The LAIRIG GHRU pass in the Cairngorms is a wild and beautiful winter trek, taking in some of the areas most dramatic and spectacular scenery, with river crossings, wild forests, and the odd cosy bothy, it really is one of Scotland’s best mountain trails. Looping round and returning via the eastern flank of Bynack More creates a 50 kilometre loop we christened the ‘Arctic Circle’, and for my money is the best ‘safe’ low level long distance loop you can do in the Cairngorms in winter. We’d originally planned to take in the big mountains like Braeriach, Cairn Toul, and Ben Macdui, but 60 mile per hour winds and -20 celsius temperatures kept as low in the Glens, which still sit between 500 and 700 metres in altitude, so are a wee bit nippy when the wind picks up. Corrour Bothy, Bob Scott’s Bothy and the Hutchison Memorial hut all provide safety and refuge from the brutal Arctic conditions, and a place to warm up and dry the boots out!

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