Canisp and a Cairngorm scramble – 6th Sept 2025

A Cairngorm scramble

Seven club members met at the Cairngorm ski centre for a 10km, 1000m of ascent walk that wasn’t going to include any summits! The goal was some low-grade scrambling, and exploring the Loch Avon corrie.

Crossing the plateau at 1141m, in patchy cloud, with a strong headwind it was feeling more like autumn than summer. Dropping down Coire Raibert Loch Avon and the cliffs around the Shelterstone gradually came into view and we grabbed elevenses behind a bluff. From the head of the loch we headed due West to the foot of Feith Buidhe or Loch Avon slabs (right), scrambling up beside the burn and onto a mass of granite with lovely views down Loch Avon. Higher up we picked steeper lines to the corrie rim amid a sea of granite and grins. The route was new to everyone and an enjoyable clamber in a great situation.

From the corrie rim a traverse round to the head of Fiacaill a Coire an t’Snechta was wind assisted, along with a discussion on final Munros and trying to get a view from all the summits – a much harder task! Scrambling down the crest of Fiacaill ridge provided a challenge for everyone, but became easier when following the crampon scratches on the rocks. A few boulder problems were encountered on the descent, before a steady passage back to Coire Cas.