There’s nowhere else in the UK like the Cairngorm plateau. High up on Britain’s most massive mountain range the high tundra is more like arctic Canada and Scandinavia than Britain, with the weather and wildlife to match.
Above 600m, vegetation becomes sparse and stunted. For every 50m in height, the temperature drops 1 degree Celsius. Wind speed increases to over 100 miles per hour. Snow can lie for 8 months of the year.
Venturing onto the plateau, especially in winter, is a serious undertaking. But you’re rewarded with wildlife and views that very few people get to see – and even on the busiest days, you can often have it all to yourself.
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