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Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Ben Macdui and Cairngorm


Postby bio-man » Tue May 05, 2009 11:11 am

Route description: Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Munros included on this walk: Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm

Date walked: 05/05/2009

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Completed this a few weeks ago, hence the snow, although there is a bit of snow in the Cairngorms just now. A fantastic day out which can be shortened if necessary. There wasn't many people out and about being a week-day, but I'd checked the forecast and managed to get a day off work!! :D As you can see from the photos, the weather was excellent, 100% visibility, but very cold. In good conditions, there's nothing tricky involved at all, it's just a long way.

Cairn Lochan and Coire an Lochain.jpg


The stretch from the start point to the cairn at 1083m is breathtaking in itself, with great views opening up for miles
North West for miles!!.jpg


Loch Morlich and Aviemore.jpg


Once on the plateau, before the cairn, the wind really picked up.....balaclava-time :o

The incline just south of the cairn and north of the March Burn was the only point in the day where crampons were needed, just sheet ice and a drop to the Laraig Ghru not far away!!

The Lairig Ghru - Devils Point and Cairn Toul.jpg


Towards Ben MacDui.jpg


The summit of Ben MacDui can be seen and looks a long way away, but once the crampons were off, the going was good. I could see someone in front on skis, who I met at the summit. Ermanno Rambelli, originally from Italy, now living in Glasgow. He took my photo then skied off into the distance. When I looked at how far Cairn Gorm was, I wished for a moment that I was on skis as well!!

Summit at last!!.jpg
Those chest pockets don't do well for the profile!!


Ben MacDui, Cairn Toul and Sgor an Lochain Uaine.jpg


Heading over towards Cairn Gorm and could see that there were a few more people out and about. I have to remember to add an extra hour to my times as I'm forever chatting and handing out cards advertising my forthcoming challenge. At the snow-holes in Coire Domhain i chatted to a guy on skis. I was telling him about the challenge and why I was doing it. He asked me if I had heard of Karen Darke, who had been paralysed in a climbing accident. I explained that that I was going to hear her talk in Birnham in a few weeks time. The guy said that he used be a neighbour of hers and as he was a BT engineer had installed her telephones!! Surreal!!

Anyway, had a good look into the Northern Corries, few folk ice-climbing as well!!

Coire an Sneachda.jpg


Onto the summit of Cairn Gorm, the hardest part of the day in terms of tiredness

Ben MacDui from Cairn Gorm.jpg


Headed off down the described route for a well earned pint at the ski centre, then off on the bus to the station. A long but satisfying day out.

End of the Day!!.jpg
bio-man
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Re: Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Postby Paul Webster » Tue May 05, 2009 1:40 pm

Some stunning shots there - love the fourth one especially, really catches the atmosphere up there. Have you recce'd your entire route?
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Re: Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Postby bio-man » Tue May 05, 2009 3:15 pm

Thanks Paul.....it was the first full day of 100% visibility that I've had in the 'Gorms, very special :D

I will have come Sunday!! Heading to the Grey Corries and Aonachs for 2 overnighters at the weekend. Haven't done them continuous before!! Weather looks great, not!! :)
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Re: Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Postby yokehead » Tue May 05, 2009 5:39 pm

Agreed, 4th photo is excellent. Enjoyed your report.
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Re: Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Postby bio-man » Tue May 05, 2009 6:48 pm

Cheers!! :D
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Re: Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Postby sloosh » Wed May 06, 2009 4:53 pm

Any sign of the grey man? :shock: :? :)
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Re: Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Postby bio-man » Thu May 07, 2009 1:44 pm

Not that day......bright sunshine, I suppose!! Although I've been on the mountain before, but in poor visibility and felt a few times that there was someone walking behind me....spooky!! :evil: :shock:
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Re: Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Postby ken reid » Thu Jun 18, 2009 9:30 pm

hi bio-man just fond this site, liked the photos of your trip the last time I was on ben macdui was this feb ther were 8 of us in a shlter having lunch out of the wind but ther was a lot more snow on top we estimated we were around 15ft higer than normal, we returnd via the goat track a nice decent with crampons and axe required.
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