Bank Holiday Weekend: Hiking & Wild Camping in the Cairngorms

**TRIP FULL**

*PUBLIC HOLIDAY WEEKEND*
3-days hiking and wild camping in The Cairngorms National Park.

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Is there a better way to spend a long weekend than sleeping under the stars, hidden away from the crowds, in the mountains?

This long weekend will involve exploring the The Cairngorm Plateau - The highest plateau, featuring 5 of the highest 6 mountains, in the UK - hiking and wild camping away from the crowds to clear your mind and open your senses to your majestic surroundings.
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ITINERARY
Please note that exact timings and order of activities are subject to change, based on the local conditions at the time.

Friday evening: Departure

• Meet outside Manchester Piccadilly train station at 6pm and board the train for a relaxing journey to Edinburgh.
• Meet your guide in Edinburgh and check in to your accommodation for the night.

Day 1: Begin the adventure

• After breakfast you will be transported to The Cairngorms National Park (South/Central region) to begin your wild camp journey through one to the UKs last wildernesses.
• Today will involve hiking on relatively easy terrain (although the heavy rucksacks will ensure a slow pace) up the valley - through lush green forests, along beautiful rivers and across the site of many BBC Nature Programmes (look out for Golden Eagles, Red Deer, Red Squirrel, Black Grouse, Ptarmigan, Otters, Water Voles, Pine Martin... I could go on and on... This place is as diverse in nature as the UK has to offer!)
• You will set up base camp next to the river/lake (wild swim anyone?) before enjoying dinner and retiring to bed under the stars

Day 2

• Wake up to the sounds of nature and enjoy an al fresco breakfast surrounded by the huge mountains of The Cairngorms
• After breakfast you will leave your base camp for a journey over some of the more remote munros (Scottish mountains) of the region before returning to base camp for a well earned al fresco dinner.
• Evening: Share stories around the stove and enjoy another night under the stars.

Day 3: Hike out and Return Train to Manchester

• Following your second night at base camp, you will pack away the tents and hike back to civilisation for dinner before boarding a train back to Manchester (expect to arrive at around 9pm)

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DIFFICULTY: This trip is designed to be a moderate 3-days in The Cairngorms National Park and requires a reasonable level of fitness:

• This trip is designed for individuals with a reasonable level of fitness. The hikes involve hiking up and down hills over rugged terrain.
• You should be prepared to carry their own camping gear and supplies during hikes.

Your qualified guide is highly experienced enough to keep the pace slow and everyone happy, safe and motivated throughout the trip

TRANSPORT: Return train journey from Manchester to Edinburgh and road transfers to the mountains.

ACCOMMODATION: 1-person tents.
This is a Wild Camping Challenge trip. We can provide you with a tent, sleeping bag and sleeping mat if you don't already have them
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Join us for an unforgettable 3-day adventure hiking and wild camping adventure in The Cairngorms National Park! Reserve your spot now and get ready for a challenging and rewarding experience in the heart of the Scottish Highlands.

COST: £545
To join simply RSVP and pay the £100 non-refundable deposit. We will then be in contact with more information.

INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Return train travel from Manchester to Edinburgh
• Road transfers in Scotland
• All logistical support in Scotland
• Use of our tents, sleeping bags, sleeping mats, water purifiers and cooking equipment
• All meals from lunch on Saturday until lunch on Monday
• Guiding hiking with a highly experienced and qualified Mountain Leader

NOT INCLUDED IN THE PRICE
• Personal hiking kit
• Personal travel insurance
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All City Mountaineering trips are compliant with the 2018 Package Travel regulations (including financial protection)

Please be aware of our Participation Statement and Terms & Conditions prior to joining