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Linn of Dee Car Park - 07:30
Cycle to Derry Lodge - good quality estate road with not a lot of gradient - arrive 08:00. Chain bikes up at Mountain Rescue post.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/99044012@N05/9313239918Glen Luibeg path heading West, ascend Carn a' Mhaim by path WNW shortly after Luibeg Bridge
Carn a' Mhaim summit 1014m - great views of Lairig Ghru, Devils Point, Cairn Toul , Braeriach
"High level ridge" connecting to Ben Macdui actually loses a lot of altitude, down to about 800m
Steep climb up SW side Ben Macdui to SE of Tailor's Burn , mostly boulder field - hard work. Then joins main route near plateau.
Summit Ben Macdui 1309m - Trig point on top of large cairn - lots of little shelters.
Descend ESE past ruin (small hut made of stones) then follow edge of cliffs above Lochan Uaine, heading NE towards Etchachan and then turning SW towards Derry Cairngorm. Good path most of way to half way up Derry, then boulder field - 2 cairns at summit.
Descend long ridge SE for about 5-6km (with 2 minor tops) to emerge at Derry Lodge.
Cycle back to Linn of Dee arrive 17:30.