Cairngorms Winter Walking Holiday – Snow, Skills & Summit Days

Meeting Locations & Times

Our Cairngorms Winter Walking Holiday begins on Day 1, with the option to join our organised transport from Glasgow or travel independently to Aviemore.

Glasgow City Centre – 10:00

ibis Styles Glasgow Central
116 Waterloo Street
Glasgow
G2 7DN

Glasgow International Airport – 10:15

Airport collections are available by prior arrangement. Please see the Station Pickups section below for collection options and charges.

Travelling Directly to Aviemore

Premier Inn Aviemore
Grampian Road
Aviemore
PH22 1PX

Hotel check-in is available from 15:00.

Your Large Outdoors guide will meet you at the hotel when the group arrives from Glasgow.

We'll arrange a group evening meal at a local pub or restaurant, usually around 19:00–20:00. If you're arriving later, please make your own dinner arrangements.

Travelling by Train

If you're joining our Glasgow transfer, Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street stations provide rail connections from across the UK.

Our city centre meeting point is at ibis Styles Glasgow Central on Waterloo Street.

Alternatively, you can travel directly to Aviemore railway station, which is conveniently located in the town centre.

Station Pickups

Glasgow City Centre Collection – Included

Our minibus departs from ibis Styles Glasgow Central at 10:00 on Day 1.

Glasgow Airport Collection – By Prior Arrangement

We can arrange collection from the following airport hotels:

• Glasgow Airport Marriott Hotel

• Travelodge Glasgow Airport

• Premier Inn Glasgow Airport

• Holiday Inn Express Glasgow Airport

• Holiday Inn Glasgow Airport

Alternatively, we can collect you directly from the airport terminal.

Airport terminal collection costs £7 per person, with a further £7 per person for terminal drop-off on the return journey.

Collections from the listed airport hotels are included without the terminal collection charge.

Please select your preferred pickup location when booking so we can confirm the arrangements in advance.

Travelling by Car & Parking

If you're driving directly to Aviemore, please make your way to Premier Inn Aviemore on Grampian Road.

Check parking arrangements and any applicable charges directly with the hotel before travelling.

You won't need your own vehicle for the organised walking days, as transport to and from our planned routes is included.

Transport During the Trip

Transport between our hotel and the walking locations is included throughout the holiday.

Our Large Outdoors vehicle will also be used for the planned visit to the Cairngorm reindeer herd on the final day.

Ferries & Boat Transfers

No ferries or boat transfers are required for this holiday.

Departure & Return Travel

On Day 6, we'll leave Aviemore following our morning activities and return south towards Glasgow.

We aim to arrive in Glasgow between 15:00 and 17:00, depending on weather, traffic and road conditions.

Return drop-offs are available at Glasgow city centre or Glasgow International Airport for guests using our organised transport.

If you've requested a direct airport terminal drop-off, the additional £7 per person charge applies.

Please allow plenty of flexibility when booking onward trains or flights, as winter weather and road conditions can affect journey times.

Important Travel Information

• Glasgow transfers must be requested when booking.

• Airport collections are available by prior arrangement only.

• Direct airport terminal collection and drop-off each cost £7 per person.

• If you're hiring crampon-compatible boots or other winter equipment, we'll arrange a stop at the hire shop for guests travelling with us from Glasgow.

• Travel to Glasgow or Aviemore is not included in the holiday price.

• All pickup and return times are subject to traffic, weather and road conditions.

Accommodation Location

We'll be staying for five nights at:

Premier Inn Aviemore
Grampian Road
Aviemore
PH22 1PX

The hotel is centrally located in Aviemore, with local restaurants, pubs, shops and outdoor equipment retailers nearby.

Accommodation Type

Our accommodation is a comfortable Premier Inn hotel, providing a convenient base for exploring the Cairngorms National Park.

We'll stay at the same hotel for all five nights, so there's no need to pack up and move between walking days.

Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements

We offer a choice of shared and private hotel bedrooms, depending on your preference and availability.

If you're joining on your own, you can choose to share with another guest of the same sex or book a room for sole occupancy.

All bedrooms have their own en-suite bathroom.

