🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 Solo Winter Camping in BLIZZARD CONDITIONS - A STORMY Night at 3750ft -

Scottish Highlands Solo Winter Wild Camp in the Cairngorms in my Hilleberg Soulo - I set off from the Ski Centre and headed for the 2nd highest mountain in the UK; Ben Macdui at 4294ft (1309m). This was also my second Munro on the Scottish mainland. It look me 3hrs to reach the summit and I was greeted with stunning 360degree views. From the summit of Ben Macdui I retraced my steps north, before bearing NE to Stob Coire an t-Sneachda at 3854ft (1175m). I managed to find a small group of rocks just south of this which offered some protection from the winds and somewhere to pitch my tent at 3750ft (1143m) which is my highest ever pitch. A stunning night on the mountain with clear skies above but also temperatures of -8degC and 40mph winds. I packed up at first light and headed back via the summit of Cairn Gorm 4084ft (1245m) where the automated weather station was frozen solid and looked like a giant snow man. From here I took the direct descent route to the Ptarmigan top station and then down to the bottom station car park.
My previous camps this winter in the Lake District really served as invaluable preparation for this trip to the Scottish Highlands.
An absolutely amazing solo adventure covering a total of 14miles (22.5km) and a height gain of 3800ft (1158m), and taking in 2 Munros (Scottish mountains over 3000ft).
Drone used is the DJI Mini 2.
If you enjoyed this video you might like to check out my solo mountain camp in the Langdales
Lake District - Freezing Solo Winter Mountain Wild Camp at Three Tarns
• FREEZING Solo Winter M...
All the best - Dave
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[@Wildcamping101]

One of the best I’ve seen that Dave, if not THE best. The views, conditions, filming, editing…. Simply stunning… I’m sure it won’t be the last time I watch it. I’ve got two weeks off at the start of April and I’m so tempted to get up there. Not sure the snow will still be around then though. Amazing that Dave. 👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Really appreciate that Craig. Means a lot especially from another KZbinr 🙏🏻

[@davidpilsworth1254]

Keep making great videos. 75 on Thursday and cant get up anymore. Remember the views thanks to you

[@neillairdofglencairn7216]

The shots prior to dropping the tent with the wind blowing the snow some of the best if not the best I have ever seen re packing up.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Really appreciate that Neil. Means a lot 🙏🏻

[@neillairdofglencairn7216]

Dave.no words.great,just great.keep on keeping on.PMA TO THE MAX.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks 🙏🏻💪👍

[@thewanderingforester]

Had 4 days up there on an Outward Bound course when I was 16. (in summer). It was that trip that turned me into a hill-walker and 43 years later I'm still at it. Thanks for sharing your epic trip with a great video, just stunning. atb

[@philiphughes2837]

Awesome Dave, as pretty as anywhere in the world.

[@Tastewithnewdrinks]

Amazing camping.

[@penman8985]

You can’t beat the Cairngorms Dave. Britain’s last wilderness. Great film as always. Simon

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Simon. Yeah, it was a fantastic trip for sure. ATB

[@AndrewBeavers]

What can you say Dave those conditions are the perfect winter conditions imo..snow ,sun & cold just perfect..stunning scenery up there in winter ,i must get up next winter & experience that for sure..i really enjoyed my trip up last september up above the glenshee ski centre fantastic area & landscape..winter will be a different beast though & having the correct kit is vital..enjoying catching up with you're latest mate as iv'e been a bit busy so hope you're well mate take care out there tfs..Andy.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers bud. Glad you enjoyed it 😎👍

[@oscarrox]

Beautiful place, well done for braving the conditions.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Many thanks 🙏🏻

[@stevenliddell8338]

That was fantastic

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Steven. It was an amazing trip for sure 🙏🏻. Glad you enjoyed it too 👍

[@johnd8538]

Thanks for sharing, just thanks!!

[@463Richard]

Wow! Ice station zebra stuff right there!

[@neilmusgrove4668]

That was epic! not only the views but the images you managed to capture! That was a brew with some view! You take us to the most lovely places, Thanks!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Many thanks Neil. Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏻

[@redbarron7293]

Two absolutely fantastic days Dave …..The plateau at its finest……Maps say Avon but I believe the locals pronounce it like Loch and Glen Ann…..

