Walk @ The Top

Opportunities like this don’t come along too often – but now you have the chance to enjoy something truly spectacular by walking to the top of Cairn Gorm, Scotland’s sixth highest mountain and gazing at the incredible views or simply experiencing the Scottish weather.

Every day between May and October small groups of up to 10 visitors can enjoy a 90 minute guided walk on a mountain trail path to the summit. Hitherto mountain railway passengers have not been able to exit the Top Station to walk on to the mountain outside the skiing season but now you can, on the Walk @ The Top. You’ll be walking at over 3,000ft with an expert guide who will not only ensure your safety, but also offer their knowledge of Cairn Gorm and the wider Cairngorms National Park area.  One customer described the views as akin to being “on top of the world, looking down on creation.” This isn’t just one of the most beautiful places in Scotland – it’s one of the most breathtaking areas in the world. Others have described it as:

"One of the highlights of our holiday"
"Fantastic, wonderful way for small groups to achieve something spectacular"
"Brilliant way to access the mountain top for those who wouldn't tackle the whole ascent"

The walk, which is around two miles long, takes on rough, uneven surfaces with a steady ascent of 486ft. You’ll need to be fit enough to walk for at least one and a half hours after you exit the Ptarmigan Top Station. Walking boots or trail shoes are necessary and waterproofs advised. We recognise that all children are different but as a guide we suggest the Walk @ The Top is suitable for those aged six years and over. They must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Only registered assistance dogs are permitted.  If you have a dog and wish to take it on a guided walk please see the Northern Corries walk - every Wednesday throughout the summer.

The walk takes place daily (weather permitting). There are three Walks @ The Top scheduled daily at 10.20am, 11am and 2pm. It is possible to book the 10.20am  and the 2pm online here or at the Ticket Office. The 11am walk can be booked at the Ticket Office only. Please arrive in plenty of time for your walk and after collecting your ticket from the Ticket Office report to the Ranger Base to meet your guide. It is at the discretion of the guide whether you have suitable footwear and clothing. Please ensure you come fully prepared so as to avoid disappointment. (Wellies, sandals, and gym shoes are not deemed suitable footwear.)

Walk @ The Top – 2011 Prices (price includes train ticket and guided walk)

Book online or by calling 01479 861341 during normal office hours. Ticket office open from 10am daily.

Visitors who are booked onto the Walk @ The Top will be accompanied by a guide for the duration of the walk.  The Cairngorms Massif is Britain’s largest nature  reserve and is protected under various UK and European Laws. Outwith the skiing months it is not possible to use the mountain railway as a quick means of access to the high mountain plateau, other than on the Walk @The Top. The mountain railway operates a Visitor Management Plan to help protect the mountain environment and visitors are asked to play their part in safeguarding this special place for future generations by observing the management arrangements. Click here for full details of the Visitor Management Plan.