House (Aviemore) for the Friday night so that members can sleep under a roof on the Friday, before an early start on the Saturday. We aim to finish mid/late afternoon Sunday so it will be feasible to be back home for work on Monday. Please note dogs are not allowed at Karn House so if you are bringing your dog you will need to make alternative arrangements for the Friday night.

You may like to note that I am planning a longer backpacking trip for 2025 taking in some very remote Scottish Munros, plus the chance for a couple of Classic Rock ticks. That trip will be longer and tougher, and doesn’t have easy bailout options so will only be open to those with some experience of backpacking in the Scottish hills. One way to get that experience is to come along on the 2024 Cairngorm 4000s meet!