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks RB 👍

[@Orangehippo17]

Just watched this again, still a epic video Dave keep them coming

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

It was an amazing trip Derek 🙏🏻

[@vladimirosstaios7060]

Lucky you found these conditions. I returned from there today and there isn’t much snow and is melting.. Warm winter this year.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Yeah. The snow has been and gone from the Cairngorms this year. Still time for it to return tho. This video was filmed in March 2022.

[@ianbarnett]

Wow. That was great… nice and long… some beautiful shots… loved the sequence before the GoPro died…. Could have been up Everest! Well done Dave.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Ian. Really appreciate that 😎🏔⛺️👍🙏🏻

[@andrewgreenwood8727]

Great vid, what an adventure, I've skied many times on Cairngorm MTN on coire Cas & coire na Ciste ; when the weather & snow conditions are at there best it's magical, but on the other hand when it's stormy you don't won't to be up there as beautiful as it is, it becomes a monster & very dangerous . I'm glad you had a great time ! And as you know it has recorded the strongest winds ever recorded in the British isles.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Absolutely Andrew. Not a place to be messing around up there. Glad you enjoyed it. ATB 👍

[@fundorgon]

So true, even in summer it can catch you out.

[@davemassingham2096]

Amazing vid mate I cold feel the cold

[@andrewinpompey]

Amazing footage, great to see

[@patriciarichards87]

We met you as you were on the way up Gable, Pat and John. Your video is amazing. Fabulous views. Look forward to your other videos, especially Gable xx

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Wow guys. Big thanks for getting in touch. So lovely to meet and chat with you both. GG video is out on Monday. What a trip it was 😎🏔⛺️🙏🏻. ATB Dave

[@garyvause2475]

Brill as ever Dave keep um coming, top stuff

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

It was a tough one. Thanks for watching 😎👍

[@summerb917]

Fantastic video as always, it looked amazing a winter Wonderland

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Ravenna. Glad you enjoyed it 😎👍

[@williamforrester1853]

Fantastic youngen I've ticked that one off year's ago hard work it was well done dave cheers will

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Nice one Will. It’s amazing up there, eh 😎🏔️⛺️👍😕

[@xix94]

Amazing video love Scotland best place in planet earth in my opinion

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Many thanks 🙏🏻. I know. It’s a wonderful place 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿👍

[@lizkent2624]

Wow! What a trip! Just stunning. All of it! Epic landscape and sunrise and really testing conditions for packing up. Brilliant video, thank you.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Much appreciated Liz 🙏🏻

[@HobbiesAndSunshine]

Absolutely brilliant.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

🙏🏻

[@2112Tix]

Great vid, the Soulo looked solid as a rock

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Many thanks🙏🏻. Yeah, it’s a great tent 😎👍⛺️

[@paulhulley5969]

Some excellent photography and editing going on here, another great adventure ⛰🥾⛺️👌

[@SetForAdventures]

Epic Dave 🏔🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿solid climb up into the camp too with 20kg 🙌 stunning views those shots of the spin drift on the plateau wow The Arctic Cairngorms 🥶 thanks again best wishes Simon 👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Many thanks Simon. Glad you enjoyed it 😎👍

[@milesjames7005]

Another amazing video!

[@fionashannon4132]

Looks amazing. Think we might have been part of one of the winter skills group you saw. Glad you are enjoying our local hilla.. 😀

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Nice one Fiona. It was amazing 🙏🏻😎⛺️🥶🏔🌄

[@Choccytube]

I've watched a lot of your videos and I'm surprised you've not been to the Cairngorms before, all the Lake District stuff looks awesome, but the Cairngorms give you a real sense of wilderness. Explaining the Cairngorms is like explaining Vegas, until you see it for yourself you cant get a grasp of how big it is compared to the Lakes or Peak District.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Leigh. It’s always been on my list, as are a lot of places, it’s just about alignment of my free time with good weather. Amazing place in those conditions 😎👍

[@WildAstro]

