Cairngorms National Park, Highland, Scotland
The Cairngorm plateau sits above 1,000 m — an arctic environment where temperatures plunge and winds exceed 100mph in winter. Even in summer, conditions change within the hour. RambleMetric gives you the clearest possible picture before you leave Aviemore.
About Cairngorms
RambleMetric is a real-time conditions app built for inland walkers. It combines live weather, summit wind, visibility and mountain conditions into a single Visit Score — essential planning for walks on Britain's highest and most arctic mountain plateau.
The Cairngorms are Britain's most arctic mountain environment. The high plateau above 1,000 m has a subarctic climate year-round. In winter, full winter mountaineering skills and equipment are mandatory. Conditions can be life-threatening with little warning. Data shown is gathered from third-party sources and may not reflect summit conditions accurately.
Walking Routes
Check the live Visit Score before you set out — conditions here change fast.
Day Lodge to Cairn Gorm (1,245 m) via the Windy Ridge path — the most direct approach to the summit. The plateau is completely exposed and conditions deteriorate rapidly. The Cairngorm Mountain Railway provides descent in poor conditions (weather permitting). Do not ascend if wind gusts exceed 45mph.
A superb low-level circuit from Glenmore taking in Loch Morlich's sandy beaches and the spectacular Ryvoan Pass with its emerald lochan. The finest low-level Cairngorm walk. Good in all but the worst conditions.
Key Features
Britain's sixth-highest peak at 1,245 m. The summit has a functioning weather station and the UK's highest ski resort. The Cairngorm Mountain Railway reaches 1,085 m — walk the final 160 m to the summit.
A remote glacial loch at 741 m deep in the Cairngorm corries — only accessible on foot (minimum 4 hours from any car park). One of the most remote and beautiful spots in Britain.
Britain's second-highest peak at 1,309 m — an arctic plateau with no shelter. The legendary Grey Man of Ben Macdui: several experienced climbers have reported an uncanny presence on the mountain.
One of the largest remnants of the ancient Caledonian Forest — Scots pines up to 250 years old. RSPB Nature Reserve: capercaillie, crested tit, red squirrel and osprey.
Live Data
All data is fetched from authoritative UK sources and recalculated every few minutes.
Safety Information
Always carry full mountain gear, map, compass and emergency shelter. Tell someone your intended route and expected return time. In winter, do not ascend the plateau without winter mountaineering skills, ice axe and crampons. Check the Sportscotland Avalanche Information Service (SAIS) before any winter hill day. Ptarmigan, dotterel and red deer are key wildlife here — stay on paths to protect the fragile arctic-alpine vegetation.
All data, scores and recommendations are for general informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as the sole basis for safety decisions. The Visit Score is an algorithmic estimate — it is not a substitute for your own judgement, local knowledge, official guidance, or Sportscotland Avalanche Information Service forecasts in winter.
Ready to check conditions?
Free, no account needed, works on any device. Get your live score in seconds.