LOCH TAY & THE SOUTHERN CAIRNGORMS - MUNRO BAGGING IN THE SCOTTISH HIGHLANDS

This is a trip with one simple goal, summit as many Scottish mountains as possible and have a great time doing it. Join Backabush to take on the highest peaks around Loch Tay and the Southern Cairngorms!

Group size - max 12.
Loch Tay Region - Self catering lodges (twin rooms) nights 1-4
South Cairngorms - Hostel (2, 3 and 4 bed dorms) nights 5-8
Cost - £779

Cost without transport - £679. For those that will drive themselves and don't need a seat in the minibus. (For self-drivers it is also possible to book for a half week. £340 Sat - Wed or Wed - Sun. Just get in touch so I can adjust our accommodation bookings.)

What's Munro bagging? - https://www.visitscotland.com/things-to-do/outdoor-activities/walking/mountains-hills/munro-bagging

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ITINERARY
On this trip we are aiming to take on some of the best multi-munro routes across 6 hiking days, with one rest and transfer day in the middle. Weather permitting here are our mountain goals:

Hikes in the Loch Tay Region

The Ben Lawers five ~21kms, 1440m ascent. This fine day of ridge walking takes in 5 stunning Munros and is one of the most rewarding days in the Southern Highlands. We'll take on Ben Lawers itself (1214m, the 10th highest mountain in Scotland) along with its neighbours. The going is mostly on good paths across open hillside with some ridges between summits and Loch Tay shimmering below.

The Glen Lyon four ~18kms, 1350m ascent. A superb horseshoe above the remote upper reaches of Glen Lyon, taking in 4 Munros including Carn Mairg and Meall Garbh. The route follows grassy ridges with excellent views down into one of Scotland's longest and most beautiful glens. A long but thoroughly enjoyable day on generally straightforward terrain.

Schiehallion ~13.5kms, 750m ascent. One of Scotland's most iconic and recognisable peaks, Schiehallion's distinctive quartzite cone rises above Loch Rannoch and is a classic hillwalk on good paths.

Rest & Transfer Day - A chance to recover, explore Pitlochry, and make the scenic drive east to Braemar in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. HOWEVER, if the sun shines, we always make the most of it, hiking in Scotland is all about maximising the conditions.

Hikes in the Southern Cairngorms

Lochnagar ~16kms, 900m ascent. One of Scotland's most celebrated mountains, immortalised by Lord Byron and beloved by King Charles. The route from Loch Muick takes in the magnificent corrie and summit plateau of this great Cairngorms peak. Dramatic cliff scenery and a truly memorable mountain experience.

The Glen Shee Eastern Six ~22kms, 1150m ascent. Starting a hike at the top of the highest public road in the UK almost feels like cheating but it does make it possible to summit 6 Munros on this circuit with less up and down than it takes to climb Ben Nevis on it's own. This is one of the most productive days of Munro bagging in Scotland.

An Socach, Beinn a' Bhùird or The Linn of Quoich - For our final day we have a host of amazing walks to choose from. The possibilty for more Munros is always there but in the case of severe wind and rain on any of our hikes we may need to adapt our plans. In our experience it is more than likely that one of these 6 hiking days will be better spent low down enjoying some of Scotlands amazing forests and rivers.

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ACCOMMODATION

Loch Tay Region, nights 1-4 - We have booked holiday lodge accommodation just 10 minutes from the town of Pitlochry. Our lodges are right on the bank of the River Tay. The lodges have self-catering kitchens and social space for us to enjoy our evening together. Beds are in shared twin rooms.

Southern Cairngorms, nights 5-8- A comfortable and well-equipped hostel in the village of Braemar, with self-catering kitchen facilities and a comfy lounge for board-games. The village also has several pubs and restaurants for those who prefer to eat out.

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TRAVEL TO SCOTLAND

We will pick you up from Glasgow Airport on Friday 29th May (approx 15:00, exact time TBC after flights are released). Alternatively you can meet us at our lodges in the village of Logierait.

We will drop you off back at Glasgow Airport on Sunday 6th June at approximately 13:00, exact time TBC.

Catching the train from London is a great option. There is a regular shuttle bus to the airport from the centre of Glasgow, its actually quicker and easier to catch the shuttle and meet us at the airport than for us to drive in and out again on the one way system through the city traffic.

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DIFFICULTY - This will be a physically tough trip so please take a look at the hike statistics above and be sure that you are up for some big days out on the hill. The terrain is mostly on good paths but the days are long with significant ascent. Some sections will require a reasonable head for heights but we will not be doing any scrambling.

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WHAT IS INCLUDED:

• 8 nights accommodation (4 nights lodge, 4 nights hostel, shared rooms).
• 6 days of guided hikes. Our leaders are qualified Mountain Leaders and first-aiders.
• All transport in Scotland and transfers from Glasgow. (unless not required)
• Financial protection in accordance with the Package Travel Law 1992.

WHAT IS NOT INCLUDED:

• Meals - all accommodation has self-catering facilities and there are restaurants and pubs nearby. We will have the chance to stock up on supplies at the supermarket.
• Travel to Glasgow.
• Travel insurance.

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HOW TO BOOK A PLACE ON THIS TRIP:

To confirm your place on this trip use internet banking - your RSVP is not enough to reserve a space on this trip.

Full payment or a 50% deposit will reserve your space on this trip with the balance due 12 weeks before departure on or before the 06th March 2027.

Please use MUNROS as your payment reference. The account details are:
Account Name: BACKABUSH XPLORERS
Sort Code: 090127
Account Number: 22440622

The following terms and conditions apply to all trip reservations: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1ngc5A61k76qb6HGMeTK96AVaXn0565yPS9p42IPzIy8/

Only payment secures your place. Please email [nathancapay@googlemail.com](mailto:nathancapay@googlemail.com) as soon as you send payment so that we can confirm everything with you. Thanks. :)