Stay at home

[The Rodmiester]

I had not climbed Ben Macdui from the North before as I had always tackled it from the South in the past. Another deciding factor was the campsites available from the North especially Dalraddy being so much better and cheaper than the one at Braemar, so a quick car journey to the Cairgorm Ski lift carpark from Dalraddy to meet up with Martin who had decided to stay at the nearer but very much more expensive campsite at Glenmore.

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Setting off from the Cairngorm Ski lift car park, bright and sunny overhead for once

The three amigos all dressed accordingly, what a team

Further up the well made path

Furter up but looking back towards Loch Morlich

An excellent path all the way to the summit plateau

Braeriach in the background

Looking over the Lairig Ghru

On the rocky summit plateau looking West

The only sign of water during the day on the summit, a small spring

The four with Braeriach behind

Having a snack at the summit having reached it in 2 hours 25mins

Summit photo

Heading back the way we had come taking the right fork behind Lochan Buidhe towards Cairngorm

Ben Avon tors in the background

Martin with the Coire an t-Sneachda cliffs behind

Looking North

cliffs

Interesting

Fancy a wee scramble, then follow Pauline

Loch Morlich again

Looking South towards Ben Avon

From Cairngorm looking back

Group photo on the summit. Thereafter it was a matter of following a line of cairns and a laid stone path between tape on either side back towards the Ski tow area and building yard before descending to the car park. Another great day on the hill.

[Petr Dakota]

Hi Rod, nice duo in a good conditions...and the Dalraddy camp I can recommend too, we had a great time there with my family two years ago

[Sunset tripper]

Nice one Rod. Looks like a cracking day. I prefer the Aviemore side for accesss to the Cairngorms. Im not keen on the caravan club campsite at Braemar or any of them for that matter. . Better bars in Aviemore too if your into that sort of thing.
Fairly easy access from the ski carpark to the big tops as well.
I think that picture you took of the hill with the tors on the summit might be Beinn mheadhoin could be wrong though.
All the best.

[The Rodmiester]

Hi Rod, nice duo in a good conditions...and the Dalraddy camp I can recommend too, we had a great time there with my family two years ago

Hi Petr, as well as bring cheaper less midges as well. A great wee campsite, I will return, great for the kids as well.

[The Rodmiester]

Nice one Rod. Looks like a cracking day. I prefer the Aviemore side for accesss to the Cairngorms. Im not keen on the caravan club campsite at Braemar or any of them for that matter. . Better bars in Aviemore too if your into that sort of thing.
Fairly easy access from the ski carpark to the big tops as well.
I think that picture you took of the hill with the tors on the summit might be Beinn mheadhoin could be wrong though.
All the best.

Hi Sunset tripper, you might be tight about Beinn Mheadhoin tors , I'd better check it again. I've heard the caravan club at Braemar won't let you take your car in after a certain time even though you have paid for it. I don't think they really want campers, if you know what I mean. Glad you agree with the Northern approach being better, I certainly will use the North side when taking the Grandkids up to the Cairngorms, excellent paths and some superb views. I've just remembered I didn't post a photo of the rock I thought was a tent on the way up to the summit, but no doubt my mate will post his version of the event.