Cairngorm 4000s Challenge
All five mountains over 4,000 ft in the Cairngorms – Cairn Gorm, Ben Macdui, Cairn Toul, Sgòr an Lochain Uaine and Braeriach – across the high Arctic plateau of the UK’s largest national park.
Fully guided and supported, on a date that suits your group. A tough, remote challenge for experienced hill walkers and mountaineers.
“We went out with Dave Talbot adventures for the Cairngorms 4000s challenge this weekend – it was absolutely epic and very well organised with great communication leading up to the challenge and during. Our guide accommodated for different speeds and had great chat. Would 10/10 recommend.”
I. Hare – Cairngorm 4000s
The Roof of the Cairngorms
Every summit over 4,000 ft in the Cairngorms in one superb journey – around 22 miles and 2,400 m of height gain through spectacular, remote mountain scenery.
It’s a serious high-level challenge, so it’s for groups of experienced hill walkers and mountaineers. It can be done in one long day or split over two.
Five Mountains Over 4,000 ft
- Cairn Gorm1,245 mThe mountain that gives the range its name.
- Ben Macdui1,309 mThe second-highest mountain in the UK.
- Cairn Toul and Sgòr an Lochain Uaine1,291 m · 1,258 mAcross the wild Lairig Ghru.
- Braeriach1,296 mThe UK’s third-highest mountain.
Tap the map to open it full size.
A 22-mile (36 km) circuit from the Cairngorm Ski Centre with around 2,400 m of ascent – over Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui, across the Lairig Ghru to Cairn Toul, Sgòr an Lochain Uaine and Braeriach, and back via the Chalamain Gap.
Fully Guided and Supported
Included
- Qualified mountain guides✓
- Medical support✓
- Full challenge logistics✓
- Free photos of your day✓
Not included
- Accommodation (we can recommend or arrange it)–
- Food during the challenge – some snacks and water are provided–
- Personal kit–
Price
From £149
per person for the one-day challenge, on a date that suits your group. Two-day options and packages with accommodation are priced to suit your group.
- Distance22 miles (36 km)
- Ascent2,400 m
- Highest pointBen Macdui, 1,309 m
- Start and finishCairngorm Ski Centre
Be Ready for the Challenge
Fitness
You need to be very fit and used to long days in the hills – this is one of the toughest one-day mountain challenges in the UK.
Experience
Previous mountain walking experience is essential. The route crosses remote, high and rocky ground, and conditions on the plateau can change quickly.
Health
A clean bill of health and a good basic level of fitness are recommended.
Your guides
Qualified, first aid trained mountain guides lead the group, with medical support on the day.
Kit
A full equipment list is sent when you book. Our partner Trekitt gives 10% off with the code TRAIL10.
Insurance
All our events carry £10 million insurance – double the industry standard.
What Our Groups Say
“We went out with Dave Talbot adventures for the Cairngorms 4000s challenge this weekend – it was absolutely epic and very well organised with great communication leading up to the challenge and during. Our guide accommodated for different speeds and had great chat. Would 10/10 recommend.”
I. HareCairngorm 4000s
“All of the guides were extremely supportive and had the group’s best interest at the forefront of everything we did, they were also very knowledgeable about the mountains and what lay ahead of us.”
CC ProjectsGuided mountain challenge
“Thanks to everyone for a wonderful day out. Team morale was brilliant and really helped push us onwards and upwards! Excellent service from your team who looked after all of us, especially those of us who struggled!”
Hazel HWMountain challenge
Cairngorm 4000s in Pictures
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Cairngorm 4000s Questions
Plan Your Cairngorm 4000s
Tell us your group size, experience and dates, and Dave will come back with a quote – usually within one working day.