There are few true wilderness areas in the UK, and the Cairngorms are one of them. The area is admired for its scenery in midsummer, when the sun sets over the hills. In midwinter, however, it is transformed into an Arctic environment. This contradiction is what makes the Cairngorms so fascinating: one day it is the most mild and magical place in the country, but on another it can be inhospitable.

The Cairngorms National Park was established in 2003 as Scotland's second national park. It covers an area stretching from the A9 to the west, Grantown to the north, Ballater to the east, and the Angus Glens to the south. This includes five out of the six highest hills in the UK, as well as 55 'Munros'.

This site contains routes up all 58 Munros in the Cairngorms. A Munro is a hill over 2,000 ft, first categorised by Sir Hugh Munro and the list is updated, although not for a while. The current list is maintained by the SMC. The area is characterised by high plateau, which provide pleasant walking over long distances, offering a sense of solitude and remoteness — especially if walkers avoid the high summits around midday.

The hills can be climbed from Aviemore, the Spey Valley, or Braemar. However, some of the starting points can be quite a distance away. Many of these routes are serious expeditions, and wild camping for a night may be necessary to reach some of the summits. Just make sure you choose a route with a good weather forecast.

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