Which trekking poles are used by guides on the Cairngorms?

The Cairngorms – Britain's largest and most severe mountain range – demand gear that can withstand extreme conditions: biting winds, sudden white‑outs, deep snow, and the abrasive, quartzite‑rich granite that characterises the plateau. Guides operating in this environment do not choose poles for weight or fashion; they choose for absolute reliability, durability, and repairability. The consensus among professional mountaineering instructors, winter skills guides, and mountain rescue teams is clear: the Leki Makalu is the most widely used pole, followed by the Black Diamond Trail Back. Both are heavy‑duty aluminium poles with lever locks, steel lower sections, and replaceable carbide tips. Carbon poles are universally avoided. Here is a detailed breakdown of why these poles dominate the Cairngorms and what you should consider if you are walking in this challenging environment.

Why the Cairngorms are unique for poles

The Cairngorms are not a typical UK mountain range. Their plateau sits above 1,000 metres, with a sub‑Arctic climate where snow can lie for months. Key challenges for poles:

• Abrasive granite – The quartzite in the rock is extremely hard, wearing down carbide tips at an accelerated rate.
• Winter conditions – Snow, ice, and freezing temperatures can cause twist locks to seize or slip. Lever locks are preferred because they can be operated with gloves and are less affected by ice.
• Scree and boulder fields – The slopes are covered in loose, angular stones that can damage carbon shafts and jam push‑button joints on folding poles.
• High winds – The exposed plateau and ridges can be extremely windy, requiring secure pole locks that do not loosen under lateral stress.
• Variable terrain – From boggy approaches to rocky ridges and snowy gullies, guides need poles that adapt to all conditions.

The guide's choice: Leki Makalu

The Leki Makalu is the undisputed favourite among Cairngorm guides. Its key features explain its popularity:

• SpeedLock Plus – Leki's lever‑lock system is considered the most secure in the industry. It can be tightened with a simple turn of the screw, even with cold, gloved hands.
• Steel lower section – The Makalu has a steel ferrule (the section above the tip) that resists abrasion from the granite. While this adds weight, it ensures the pole survives years of use on the Cairngorms' rocky terrain.
• 7075 aluminium shaft – Strong enough to withstand side impacts on boulders, yet flexible enough to bend rather than snap under extreme force.
• Cork grips – In cold, wet conditions, cork grips become tacky and provide a secure hold, even when your hands are numb. They also insulate against the cold.
• Interchangeable baskets – The Makalu accepts both mud baskets for boggy approaches and snow baskets for winter conditions, making it a true all‑season pole.
• Repairability – Lever locks can be replaced in the field with a hex key, and lower sections are available as spare parts. Guides value this repairability.

The Makalu is not the lightest pole (around 270 g per pole), but guides prioritise durability over weight. In the Cairngorms, a broken pole can be a serious safety issue, and the Makalu is built to survive.

The alternative: Black Diamond Trail Back

The Black Diamond Trail Back is the second most common pole seen with Cairngorm guides. It offers similar features:

• FlickLock – Black Diamond's lever‑lock system is also reliable and field‑adjustable. Some guides prefer its simpler mechanism.
• 7075 aluminium – Durable and strong, with a slightly lighter build than the Makalu (around 240 g per pole).
• Replaceable carbide tips – Essential for the abrasive granite.
• Cork grips – Comfortable in cold, wet conditions.

The Trail Back is slightly lighter than the Makalu and has a more ergonomic grip, which some guides find more comfortable. However, it lacks the steel lower section of the Makalu, so it may show signs of abrasion more quickly on the quartzite.

Why carbon poles are a no‑go

Carbon poles are rarely used by Cairngorm guides. The reasons are clear:

• Brittle – A side impact on a boulder or a fall on scree can splinter a carbon pole, leaving you with a useless stick.
• Push‑button joints on folding poles – Snow and ice can jam the push‑buttons, preventing the pole from locking or collapsing.
• Cold sensitivity – Carbon becomes more brittle at low temperatures, increasing the risk of fracture.
• Lack of repairability – A broken carbon pole is generally terminal; a bent aluminium section can often be straightened.

While carbon poles are lighter, the weight saving is not worth the risk of failure on a remote Cairngorm ridge.

Budget alternative for summer use: Decathlon Forclaz MT900

For summer guides or those on a budget, the Decathlon Forclaz MT900 is a viable alternative. It features 7075 aluminium, reliable lever locks, cork grips, and replaceable tips at £55. It is lighter than the Makalu (250 g per pole) but lacks the steel lower section, so it is more suited to summer conditions when the ground is not as abrasive. Some guides use it for lower‑level work but switch to the Makalu for winter.

Spare parts and maintenance for the Cairngorms

Guides always carry a small repair kit for their poles:

• Spare carbide tips – The granite wears them down quickly; a spare pair is essential for multi‑day trips.
• Hex key – For tightening lever locks if they loosen.
• Spare mud baskets – These can crack on rocky ground.
• Silicone spray – To keep locks smooth and prevent corrosion from salt and grit.
• Duct tape – For emergency splinting of a bent or cracked shaft.

Practical tips from Cairngorm guides

• Mud baskets for approach paths – Fit them on the lower, boggy sections; remove them on the rocky plateau.
• Snow baskets for winter – Essential for preventing the pole from sinking into deep snow.
• Rubber tips for road sections – If you are walking on tarmac, use rubber protectors to save your tips.
• Adjust length – Shorten poles for steep ascents (e.g., the climb up to the plateau); lengthen them for long descents.
• Check locks regularly – In cold weather, locks can contract; tighten them before each day's walk.

Where to buy in the UK

• Cotswold Outdoor – Stocks Leki Makalu and Black Diamond Trail Back.
• Go Outdoors – Often has these models with a price‑match guarantee.
• Decathlon UK – Forclaz MT900 for budget guides.
• Specialist mountaineering shops – In Aviemore, Braemar, or Fort William, you will find a wider selection and expert advice.

Final verdict

For the Cairngorms, guides overwhelmingly choose Leki Makalu or Black Diamond Trail Back – heavy‑duty aluminium poles with lever locks, steel lower sections, and replaceable tips. These poles survive the abrasive granite, sub‑Arctic winters, and rocky terrain that define the range. Carbon poles are avoided due to their fragility in cold and rocky conditions. If you are tackling the Cairngorms, invest in a pair of these robust poles, carry spare tips, and maintain them well. Your safety and comfort depend on reliable equipment, and these are the poles that guides trust.