Bloody amazing mate! If ever I needed some inspiration to get well and get back out again then this is it! What a stunner of a trip!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thanks, man. Glad you enjoyed it. Hope you’re doing ok 🙏🏻

[@WildAstro]

@@TheSoloSummiteer yeah, I’m ok mate. Chemo has got me on my arse, but I’ll get through it and be back out soon 🤞🏼

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Stay strong Rich 💪⛰⛺️👍

[@davidreay47]

Running out of superlatives for that trip Dave, incredible all round superb editing and definitely a throwback to my winter mountaineering days. Amazing as I sit watching in 30 plus degrees in sunny Sri Lanka. Thanks for sharing.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Fantastic David. Really appreciate that 🙏🏻

[@gediminasgribauskas4714]

that wind and sounds made me cold just waching it at home ,nice video

[@richardhunt7582]

Awesome film this one mate!

[@markfreeman893]

Well done Dave 👏 I'm speechlees on this one mate !! Just WOW!!! just brings a smile to my face everytime I watch your videos , bloody brilliant Dave .Bravo !!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Massive thanks for that Mark. Means a lot 🙏🏻

[@pilgrim3387]

Epic again Dave. Filming, scenery everything. Thanks for sharing. Take care.

[@neilthornley1027]

Superb as always mate 💪😉

[@michaeljames8534]

What a fantastic vid Dave, I for one was expecting this to be epic and you delivered. I can’t help but think its going to be your year on here! As always thank you for sharing your adventures. 👍👌👊

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Michael. It sometimes feels like there’s just one set back after another. But so far, I’m still going.

[@jimmarshall9945]

Hi dave, another great vid.... Was just checking my dates, was climbing with my mate up in Coire an Lochan and T-Sneachda on the same day, boy it would've been great to have bumped into you up in the plateau. ATP Jim. 👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

No way Jimbo. Can’t believe that 😩. Would have been ace to meet you. Glad you enjoyed the video 🙏🏻🌄🏔⛺️. Take care - Dave

[@AnthonyJohnson1]

Brilliant Dave. Watching that was almost like being with you on the epic experience. Must be both nerve wracking and exhilarating at the same time being at that altitude, miles from anywhere and exposed to what Mother Nature has to throw at you. Really enjoyed every minute of that 👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Anthony🙏🏻. And you’re absolutely right about the experience.

[@angelobianco73]

Simply Breathtaking!!💯💯💯Greetings from Germany!😎

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Really appreciate that Angelo 🇩🇪 🙏🏻

[@oleggorky906]

Speaking of Germany, I like those Brocken spectre illusions that the Harz mountains are famed for ... spooky, but ethereal as well, in a strange kind of way.

[@jonm4989]

Great video Dave, you’re a braver man than me. It’s amazing how the world changes completely at the top of those mountains. You could easily imagine you were filming in the Himalayas at one point. Glad to see you got off the mountain in one piece.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thank you Jon. Was definitely a wild one ATB Dave

[@andyholtorp]

amazing video - next level stuff!

[@alanoconnor007]

Great video mate, looks very similar to the weather I had up there on 13th December 22. It got down to -15 that night at my hotel with barely a breath of wind.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Nice one Alan 😎. It’s a stunning place to be in those conditions 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🏔️⛺️👌🏻🙏🏻

[@Wild.cat.adventures]

Epic views! Quote of the video for me "the tents going up, it's - 4, it's quite warm" 🤣🤣🤣

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Aye. I was nearly sweating 😁 🥶. Glad you enjoyed it 👍.

[@HikerBobOfficial]

We were there last month.. it's one of the best places in the UK for hiking and camping isn't it? Fantastic drone footage at the start of the video and liked the audio too... great quality images and decent commentary ... always a pleasure .. hope you are keeping well 👍⛰️🙏

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks HB 😎👍

[@TheWalkingKev]

What a stunning spot and the weather...

