Cairngorm

Cairngorm sits in the highest area of extended mountain plateau in the whole of the British Isles — the Cairngorms range holds five of Scotland's six highest peaks, stretching some 30 km east–west from Braemar to Aviemore. Because of the altitude and extent of the plateau, the climate here is semi-arctic in nature: weather changes very fast and the summer flying season feels very short. The 1,111 m launch works on very light NW flow only. The plateau is easily reached from the Coire Cas car park by following the main track up through the ski runs — a slightly more strenuous but more pleasant option is the ridge path on the east side of Coire Cas (Sron an Aonaich). Cleanest launch options sit just above the Ptarmigan top station.

Launch & conditions

Launch options above the Ptarmigan Station include short-grass areas free of larger rocks. The Cairngorms are definitely not a place to consider flying on anything other than a calm day, and Cairngorm itself is best flown only on a very light NW or nil-wind forecast.

Getting there & local rules

Aviemore serves as the gateway to the northern Cairngorms and is easily accessed from the A9. From Aviemore, follow the ski road to the Coire Cas car park. Bottom landing is possible around either the main Coire Cas car park or in the ski centre overflow car park — the main lot has a slight but deceptive downhill gradient and a very gravelly surface.

Local rules & hazards

Airspace restrictions rarely bite pilots launching from Cairngorm unless flying as far as Kinloss/Lossiemouth in the north or Aberdeen in the east. Bear in mind gliding-club operations just to the south at Feshiebridge. The semi-arctic conditions on the plateau change fast — save this launch for genuinely light and calm days.

Check conditions before you fly

A forecast for the valley is not a forecast for the launch. Before heading to Cairngorm, read the wind and thermals for the site itself, confirm the day's rules with the local club, and remember the standing rule — when in doubt, don't launch. In the free OutDare app you can open Cairngorm with a 7-day forecast built from high-resolution weather models, see who else has been flying, and get there with offline maps.