Ben Macdui and Cairngorm

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Ben Macdui is the second highest mountain in Britain. Approaching it from Speyside involves crossing the vast and exposed Cairngorm plateau, a rolling arctic wilderness and a popular route but requiring excellent navigation skills.

Terrain

Good paths on ascent and descent to plateau. The plateau itself is extremely exposed and tricky to navigate except in perfect conditions - particularly serious when under snow.

Public Transport

Bus to Cairngorm ski centre from Aviemore.

Start

Cairngorm Ski Centre car park. Map and directions.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Essentials page for basic information on the skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 17.5km / 11 miles
Time (summer conditions): 6 - 8 hours
Ascent: 932m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NH989059

Summits Climbed

Munro: Ben Macdui, Cairn Gorm

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Park at the large car park at the Ski centre and the foot of the funicular railway. The quickest route to the plateau is up the ski track and then the Fiacaill a Choire Cas ridge - but it is more scenic to instead head across below the norterhn corries. Head west down steps and cross over a bridge; on the far side the path heads up some steps and bends right across the moor, soon joining another path. At the fork, keep to the lower, right hand path - the other new path heads up into Coire an t-Sneachda. The path continues across the moor and soon crosses the Allt Coire an t-Sneachda with the help of stepping stones. At the next fork beyond - with a much poorer path - again keep to the larger, lower path.

Stage 2

Cross the next stream, which issues from Coire an Lochain, and continue on the path up onto the wide ridge of Miadan Creag an Leth-choin; ignore the smaller path which cuts across the slope. As height is gained great views open up on the left, across the gulf of Coire an Lochain - with its tiny lochan - to Cairn Lochan.

Stage 3

There is a flatter, boggier area to cross above this ridge before the path begins to contour the slopes of Cairn Lochain on the west side, high above the precipitous slopes that plunge into the Lairig Ghru. The path appears to fork at a cairn but both branches rejoin and soon flatter ground is reached as the path keeps to the right of Lochan Buidhe. Beyond here the way becomes indistinct through a boulderfield before another path is joined, coming across the plateau from Cairn Gorm. Cairn Toul and Braeriach look magnificent across the Lairig Ghru.

Stage 4

Continue across the stony tundra, rising gently before a slight descent and then a longer gradual climb across the flanks of Ben Macdui's northern top to reach the true summit. The second highest mountain in Britain is marked by a massive cairn topped with a trig point. A view indicator helps to identify the many summits in view though the expansive plateau means the view lacks great depth. Return the same way but keep on the right hand path to pass closer to Lochan Buidhe.

Stage 5

The very clear path (in summer!) crosses the slopes above the headwaters of the Feith Buidhe, scene of a terrible tragedy in 1971 when six young people died in a blizzard when being led by a trained instructor. In winter the terrain can seem quite featureless and the weather is often simply ferocious. The edge of the northern corries is reached at the bealach between Cairn Lochan and Stob Coire an t-Sneachda. Unless intending to descend the steep 'Goat track' into the corrie (often corniced and avalanche prone in winter), continue to the right over Stob Coire an t-Sneachda with impressive views down the cliffs.

Stage 6

Further round, the Fiacaill a'Choire Chais ridge offers an easy descent if energy is running low. Otherwise, ascend the broad slopes to the east to reach the summit of Cairn Gorm. The views from here are much more dramatic than those from Ben Macdui, with grand views over the great carpet of Rothiemurchus Forest and the drama of the Northern Corries.

Stage 7

Descend north to the Ptarmigan restaurant (where it may be possible to ride down by the funicular railway). Continue the walk by passing to the right of the building, heading down the Sron an Aonaich 'Windy Ridge' path. This crosses and follows a ski-run briefly but eventually bears left and descends back to the ski-centre car park.

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