Room Options

Shared Female Room – Share a room with another female guest, with separate beds.

Shared Male Room – Share a room with another male guest, with separate beds.

Twin Room – A private room with two separate beds for two guests booking together.

Double Room – A private room with a double bed for two guests booking together.

Sole Occupancy Double Room – A private room with a double bed for one guest.

All room options are subject to availability when booking.

Bathrooms

All bedrooms have their own en-suite bathroom.

Guests booking shared rooms will share the bathroom with their roommate.

Bedding & Towels

All bedding and towels are provided by the hotel.

You'll just need to bring your own toiletries and personal items.

Breakfast

Breakfast is included on all five mornings.

We'll enjoy a cooked breakfast buffet at the hotel before heading out into the Cairngorms.

Packed Lunches

Packed lunches aren't included.

We'll arrange an opportunity to stop at a local shop to purchase lunch and snacks before heading into the mountains.

You'll need to carry enough food and water for a full day outdoors, as there may be no opportunities to buy refreshments once we're in the hills.

Evening Meals

Evening meals aren't included in the holiday price.

Each evening, we'll arrange an opportunity to eat together at one of Aviemore's local pubs or restaurants.

It's a chance to relax, enjoy some good food and catch up with your fellow walkers after a day in the mountains.

Meals and drinks are paid for individually, and you're welcome to make your own dining arrangements if you prefer.

Accommodation & Meals

Included

• Five nights' accommodation at Premier Inn Aviemore.

• Cooked breakfast buffet on all five mornings.

• Bedding and towels.

Not Included

• Packed lunches and walking snacks.

• Evening meals at local pubs and restaurants.

• Drinks and additional refreshments.

Guiding & Support

Included

• Four full days of guided winter mountain walking in the Cairngorms National Park.

• A qualified Winter Mountain Leader throughout the walking programme.

• An introduction to essential winter walking skills, including using crampons and an ice axe.

• Guidance on moving safely across snowy terrain and understanding winter mountain conditions.

• Use of a helmet, snow goggles, crampons and an ice axe for the duration of the holiday.

• A guided visit to the Cairngorm reindeer herd on the final day, subject to weather conditions.

• A small, sociable group of no more than eight guests.

• Pre-trip information and support from the Large Outdoors team.

Not Included

• Crampon-compatible walking boots. You must bring your own or arrange hire in advance.

• Personal walking clothing and other equipment listed in the Compulsory Kit List.

• Additional equipment hire costs.

Transport & Transfers

Included

• Return minibus transport from Glasgow city centre.

• Pre-arranged collection and return at participating Glasgow Airport hotels.

• Transport between our Aviemore hotel and the walking locations.

• Transport for the planned reindeer visit.

Not Included

• Travel to and from Glasgow or Aviemore.

• Direct Glasgow Airport terminal collection (£7 per person).

• Direct Glasgow Airport terminal drop-off (£7 per person).

• Personal transport arrangements outside the organised itinerary.

Additional Costs & Exclusions

Not Included

• Personal travel insurance suitable for winter mountain walking.

• Purchases from shops, cafés, pubs and restaurants.

• Optional activities or attractions outside the planned itinerary.

• Personal expenses not specifically listed as included.

Please note: Winter mountain routes are selected according to weather, snow conditions and group ability. The reindeer visit is also weather-dependent and may be cancelled at short notice if conditions are unsuitable.

Walking Grade

Tough (Winter)

This is a proper winter mountain walking holid ay, with four full days exploring the Cairngorms National Park.

No previous winter walking experience is required, but you must already have good hillwalking fitness and be comfortable spending up to eight hours outdoors in cold mountain conditions.

Our qualified Winter Mountain Leader will choose routes to suit the weather, snow conditions and the group's abilities. The aim is to enjoy rewarding days in the mountains while learning essential winter walking skills along the way.

Terrain & Conditions

We'll be walking in genuine Scottish winter mountain terrain, which can be considerably more demanding than summer hillwalking.

Depending on conditions, we may encounter:

• Snow-covered mountain paths and slopes.

• Steep ascents and descents.

• Frozen, icy or uneven ground.

