Ben Macdui

Height	1309m
Prominence	950m
Meaning	Macduff's mountain
Lists	Munros, 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 Làirig Ghrù and Càrn a'Mhàim. 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
	Hillwalking route up Ben Macdui and Cairn Gorm with an optional relatively easy scramble on Fiacaill Ridge in good summer conditions. Peaks : 2 Munros Ascent : 1000m (3280ft) Distance : 17km (11m) Time : 6hr

Cairngorm 4000s
	Circular hillwalking route over the Cairngorm 4000ers from Glenmore, including Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Sgòr an Lochain Uaine and Cairn Gorm. Peaks : 5 Munros Ascent : 2250m (7380ft) Distance : 28km (17m) Time : 10:45hr

Cairngorm Darkside from the north
	Route up Ben Macdui and Beinn Mheadhoin from Cairn Gorm ski centre, visiting Loch Avon’s beaches and the famous Shelter Stone en route. Peaks : 4 Munros Ascent : 1730m (5680ft) Distance : 27km (17m) Time : 9:40hr

Cairngorm darkside from Linn of Dee
	Route up Ben Macdui and neighbouring Munros from Linn of Dee. Vast plateaux, granite tors, forests and the chance to spot reindeer herds. Peaks : 4 Munros Ascent : 1850m (6070ft) Distance : 35km (22m) Time : 10:15hr

Nearby hills and mountains

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