One of the largest annual trekking events on the planet will arrive in the hilly heart of central Scotland this September. Coming from humble beginnings in 2005, the first event in the Fjällräven Classic series saw 152 participants cross the finish line. Now, the series hosts six events across the globe every year, each of them huge in scale and attendance.
With tickets going on sale on the 17th of June (Fjällräven newsletter subscribers get early access on the 15th!), the Fjällräven Classic UK 2022 is set to host thousands of trekkers in the wild and atmospheric Cairngorm National Park. The event is a multi-day hike through the Scottish Highlands with a route of around 60km in length on a circuit that winds through the valleys and along mountainsides . The climbs aren’t set to be super advanced, but they’ll be challenging, and certain to reward those who take them on with breathtaking summit views.
The loop will start and end at the stunning Mar Lodge estate, which is a treat in itself, both for its luxurious amenities and the luscious forest paths all around it. One of these paths will lead this year’s trekkers north where they’ll link up with the Lui Water River and wind along through the gentle valley before starting the first ascent up into the mountain paths. From there, it’s outstretched sights and open skies all the way along the western border of the Cairngorms.
The route will follow pathways past iconic mountains including Càrn a’Mhaim, Ben Macdui, and Cairn Lochan before rolling out past the last section of the mountain range, and plunging into Glenmore Forest. Trekkers will navigate all the way across this forest park, west to east, passing Loch Morlich around the halfway point before swinging back down south, eventually rejoining Lui Water to complete the loop. The walk is mostly self-supported, but Fjällräven have arranged a few checkpoints along the way for hikers to take a break, get some advice from stationed experts, and refuel on food and drink.
You can discover more about Fjällräven Classic UK or sign up to be the first to access tickets at fjallraven.com
