Ben Macdui and Cairngorm
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 (charge).
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 Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.
Users' reports
Read about the experiences of our users on this route.
There are 82 reports from this walk - click to read them.