Hillgoers Open Expeditions

We look forward to welcoming you to the Cairngorms National Park!

Information for those who have booked a Hillgoers Open Expedition

Thank you for booking one of our Open Expeditions. Please read the following information carefully and complete the form.

Arriving, Introductions and Route Planning

Day 1 - Please meet at Braemar Campsite for 9:30am.

When we are all together we’ll start with introductions and a full kit and food check. You should have all your food when you arrive.

Next, you will work on team building activities, navigation, campcraft skills, and becoming familiar with Hillgoers’ emergency/late/lost procedures.

Then, you and your team will focus on your aim for the expedition and route planning. Your evening meal will be cooked on Hillgoers’ Trangia stoves.

Trek Description

Days 2-5 - You will carryout the expedition aim and route that you have planned as a group. The expedition is four days and three nights long, during this time your supervisor will remotely supervise your group.

The terrain you will navigate may include tracks, paths and some unmarked rough ground, forests, open moors, and hill land.

At the end of the expedition your group will clean and hand in group kit, debrief, and then travel home.

WHAT’S INCLUDED

  • Group equipment - tents (2-3 person shared. Single person tents are available but discouraged due to increased footprint and weight, contact us to discuss if required), stoves, gas, maps & radio

  • Campsite fees for day 1, the remaining nights will be wild camping

  • Qualified supervisors / accredited assessors (all have Mountain Leader qualifications and up to date first aid certificates), satellite tracked

  • 24/7 base camp support

  • We can hire out rucksacks, sleeping bags and sleeping mats if required

Not included

  • Transport to the area

  • Accommodation before you start or when you finish your expedition

  • Food on the campsite nights

  • Food for the duration of your Exped

  • Personal Equipment

  • Compasses

Kit

You can download our suggested kit list here. We ask that all participants wear walking boots with ankle support and good grip, any issues please get in touch.

Golden Rules

As well as the DofE 20 Requirements for the Expedition Section, our Golden Rules for a successful expedition are:

  • Have Fun!

  • Leave no trace

  • Follow instructions given by Hillgoers staff

  • Teamwork - help each other, look out for each other and be sociable

  • Behave responsibly and be considerate of others

  • Zero tolerance on alcohol or drugs

Terms and conditions: Our T&Cs for our activities can be found here.

Please complete the participation form

Please read the information below before completing the form.

Outdoor Activities

Hillgoers activities are planned and supervised in a way to manage the risk of accident to both clients and Hillgoers team members. Outdoor activities contain several natural hazards and risks which can lead to an accident and potential injury. The Hillgoers team will minimise the risks as far as possible and clients can of course choose not to participate in any activity they are not comfortable with. By agreeing to participate, clients accept the risks associated with the activity

The Hillgoers team are responsible for the safety of all participants during the activities. By agreeing to participate and to manage the risks, the participants understand they must adhere to instructions given by the Hillgoers team

Photography & Mailing List

During trips, pictures may be taken by other clients and the Hillgoers team. Please advise the group if you do not wish to be captured in any images or advise if they are to remain private

Data Protection

We protect the information provided by our clients. Only the Hillgoers team will see the participation forms, as they require full details for Health & Safety and emergency contact purposes. These will be electronically deleted and/or shredded after the event. Our full privacy policy can be read via the footer of our website