• Deep or soft snow that makes walking more tiring.

• Exposed mountain terrain with limited shelter.

You'll learn how to use crampons and an ice axe, with guidance from your Winter Mountain Leader.

Routes are not fixed in advance. We may explore higher summits when conditions allow or choose lower-level mountain and glen walks when the weather is less favourable.

Fitness & Experience

Good hillwalking fitness is essential for this holiday.

You should already be comfortable with full days of hillwalking, including sustained climbs and descents, while carrying a day rucksack.

Winter walking requires more energy than walking in summer. Snow, ice, cold temperatures and additional equipment can make even familiar distances feel significantly harder.

You don't need to know how to use crampons or an ice axe before joining us. Your guide will introduce these skills and help you build confidence throughout the holiday.

However, this isn't suitable for someone completely new to hillwalking or looking for gentle countryside walks.

Seasonal Conditions

Winter in the Cairngorms can bring snow, ice, strong winds, freezing temperatures and rapidly changing visibility.

Conditions can vary dramatically from one day to the next, and even within the same walk.

Our qualified Winter Mountain Leader will assess the weather, snowpack and mountain conditions each day before deciding where we'll walk.

Safety always takes priority over reaching a particular summit. We may change routes, remain at lower elevations or adjust the programme if conditions require it.

Suitable winter clothing and equipment are compulsory, including crampon-compatible walking boots. Please read the Compulsory Kit List carefully before booking.

Walking Clothing & Footwear

Winter walking in the Cairngorms requires proper mountain clothing and equipment. You could be spending up to eight hours outdoors in snow, ice, strong winds and freezing temperatures.

The following items are compulsory for this holiday:

• Crampon-compatible winter walking boots – You must bring your own or arrange hire in advance. Ordinary walking boots and flexible walking shoes are not suitable.

• Walking gaiters – Essential for keeping snow out of your boots and protecting your lower legs in deep snow.

• Walking poles – Essential for stability, particularly when walking through deep snow or on uneven winter terrain.

• Waterproof jacket with a hood.

• Waterproof overtrousers.

• Warm, breathable base layers.

• Insulating mid-layers, such as a fleece.

• Warm insulated jacket for rest stops.

• Suitable walking trousers.

• Warm winter gloves, plus a spare pair.

• Warm hat and neck warmer.

• Warm walking socks, plus spares.

Please don't arrive without suitable winter boots, gaiters or walking poles. These are essential items for taking part safely in the planned mountain walks.

What to Carry on Walks

You'll need a comfortable day rucksack, ideally around 30–40 litres, with enough space for your winter clothing, food and equipment.

Please bring:

• Packed lunch and plenty of high-energy snacks.

• Drinking water, ideally in an insulated bottle or flask.

• A flask with a hot drink.

• Spare warm layers and gloves.

• Headtorch with spare batteries or sufficient charge.

• Personal medication and a small personal first-aid kit.

• Mobile phone in a waterproof pouch.

• Sunglasses and sun protection.

• Waterproof rucksack liner or dry bags.

There may be no opportunities to purchase food or drinks once we're in the mountains, so you'll need to be self-sufficient throughout the day.

Clothing for Accommodation

We'll be staying at a comfortable hotel in central Aviemore, so bring casual clothing and footwear for relaxing after our walks and heading out for evening meals.

It's also worth bringing spare socks and comfortable footwear, particularly if your walking boots become wet during the day.

Bedding and towels are provided by the hotel.

Trip-Specific Extras

Winter Equipment Provided by Large Outdoors

We'll provide the following specialist equipment for use during the holiday:

• Crampons.

• Ice axe.

• Helmet.

• Snow goggles.

Your qualified Winter Mountain Leader will explain how to use this equipment and provide guidance throughout the walking programme.

Winter Boots – Compulsory

Your boots must be suitable for use with the crampons provided. If you don't own suitable winter boots, you must arrange hire in advance.

Please contact us before booking if you're unsure whether your boots are suitable.

Gaiters – Compulsory

Gaiters are essential on this holiday. They help prevent snow from entering your boots, particularly when walking through deeper snow.

