Walking in the Cairngorms - Ronald Turnbull

Discover the wild heart of the Scottish Highlands with this comprehensive guide to over 100 walks and scrambles in the Cairngorms and around Lochnagar. From vast granite plateaux and high corries to river glens and ancient Caledonian pinewoods, the Cairngorms National Park, sitting between Speyside and Deeside, offers some of Britain’s most dramatic mountain landscapes. The guide presents routes ranging from short 2km outings to challenging 42km mountain days, graded by difficulty to help you choose options suited to your experience and ambition. Low-level riverside walks along the Spey, Nethy, Avon and Dee contrast with high-level Munro ascents and occasional scrambling routes, offering something for everyone from casual walkers to seasoned hillgoers. Over 100 graded walking routes across the Cairngorms and Lochnagar area, ranging from 2–42km (1–26 miles), with options for low-level paths, mid-height hills and high mountain days above 900m. 18 Munro summits included, with multiple ascent options described for key five peaks: Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm, Braeriach, Cairn Toul and Lochnagar. Clear step-by-step route descriptions supported by 1:50,000 Ordnance Survey maps or 1:100,000 mapping, ensuring accurate navigation across open moorland, plateau and corrie terrain. Scrambling routes of varying grades included on selected hills, with a summary of scramble grades and guidance for tackling more technical ground. Detailed information on mountain bothies, facilities, access considerations and seasonal factors, including winter snow conditions and deer-stalking periods. Classic long routes such as the Lairig Ghru and a Cairngorms 4000s challenge, for walkers seeking extended high-level adventures. Easy access from centres including Aviemore and Braemar, with practical advice on accommodation, transport and route planning. Whether you are seeking a gentle riverside stroll, a first Munro, or a demanding high-plateau traverse, this guidebook provides everything you need to explore the Cairngorms with confidence across the changing seasons.