Weekend of winter climbing or walking in the Northern Cairngorms.
There is excellent winter climbing and walking to be had around Cairn Gorm and the Northern Coires. It's easily accessed from Aviemore by taxi, bus or even hitch-hiking!
A number of us have booked sleeper train tickets already, but the more the merrier!
The plan is:
Friday night - Take the sleeper train from Euston to Aviemore, arriving Saturday morning.
Saturday - Climb/walk in the Northern Cairngorms
Saturday night - stay in the Aviemore Youth Hostel (https://www.hostellingscotland.org.uk/hostels/aviemore/)
Sunday - Climb/walk in the Northern Cairngorms
Sunday night - take the sleeper train back from Aviemore arriving back in London in time for work Monday morning .
The seat sleeper train tickets are normally around £75 - £150 return (price changes considerably with availability)
book at : https://www.sleeper.scot/
The hostel is £15 to £25 per night depending on how many people we have in a room
If there's no snow, we'll likely cancel the trip but the seat sleeper train tickets are fully cancellable up until a couple of days before departure. The Aviemore youth hostel offer a 90% refund up until a couple of days before arrival so there's very little financial risk
If conditions are very good it's normally easy to extend the trip by a day last minute. Availability in the hostel is normally good on a Sunday night and on the train on a Monday night.
I recommend buying the flexible seat tickets. Book early to avoid disappointment and to secure a cheaper price!
If you come with a buddy you can cut costs by getting a two together railcard. It more than pays for itself with one return journey.
If you definitely want to come please email me by October 31st and I'll add you to the list for accommodation at the hostel (assuming there is still some available). We'll probably be booking some rooms before that, so if you know sooner get in touch ASAP.