Big Adventures. No Annual Leave Required.
The Cairngorms National Park is Scotland’s wild heart — vast, dramatic, and untamed. But let’s be honest: it can feel like it’s only for those with a full week off work and a bivvy bag. Not true.
With the right planning, you can bag Munros, cross high-level plateaus, and even squeeze in a wild camp — all in a single weekend.
Whether you’re looking to smash a summit, sleep under the stars, or just log a few peaks before Monday morning, here are the best Cairngorm routes for weekend warriors.
1. Ben Macdui via Cairn Gorm
- Distance: ~18km | 6–7 hours
- Why It Works for Weekends:
The second-highest mountain in the UK — done in a day. Start from Cairn Gorm ski centre, traverse the plateau, tag Ben Macdui (1,309m), and loop back.
- Difficulty: Challenging (navigation essential in poor visibility)
- Top Tip: Go early on Saturday and you’ve still got time for a pub dinner in Aviemore
2. Loch Avon & Shelter Stone Bivi (Overnight Loop)
- Distance: ~20km over 2 days
- Why It Works for Weekends:
Camp by one of the most magical lochs in the Cairngorms. Hike in from Cairn Gorm, descend to Loch Avon, wild camp near the Shelter Stone, then loop back via Coire Raibert.
- Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
- Top Tip: Bring a midge net and waterproof layers — it’s wild camping with dramatic scenery
3. Carn Ban Mor & Sgòr Gaoith from Glen Feshie
- Distance: ~17km | 5–6 hours
- Why It Works for Weekends:
A lesser-walked ridge with one of the best views in the Cairngorms — a sheer drop to Loch Einich from the summit of Sgòr Gaoith (1,118m).
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Top Tip: Perfect Sunday hike — leave early and still be home before dark
4. The Lairig Ghru Traverse (with Bynack More detour)
- Distance: ~30km over 2 days
- Why It Works for Weekends:
One of the UK’s most famous mountain passes, with optional Munro detours. Hike from Linn of Dee to Aviemore (or vice versa) with a wild camp in the high glens.
- Difficulty: Challenging (requires car shuttle or train return)
- Top Tip: Tag Bynack More or Devil’s Point if you’ve got the legs for it
5. Beinn a’ Bhùird from Glen Quoich
- Distance: ~22km | 7–8 hours
- Why It Works for Weekends:
This Munro isn’t flashy, but the approach via Glen Quoich is serene and quietly epic. Perfect for a solo Saturday summit mission.
- Difficulty: Moderate–Challenging
- Top Tip: Park at Keiloch and start early — it’s a long but doable day out
6. The Ryvoan Pass + Meall a’ Bhuachaille Loop
- Distance: ~10km | 3–4 hours
- Why It Works for Weekends:
Short and sweet — start at Glenmore, loop through the Ryvoan Pass, and summit Meall a’ Bhuachaille (810m) for top-tier views over Loch Morlich.
- Difficulty: Easy–Moderate
- Top Tip: Great warm-up hike if you’re camping nearby or short on time
What to Pack for a Weekend Cairngorms Trip
- Map + compass (OS Explorer OL57 or Harvey Cairngorms)
- GPS backup + headtorch
- Warm layers — even in summer, temps drop fast
- Emergency bivvy or tent if going high
- Stove + food for wild camps
- Waterproof everything
- Peaky Baggers app – track your route and log your Munros offline
Logistics & Tips
- Stay local: Aviemore, Braemar or Glenmore are perfect bases
- Use public transport or car share — especially for through-hikes
- Book campsites early in summer or consider wild camping
- Weather check is essential – high-level walks can get gnarly fast
- Start early – trails get quiet, light is long, and you’ll have more time to explore
Final Thoughts
You don’t need five days and a rucksack full of freeze-dried meals to explore the Cairngorms. With the right plan, you can have a full-scale Highland adventure in just 48 hours.
So grab your boots, make your playlist, and hit the road on Friday night. The Cairngorms are calling — and you’ve got the weekend to answer.
Photo by martin bennie on Unsplash
.jpg)
