Ben Macdui

Height	1309m
Prominence	950m
Meaning	Macduff's mountain
Lists	Munro, 2
Location	Lairig Ghru to Lairig an Laoigh, Cairngorms and North East Grampians
Grid Ref	NN989989
Lat/Lon	57.07565, -3.66584

From lower ground surrounding Aviemore or the A9, Ben Macdui is mostly hidden from view, lurking behind other large mountains such as Cairngorm and Braeriach. Like these Munros, Ben Macdui is a rounded dome with the summit sitting above lochans and cliffs on its eastern aspects. To the west and south of the summit, ground drops steeply to the Lairig Ghru and Carn a'Mhaim. To the north a vast plateau runs from the summit towards Cairn Lochan and Cairngorm.

From the north and the east, there are some fine and well maintained paths to follow, including a section marked with cairns to aid navigation in mist. Much of the higher ground is fairly flat and mostly covered with granite gravel and boulderfields. Navigation can be tricky in mist !

There is a vast choice of routes to choose from, with the most direct being an approach on a fine path from the Cairngorm ski-centre car-park.

Routes up Ben Macdui

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Cairngorm and Ben Macdui
	Ben Macdui and Cairngorm are two of the highest mountains in the country and rest in on the vast plateaux of the Cairngorms in Scotland's eastern highlands. Starting from a height of 650m and with gently rising slopes leading up to the Munro summits, this is a relatively easy route in clear summer conditions. Peaks : 2 Munros Ascent : 1000m (3280ft) Distance : 17km (11m) Time : 6hr

Cairngorm 4000s
	The vast plateaux of the Cairngorms in Scotland's eastern highlands rise above huge cliffs and dark corries. On the plateaux are five of the UK's mountains over 4000ft including Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul and Cairngorm and these can be bagged in one circular route from Glenmore. Peaks : 5 Munros Ascent : 2250m (7380ft) Distance : 28km (17m) Time : 10:45hr

Cairngorm Darkside from the north

Between Aviemore and Braemar and east of the Lairig Ghru are vast plateaus with several Munro peaks amongst the hidden lochans, long narrow crests, dark corries, huge cliffs and weird granite tors. This route heads in from Cairngorm ski centre heading as far south as Derry Cairngorm. The hidden gem of Loch Avon with its undisturbed beaches is visited en route, nearby a search will find the 'Shelter Stone' - a place to overnight out of wind ! Peaks : 4 Munros Ascent : 1480m (4860ft) Distance : 21km (13m) Time : 7:45hr

Cairngorm darkside from Linn of Dee

Between Braemar and Aviemore and east of the Lairig Ghru are vast plateaus with several Munro peaks. amongst the hidden lochans, long narrow crests, dark corries, huge cliffs and weird granite tors. Healthy forests surround the area with a diverse wildlife and, if you're lucky, you might come across a reindeer herd feeding on the arctic-like tundra. Peaks : 4 Munros Ascent : 1850m (6070ft) Distance : 35km (22m) Time : 10:15hr

Nearby hills and mountains

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