walkhighlands

Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Route: Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

Munros: Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm

Date walked: 05/05/2009

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

Click to mark this as a great report. Register or Login
free to be able to rate and comment on reports (as well as access 1:25000 mapping).

Comments: 7



The Fara

Corbetts: The Fara
Date walked: 17/11/2008
Comments: 2
Views: 4979


Braeriach, Sgor an Lochain Uaine & Cairn Toul via Whitewell

Munros: Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Sgòr an Lochain Uaine
Date walked: 06/10/2008
Views: 6012


Braeriach, circuit from Whitewell

Attachment(s) Munros: Braeriach
Date walked: 14/09/2008
Comments: 1
Views: 5796


An Caisteal and Beinn a'Chroin

Attachment(s) Munros: An Caisteal, Beinn a' Chròin
Date walked: 09/09/2008
Comments: 2
Views: 5547


Ben Oss and Beinn Dubhcraig

Attachment(s) Date walked: 31/08/2008
Comments: 7
Views: 4975


Cruach Ardrain and Beinn Tulaichean from the north

Attachment(s) Munros: Beinn Tulaichean, Cruach Àrdrain
Date walked: 31/08/2008
Comments: 2
Views: 5633


Beinn Dearg from near Blair Atholl

Munros: Beinn Dearg (Blair Atholl)
Date walked: 30/08/2008
Views: 4655


Carn a'Chlamain

Attachment(s) Munros: Càrn a' Chlamain
Date walked: 15/08/2008
Views: 4310


Beinn Narnain and Beinn Ime

Attachment(s) Munros: Beinn Ìme, Beinn Narnain
Date walked: 12/08/2008
Comments: 5
Views: 8551

bio-man


Location: Perth
Activity: Munro compleatist
Pub: Atholl Arms, Blair Atholl
Mountain: Beinn Narnain
Place: Arrochar
Gear: Paramo Cascada trews
Ideal day out: Having been lucky to survive a 200 feet fall, any time spent in the outdoors is reward enough

Munros: 1



Filter reports


Statistics

2009

Trips: 1
Munros: 2

2008

Trips: 31
Munros: 32
Corbetts: 2


Joined: Feb 20, 2008
Last visited: Dec 09, 2023
Total posts: 344 | Search posts