Cairngorms
Freezeframe – one last journey into the Cairngorms before the world changed
Five years ago, with the first Covid lockdown imminent and a perfect forecast, I decided to seize the opportunity to complete a long-dreamed-of Cairngorms traverse in perfect winter conditions... 🌄Author's note: A version of this story was first published by The Great Outdoors magazine in 2021. At the
Staying safe in early-winter mountain conditions
This can be a challenging time of year in the British mountains: no avalanche forecasts, changeable conditions, and short daylight hours. This feature was first published by The Great Outdoors, 30 November 2017. Autumn or winter? If you live far from the hills, especially further south in England, it’s
Three winter glens in the Cairngorms
Alex Roddie makes the most of a poor winter forecast, avoiding the summits to take on a challenging two-night solo journey through Glens Feshie, Geldie and Dee to finish up in the Lairig Ghru. This feature was first published on UKHillwalking, January 2017. Early winter can be a tough time
New UKHillwalking feature: Three Days in the Cairngorms
In November 2016, I walked a 37-mile route through the Cairngorms, staying low level and avoiding the tops due to a huge dump of new snow. Although it takes in no summits, this route has plenty of interest to hold the backpacker’s attention. Here’s an overview map of
Snowshoes on Bynack More
All photographs taken with a Pentax MX 35mm camera, Pentax-M 50mm f/1.7 lens, and Ilford XP2 400 black and white film. On the 2nd of February 2015, I took the long train north and alighted at Aviemore. My mission was simple: to hike into the Cairngorms and get
Lowdown on the Upland of Mar by Joe Dorward: book review
Lowdown on the Upland of Marby Joe Dorward(Kindle and print) I first came across Joe’s excellent website on the history, etymology, and geography of the Cairngorms a couple of years ago. A lifelong stravaiger of the mountains, Joe’s area of special interest focuses on the historic Mar
The Cairngorms in Winter with Chris Townsend – film review
The Cairngorms in Winter with Chris TownsendA film by Terry AbrahamFunded by KickstarterI have been looking forward to this remarkable film for a long time. I follow Terry on Twitter (@terrybnd) and, although I was not one of the original backers for the project on Kickstarter, I became intrigued by
Character gallery for The Atholl Expedition
The Atholl Expedition, my second novel (or second novella, depending on your definitions) is coming! This book is a slight departure to my existing work. Set in 1847, the story follows an adventure taking place in the Cairngorm mountains of Scotland. Like my existing books it takes strong inspiration from
The Ascent of Cairn Toul and a crossing of the Braeriach Plateau
Braeriach, at 1,296m, is the third highest peak in the UK and one of special significance for me. My relationship with this enigmatic mountain goes back to November 2008, the date of my first failure to climb it (read an old Glencoe Mountaineer report of my second aborted attempt