Ben Macdui
Ben Macdui, Scotland’s second highest peak, is a vast domed mountain in the Cairngorms, easily accessed from the north, but serious in winter.
Ben Macdui
| Height | 1309m |
| Prominence | 950m |
| Meaning | Macduff's mountain |
| Lists | Munros (M2) |
| Location | Lairig Ghru to Lairig an Laoigh, Cairngorms and North East Grampians |
| Grid Ref | NN989989 |
| Lat/Lon | 57.07565, -3.66584 |
| Munro tops | Càrn Etchachan (1119m) Sron Riach (1114m) |
From lower ground surrounding Aviemore or the A9, Ben Macdui is mostly hidden from view, lurking behind other large mountains such as Cairn Gorm and Braeriach. Like these Munros, Ben Macdui is a rounded dome with the summit sitting above lochans and cliffs on its eastern aspects. To the west and south of the summit, ground drops steeply to the Làirig Ghrù and Càrn a'Mhàim. To the north a vast plateau runs from the summit towards Cairn Lochan and Cairn Gorm.
From the north and the east, there are some fine and well maintained paths to follow, including a section marked with cairns to aid navigation in mist. Much of the higher ground is fairly flat and mostly covered with granite gravel and boulderfields. Navigation can be tricky in mist !
There is a vast choice of routes to choose from, with the most direct being an approach on a fine path from the Cairngorm Mountain car-park.
Routes up Ben Macdui
Cairn Gorm and Ben Macdui | |
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Hillwalking route up Ben Macdui and Cairn Gorm with an optional relatively easy scramble on Fiacaill Ridge in good summer conditions. Peaks : 2 Munros
Ascent : 1000m (3280ft) Distance : 17km (11m) Time : 6hr* | |
Cairngorm 4000s | |
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Circular hillwalking route over the Cairngorm 4000ers from Glenmore, including Ben Macdui, Braeriach, Cairn Toul, Sgòr an Lochain Uaine and Cairn Gorm. Peaks : 5 Munros
Ascent : 2250m (7380ft) Distance : 28km (17m) Time : 10:45hr* | |
Cairngorms Darkside from Coire Raibert | |
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Route up Ben Macdui and Beinn Mheadhoin from Cairn Gorm ski centre, visiting Loch Avon’s beaches and the famous Shelter Stone en route. Peaks : 4 Munros
Ascent : 1730m (5680ft) Distance : 27km (17m) Time : 9:40hr* | |
Cairngorms darkside from Linn of Dee | |
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Route up Ben Macdui and neighbouring Munros from Linn of Dee. Vast plateaux, granite tors, forests and the chance to spot reindeer herds. Peaks : 4 Munros
Ascent : 1850m (6070ft) Distance : 35km (22m) Time : 10:15hr* | |
Nearby hills and mountains
* Times shown are estimates – see timing notes on the disclaimer page for more information.