Walking Poles – Compulsory

You must bring walking poles, ideally with snow baskets. These provide valuable support and stability when moving through snow and over uneven winter ground.

Equipment Hire

If you're hiring winter boots or other equipment in Aviemore, please arrange this before travelling.

For guests joining our Glasgow minibus transfer, we'll make sure you can get to the hire shop on arrival.

Full Walking Kit List

Please check your equipment carefully before travelling. Winter mountain walking requires more preparation than a typical guided walking weekend, and the compulsory items listed above are essential.

You can also read our general Full Walking Kit List for further advice on clothing and equipment.

If you're unsure about your boots, clothing or any other equipment, please contact us at hello@largeoutdoors.com before your holiday.

Booking Confirmation

Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.

Deposits & Balance Payments

If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.

Your Trip WhatsApp Group

Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.

It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.

Joining is entirely optional.

Final Details

A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.

Keeping Up to Date

Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.

We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.

Do I need previous winter walking experience?

No. This holiday is designed for experienced hillwalkers who want to try walking in winter mountain conditions.

You don't need to have used crampons or an ice axe before. Our qualified Winter Mountain Leader will introduce you to the essential skills and help you build confidence throughout the holiday.

However, good hillwalking fitness is essential, and you should already be comfortable with full days in the hills.

Is this a winter skills course?

No. This is a guided winter walking holiday rather than a formal training course.

You'll learn practical winter walking skills along the way, but our main focus is enjoying the Cairngorms, exploring mountain routes and developing confidence through experience.

There are no exams or formal qualifications.

How fit do I need to be?

You should be comfortable spending up to eight hours walking in the mountains, including sustained climbs and descents.

Walking through snow can be considerably more tiring than summer hillwalking, and cold weather adds to the physical demands.

If you regularly enjoy full-day mountain walks and have good general fitness, this could be a great introduction to winter walking.

Will we reach the summit of Cairn Gorm?

Possibly! Cairn Gorm is one of several mountains we may explore during the holiday.

However, winter mountain conditions determine where we can safely walk. Our leader will choose the best routes each day based on the weather, snow conditions and group's abilities.

Reaching a particular summit is never guaranteed.

Can I come on my own?

Absolutely! Most people joining Large Outdoors holidays come on their own.

With a maximum of eight guests, it's a friendly, sociable way to experience winter walking without needing to organise your own group.

What if I'm nervous about using crampons or an ice axe?

That's completely understandable if you've never used them before.

Our Winter Mountain Leader will explain how the equipment works, demonstrate the techniques and give you opportunities to practise.

You won't be expected to arrive knowing how to use specialist winter equipment.

What happens if there's very little snow?

Snow conditions in the Cairngorms vary throughout the winter, and we can't guarantee how much snow we'll encounter.

Our leader will adapt the walking programme to make the most of the conditions. This might mean exploring different mountains, lower-level routes or areas where suitable snow remains.

What happens if the weather is too severe for mountain walking?

Safety always comes first.

If high winds, poor visibility or other conditions make higher mountain routes unsuitable, our leader will adjust the plans.

We may explore more sheltered glens or lower-level routes instead. In particularly severe conditions, outdoor activities may need to be changed or cancelled.

Can I hire winter boots instead of buying them?

Yes. You can arrange to hire suitable crampon-compatible winter boots in Aviemore.

Boot hire must be arranged in advance, and the cost isn't included in your holiday.

If you're travelling with our minibus from Glasgow, we'll make sure you can get to the hire shop on arrival.

Please remember that gaiters and walking poles are also compulsory for this holiday.

Can I join if I don't have a car?

Yes. We offer organised return transport from Glasgow, including collection from our city centre meeting point or pre-arranged airport collection locations.

All transport to and from the planned walking routes is included, so you won't need your own vehicle during the holiday.

Is the reindeer visit guaranteed?

Our guided visit to the Cairngorm reindeer herd is planned for the final morning.

However, the visit is weather-dependent and may be cancelled at short notice if conditions are unsuitable.

Can I book with a friend or partner?

Of course! You're welcome to book together and choose a twin or double room, subject to availability.

If you're joining alone, you can also choose a same-sex shared room or book a room for sole occupancy.