The route: Ridge and gully

START/FINISH Coire Cas ski centre, Cairn Gorm GR: NH989059

Distance: 19km/11.8 miles

Ascent: 1518m/4989ft

Time: around 30 hours over 2 days

Richard and David combined a backpacking route with two lower-grade winter mountaineering routes of different characters – a ridge and a gully. It’s worth approaching these with caution, especially if you are new to winter conditions, for they are very different propositions and require different skills. As always, money spent on a course to help you improve your skills and confidence is never wasted.