[@goprocaz4019]

What a blooming good video , that was definitely a brew with a view.👍

[@doughobbs7706]

Knock all the the snow off your boots before you take them off and keep them in your pack in the tent not the vestibule...makes them a bit more pleasant to get on and you can do it without letting the little heat you have in the tent out before you open the inner. Your boots should be fairly clean when conditions are as you had so its not like putting muddy boots inside the tent. Really good use of time/estimation on distance and also having multiple other plans as the day unfolds - this is such an important part of being out in the hills in winter!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Nice one Doug. Many thanks for that 🥾 👍

[@insoleandlaces]

Brilliant video.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Many thanks 👍

[@davidpilsworth1254]

Was in Aviemore last weekend

[@craigthecumbrian]

I’ve just subbed pal enjoy your video. Lived in the Lake District all my life. Not walked a fell for about 5 years because my dog got old. Been mountain biking a lot but your videos have reminded me how much I love solo camping. Got my old kit out got some new. Even a new dog 😂 I’ll be camping soon hopefully before the end of winter. Thanks for the videos keep them coming. See you on the fells

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Wow. Well done and thanks for the sub 👍😎

[@lostintransit5822]

Absolutely brilliant, stunning views

[@theferalscots6195]

Great video bud, like camping on the moon eh. 😊👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Yeah, was an amazing experience 👍

[@benny_mc]

Stunning, simply stunning 👍

[@andrewkirkhouse4693]

Another cracking video Dave. I think national geographic will be looking to have your filming services for the next polar exped lol. Seriously though, cracking vid, you really caught the experience and atmosphere, well done.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Haha, big thanks Andrew. Very much appreciated 🙏🏻

[@emmakimble8946]

Hi davie I got back on Saturday prop trip ❤️ each day k2 was ok tamed now back in uk 🇬🇧 just resting now for my next trip I’m off April to lofty with my dad and some of he’s friends 10month away so keep the video up I’m going to try and film this one if my dad let’s me. Gland too see your had os ok now hope u r ok 👌

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

No way Emma. You guys are absolutely amazing. Glad you’re both back and safe 🙏🏻. Take care - Dave

[@Gooner-1971]

Absolutely awesome 👍🎥

[@williamosborne6258]

Absolutely stunning looked amazing well done

[@scottishclimber7630]

That was a great trip. Excellent footage of the stunning sunrise and spindrift. Proper Arctic conditions up on the plateau. 👍❄️

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks SC🙏🏻. Glad you enjoyed it. Was an amazing trip 😎👍 ATB Dave

[@nickharper6159]

Great video Dave. I have MTB near Ben Macdui, it's definitely high.....top navigational skills for the up & down

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Cheers Nick. Was an amazing trip 😎

[@DJVOutdoors]

Incredible scenes in the morning

[@michaelleebetter992]

Watched this video yesterday evening. Loved it! What beautiful scenery and snowscape included. Guess it was pretty cold listening to your commentary. Very envious. Keep em coming!😀

[@bobfor4868]

I saved this until I'd finished work today. Bloody brilliant as usual Mr Solo. What a morning sky, double good views. Bet that's gonna be one of those trips you'll happily reminisce about forever.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Bob. You’re absolutely right 🙏🏻

[@steveproud846]

Awesome Dave well done 👍👍

[@janetlindley4465]

I am on catch up Dave as a new viewer of your channel. This trip really was awesome. The views and sunrise so beautiful. I could feel the cold as you walked! Thank you for sharing your journey with us. Very much appreciated as there is zero chance of me going to see for myself. Looking forward to more viewing. 👍🙂

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thank you Janet. It was an amazing trip. Glad you enjoyed it 🙏🏻

[@graehamquilliam7019]

That looked like an epic trip. Thanks for sharing Dave.

[@cooperswayadventures]

Brilliant Dave great footage .... Scotland is amazing!! 👍👍🍻 Cheers Tony

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Much appreciated Tony 👍😎

[@thelifeofbrian282]

Now that's what you call an EPIC adventure Dave 👏 fair play to you for hauling that heavy pack up there in the snow 👏 your a brave man camping up there in those conditions 🥶 but if you never make another video, you can retire a happy man 🏔🥾 outstanding 👏 atb Brian 👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Haha. Thank you Brian🙏🏻. It was tough but it’s nice to be able to share it with you guys. ATB Dave

[@Dunmar]

Superb viewing.. my only advice is.. keep doing what you are doing, because you’re very good at it.. Can’t wait for your next adventure because it feels like I’m on it with you.. Stay safe Dave 👍👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Really appreciate that Duncan. Big thanks 🙏🏻

[@annebayliss9886]

Duncan, I feel exactly the same 👍

[@EzeAdventurer]

you captured the sound of the wind so beautifully mate!

