Hike Ben Macdui, the second highest mountain in The UK!!

*JUST 1 FEMALE SPACE NOW AVAILABLE*
**Current Group: 2 male, 3 female. All solo travellers**

RETURN TRAVEL ON THE CALEDONIAN SLEEPER TRAIN INCLUDED!
A bed in a single-sex, twin room from London to The Scottish Highlands (return)! - Two full days in The Cairngorms with NO DAYS OFF WORK!

Embark on a spectacular weekend adventure in the heart of the Cairngorms, where towering peaks, ancient forests, and shimmering lochs await.
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This journey begins with an overnight ride on the Caledonian Sleeper, whisking you away from London to the rugged beauty of the Scottish Highlands.
Over two unforgettable days, you’ll summit Scotland’s second-highest mountain, explore enchanting woodland trails, and soak in the peaceful charm of the Highlands—all while enjoying warm hospitality in the vibrant town of Aviemore.
On Saturday, we’ll set out to hike Ben Macdui (1,309m), a vast and wild peak offering breathtaking views across the Cairngorm Plateau. As we traverse this remote and atmospheric landscape, we may even catch a glimpse of the legendary ‘Big Grey Man’ of Ben Macdui—a mythical presence said to roam the summit.
After descending, we’ll return to Aviemore, a lively Highland town, where we’ll check into our hotel and enjoy a hearty meal and local hospitality.
Sunday brings a change of pace as we explore the tranquil shores of Loch Morlich and the enchanting Glenmore Forest, a haven of towering Scots pines, red squirrels, and hidden trails.
Trip Highlights:
✅ Summit Ben Macdui, Scotland’s second-highest mountain
✅ Hike through the vast and dramatic Cairngorm Plateau
✅ Explore the ancient Caledonian pine forests of Glenmore
✅ Walk the shores of Loch Morlich, one of Scotland’s most scenic lochs
✅ Stay in the Highland town of Aviemore, known for its outdoor charm
✅ Travel in comfort on the Caledonian Sleeper, making the most of your weekend

We will sort out the logistics, travel and accommodation - You just need to turn up at the meeting point and enjoy :)

You don't need to have any prior experience (although reasonable fitness is expected as it is a mountain after all) and the small group size will enable us to give you our full attention throughout the weekend, ensuring your safety and enjoyment is our number one priority.
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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.

Day 0 - Friday evening

• Meet outside London Euston train station and board the Caledonian Sleeper train from London to Aviemore and settle in for a night of adventure on the rails (bed in a single-sex, twin room with one of your fellow adventurers).
• Enjoy the relaxed overnight journey, waking up to views of mountains, forests, and rivers as we arrive in the heart of the Cairngorms.

Day 1 - Saturday: Hike Ben Macdui & stay in Aviemore

• Meet your guide in Aviemore and enjoy a scenic 20 minute drive to begin the ascent of Ben Macdui (1,309m), Scotland’s second-highest mountain.
• This exhilarating hike takes us across the Cairngorm Plateau, a vast, otherworldly landscape of rugged peaks and deep valleys.
• Your effort will be rewarded with stunning panoramic views, an immersive sense of remoteness, and perhaps even an encounter with the legend of the Big Grey Man—the mysterious presence said to haunt the summit!
• After reaching the summit you will descend to the minibbus and return to Aviemore, where we’ll check into our Highland hotel and relax.
• Enjoy a well-earned dinner in one of Aviemore’s cozy pubs, perhaps trying locally sourced venison, fresh seafood, or a dram of Speyside whisky.

Day 2 - Sunday: Explore Loch Morlich & Glenmore Forest

• After breakfast, a short drive takes you to the stunning Loch Morlich, a golden-sand loch set against the backdrop of the Cairngorm mountains.
• Explore the Glenmore Forest trails, walking beneath towering Scots pines in an ancient woodland home to red squirrels, roe deer, and soaring ospreys.
• Enjoy relaxed lakeside walking (and perhaps a wild swim?), peaceful forest paths, and breathtaking scenery.
• Offering a gentler contrast to the previous day’s mountain adventure you will return to Aviemore for a relaxed meal or coffee before boarding the Caledonian Sleeper for our overnight journey back to London (expect to arive at London Euston around 8am on Monday)

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DIFFICULTY: This trip is designed to be a moderate 2-days in Scotland. The routes are straight forward but some steep uphill and downhill hiking is unavoidable. A reasonable-good level of fitness is expected, but you don't need to be a super-athlete to join this trip.

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

TRANSPORT: A bed on The Caledonian Sleeper Train between London and Aviemore and minibus road transfers in Scotland

ACCOMMODATION: Single-sex, twin rooms on The Sleeper Train and single-sex rooms in a warm and comfy highland hostel
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Join us for a weekend of adventure, wild landscapes, and Highland magic—the perfect escape from city life! 🚶‍♂️🏔️🌲✨

Cost: £465. To join, simply RSVP and pay the £100 deposit. We'll then be in contact with more details

Included in the price:

• Return Sleeper Train train travel between London and Aviemore
• Transport and logistical support in Scotland
• 1 night accommodation in Scotland
• 2-days guided hiking by a highly experienced and qualified mountain leader

Not included in the price:

• All food/drink
• 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