Cairngorms in November

Managed to persuade the OH that we do not need winter sun, we need to head up to Scotland and do some walking. So, start of November we will fly up, hire a car and drive in to the Cairngorms.

Never been, but really looking forward to some long walks, a bit of local wildlife and then a pub.

Has anyone recommendations on places to stay?  Our budget is low to middle.

Also any good non-walking places of interest to see?

Aviemore is a good base for the western side.

The youth hostel there or at Glenmore is worth a punt.

You really need to decide what side you want to stay at. Braemar is bonnie and has good access to the hills but is small, quiet and quite limited. Blair Atholl has reasonable access but is again quite limited for accommodation. Aviemore is the next obvious place. It has great access, lots of accommodation (for all budgets) and more eating/drinking opportunities. Smaller villages like Nethy Bridge can be quite attractive, and are often full of self-catering houses, but lack other amenities.

Of all the options, Aviemore has by far the most in terms of activities. Early snow is a possibility, loads of biking, paddling, swimming, walking, climbing are all on your doorstep. We moved to Aviemore 5 years ago because of what’s available. My only regret is not having done so sooner.

Weather-wise, November can be a mixed batch. It’s not uncommon to get a High, giving beautiful clear, crisp days. On the other hand, it gets dark early and if there’s a long rainy spell it can feel quite dreary.

Happy to answer any specifics.

If you are planning on doing some Munro’s, remember it’s very dark in November and there is likely to be snow/ice etc.

The hostel at the Old Bridge Inn is cheap and the pub next door is nice.

I hear the artic wildlife park is meant to be good.

Oh Loch Ness, the Moray Coast and so on are a less than 1 hours drive, so you have castles, beaches, dolphins, Culloden etc for non-active days out.

Unlikely to be enough snow for any fun, possibly enough to spoil a walk if you’re not prepared I’d have thought. Have to say it wouldn’t be my choice of location/season but you might get really (really really) lucky.

That is the thing we could not decide which area to stay. Aviemore sounds good in terms of variety.

We will pack for all eventualities!

When you mention swimming, do you mean wild swimming? if so, any local places to hire wetsuits at all?

Loch Morlich and Loch Insh both have hire facilities. Not sure what’s available but get in  touch. Of course, the locals eschew such pampering…

If you use Facebook then check out Cairngorm Wild Swimmers

As others have said November isn’t ideal but if you’re flexible and open minded about what you do you’ll have a good time.

Did a 2 night bike packing trip at the start of November last year. Frozen ground on the middle day with thick cloud cover when heading up Beinn a’Bhuid in the morning which broke and we had an amazing time on the top with lovely blue skies and crisp clear air (the descent was amazing too). Last day involved snow and hail with strong winds and serious wind chill. A big constrast.

Assuming you’ve got some hill walking experience and your prepared for the weather then doing a multi day trip staying in bothies would be my choice.

If you’re happy with hostels then I’d also be tempted to leave booking the accommodation until the last minute so you can be flexible for the weather. Could give you the option of the west coast if the weather is better on that side too.

Glenmore Lodge is also worth a punt. An outdoor centre so plenty like minded people and advice on hand.  Been there for courses with accommodation included  in price so don’t know what the costs are like but I’d be surprised if not very reasonable – courses definitely were.

That said I can also vouch for the Glenmore Youth Hostel

Yes we stayed at Glenmore Lodge when Mrs Gti was heavily pregnant; I did a ski touring course and she enjoyed the facilities and pottered around.

Autumn in the Cairngorms is rubbish. I would avoid personally.

Aviemore Overnighter by Matt Robinson[/url], on Flickr

If you leave it until December, it gets pure shitey.

Loch an Eilein by Matt Robinson[/url], on Flickr

(As said above – take some waterproofs, wrap up, be open minded about maybe not being on high tops, and there is so many nice walks/rides/paddles to be done, almost no matter the weather, around Aviemore. Personally I would cycle out into a nice bit of the woods, pop a brew on the kelly kettle and settle down with a good book under a tarp on a cold day..)