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Arriving at 8am for an earlyish start at the Linn of Dee car park and a calm although hazy morning awaits.
After the usual walk up Geln Luibeg and on past Derry Lodge to the base of Carn a'Mhaim it is strangely quiet but peaceful. Carrying on over the bridge at Derry Lodge the haze doesn't seem to want to burn off although the summits of the surrounding tops are all visible. After crossing the river, either using the bridge further up the valley or stepping stoning the river itself if it isn't in too full a spate, a distinct path cuts off to the north from the main path at the foot of Carn a'Mhaim.
A well constructed for the most part with granite steps helping to stop any further erosion you soon reach the bouldery summit.
Carrying on northwards across the "ridge" of the summit there are some really excellent views over to the Lairig Ghru, and The Devils Point. After descending down the northern side of the "ridge" there are a couple of small lochans with some views north towards Braeriach:
You then start the descent up to the summit of Ben Macdui. Looking back there are some more superb views to be had:
I'm not entirely sure if there is an easier path up here as it seemed to be a boulder hop for most of the way. There are some interesting finds amongst the boulders not least these quart nodules found on the granite:
Once you get to the top of the boulders it is a straightforward march north over to the summit of Ben Macdui and its numerous cairns. Here's the Compass Rose near to the trig point at the summit:
After a brew and some fodder it's time to start the descent back towards Braemar. Heading south for Sron Riach there are some more boulders to go down if you keep towards the cliff edge but you are rewarded with some more super views over Lochan Uaine:
From here it is a straight descent south, passing across some streams, until you pass to the east of the Luibeg Bridge and then continue east back towards the Linn of Dee on the original path.
Overall a longish day's walk which you could reduce by using the bike and parking it somewhere around Luibeg Bridge. The views however are some of the best and you get the real sense of being in the heart of the Cairngorms.
