An ascent of the mountain via the funicular railway to the Top Station / Ptarmigan Restaurant, followed by a walk to Cairn Gorm Mountain summit led by a Natural Retreats Mountain Ranger.

Distance 800 metres, ascent 148 metres.

Please Note: The ranger-led funicular party will leave from Top Station / Ptarmigan Restaurant at 13.30 sharp.

Funicular: Trains run every 15-20 minutes, journey time is less than 10 minutes. £12 return/£11 for Seniors (over 65s); £9 for down only/£8.25 Seniors.

Bus: The 'Aviemore to Cairngorm Ski Centre' bus service runs hourly, leaving Aviemore station at 25 minutes past the hour, and arriving at the funicular bottom station at 4 minutes before the hour. Last bus down 17.05. £3.80 return.

Please allow a few minutes to walk from bus to bottom station office, a few minutes to queue and purchase a ticket, a possible waiting time of 15 minutes, plus funicular journey time of 10 minutes.

Aviemore high street is around 220 metres above sea level. On average (differs dependent upon wet or dry, cloudy or clear, etc.) the ambient temperature drops by about 6 degrees centigrade per 1,000 metres of altitude gain. So at the summit of Cairn Gorm, a height of 1,245 metres, it will be at least 6 degrees cooler than in Aviemore high street. If the wind is blowing on the mountain it will be colder still.

So please wrap up and/or carry an extra layer in a day pack. We want you to enjoy your day and getting cold will certainly not add to your pleasure!
Natural Retreats advise -

Skill/Fitness level: Medium
Clothing Required: Waterproofs, walking shoes/boots or good sturdy trainers, hats and gloves if weather requires. More details and video

All being well we hope that arrival at the summit will coincide with the hill-walking group following Cairn Gorm Mountain Walk - Option 1.

Descent will be via the funicular railway.

Please note - should you wish to join the hill-walking party for the descent this will only be possible if you have made your intention clear and booked a place in advance, and have completed the necessary 'Activity Participation' form.

Note - In order to protect the plateau, passengers are not permitted to exit the top station to go onto the mountain unless they are booked on a guided walk.

We have negotiated a discount on the cost of the guided walk, please contact the Branch for further details.

To book a place please e-mail ku.gro.armac.dnalhgih@slaicos.