[@christoph3903]

Awsome video.

[@dancingmidgephotography]

Awesome Dave ..... A feast for the soul

[@richardwarren9603]

I can’t tell you how much I enjoyed that!!! That was your best vlog yet! You brave Dave!!!!!!

[@jackbear5564]

Loved watching that Dave. Very well done 👍🏻.

[@DaveGoodman1959]

Brilliant Dave, well done. ✌👍🍺

[@tonywilliams5867]

Another epic trip, nice one Dave, keep them coming.

[@Fellmandave1]

Superb.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Dave 🙏🏻

[@adge_ventures4915]

Your videos always kick off so well Dave! Stunning adventure, thanks for taking us along ☺️

[@AndrewParkOutdoors]

Ice cool mate, ice cool. It truly is arctic up there and you showed that perfectly. What a camp, I hope Scotland delivered what you hoped. Atb A

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Andy🙏🏻. I’ve been away too long and need to get back soon. ATB Dave

[@andrewwhite951]

Hi Dave .what an epic adventure.fantastic views and experience.well done.👍👍👍

[@craig3401]

That was definitely epic think that's the best 1 I've seen you do.turned into some pretty brutal conditions but still stunning 👍🌟👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Big thanks Craig, really appreciate that 🙏🏻

[@carmelodriscoll6155]

I thoroughly enjoyed this video 😊 And wow the views were amazing 😻

[@simondickinson4236]

Wow! What a fantastic video. Thank you so much for sharing your adventure with us, It’s much appreciated.

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Much appreciated Simon 🙏🏻

[@LondonVisited]

What an incredible video Dave. The filming was spot on and the sunrise was stunning. Brilliant as always, thank you, ATB 👏👏👏👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

🙏🏻

[@jacquelineburke3413]

Bloody awsome as always,

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

🙏🏻

[@stephensingleton4937]

Brilliant videos, have been watching them every night for a few days and the content is excellent, and a great sense of humour as well. 👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Really appreciate that Stephen 👍

[@lomino6478]

Great Video, spectacular scenery, positively Arctic 👍❄️

[@bri7530]

Class video

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

🙏🏻

[@ExploreAboveAndBelow]

Smashing video once again, I thoroughly enjoyed every minute 👍🏼

[@unclepeteswildadventures]

Descent video Dave. Really enjoyable. Gotta have your wits about you up there. In those conditions I always have Alpkit 900 bag and Alpkit bivi over that. If the tent fails I’m ready already in the bivi. I use ripstop foil blanket, foam mat then exped Symat 5 sleep Mat. I’ve tested this combo at -6 and was toastie if I put the bag hood over my head. Also marks n sparks max thermal top and long johns. Lightweight rab down jacket. Soto Windmaster stove. Keep em coming. Hope to meet up some day. Currently stubbed my toe of a storage box. Therefore confined to camp. 🙄

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Yeah UP. Not a place for playing at it up there. Sounds like you’ve got your system will dialled in 👍. Get well soon 💪

[@joinmeoutdoors]

Another work of art! 👏 It looked like you were on another planet at sunrise 😍 9 miles up a mountain in snow like that is definitely a step up. The Soulo was made for conditions like those, for sure. Very well captured, well done, Dave 👍

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Much appreciated and many thanks 🙏🏻

[@lauraelysia7613]

Absolutely beautiful video!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

Thank you 🙏🏻

[@stephenmosley6427]

Awesome, brilliant

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

🙏🏻

[@Stampistuta]

Incredible place. The weather looks right up your street.

[@allieandmaria]

Beautiful Dave! Thank you!

[@TheSoloSummiteer]

🙏🏻

[@philiphoward767]

Excellent footage as always Dave, pretty wild that one! But epic scenery.