NN9898 : Ben Macdui from Cairn Gorm

Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh]

1,309m Elevation
950m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NN9898 : Ben Macdui from Cairn Gorm

Mike Pennington Photo source

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Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Cairngorm and Ben Macdui Circular

This classic route begins at the Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre car park. The trail ascends via the Windy Ridge path to the summit of Cairn Gorm before continuing along the plateau to Ben Macdui. The return descends via Fiacaill a' Choire Chais, forming a scenic circular walk.

18 km ~6 hours Challenging

Ben Macdui via the Lairig Ghru

Starting from the Linn of Dee car park near Braemar, this route follows the scenic Lairig Ghru mountain pass before ascending the steep slopes to Ben Macdui. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding Cairngorms.

29 km ~10 hours Very Challenging

Ben Macdui via Coire an t-Sneachda

This route starts from the Cairngorm Mountain Ski Centre car park and heads through the dramatic Coire an t-Sneachda. After crossing the plateau, you summit Ben Macdui and return via the same route.

15 km ~5.5 hours Challenging

Ben Macdui and Derry Cairngorm Circuit

Starting from the Linn of Dee, this longer circuit takes you through Glen Luibeg to ascend Ben Macdui. The descent includes a visit to Derry Cairngorm before returning via the Derry Lodge path.

27 km ~9 hours Very Challenging

Ben Macdui from Loch Etchachan

This route starts at the Linn of Dee and passes through Glen Derry to reach Loch Etchachan, the highest loch in Scotland. From there, a steep ascent leads to the summit of Ben Macdui. The return follows the same path.

25 km ~8.5 hours Challenging
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain Historic County Top (pre-1889) Administrative County Top (1889 to 1996) Current County/UA Top

Elevation

1,309m

4,296 ft

Prominence

950m

Coordinates

57.0704, -3.6691

NN988989

OS Map

36 43

Explorer: OL57S 403S

At the Summit

The summit features a distinctive stone cairn and a large boulder characteristic of the Cairngorms, perfect for a quick photo op to show off to your friends who stayed at home.

Terrain & Geology

Rocky paths interspersed with grassy patches and occasional boggy areas near the base.

The mountain is primarily composed of granite, which is typical for the Cairngorms. The distinctive tors and rock formations provide a fascinating glimpse into glacial erosion processes.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the expansive vistas of the Cairngorms and the distant peaks of the Monadhliath.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Beinn Macduibh translates to 'the hill of the black man', hinting at both its colour and a certain enigmatic air that seems to follow it.

Historical Significance

Ben Macdui has been a pilgrimage for hikers for centuries, and its mysterious landscape carries the whispers of history and folklore.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

There is a car park at the Derry Lodge, where you can start your hike. Spaces can fill up quickly, especially in peak season, so arrive early!

Public Transport

Public transport options are limited, but buses run from Aviemore to various points in the Cairngorms region during the summer months.

Nearby Facilities

While there are no facilities directly on the mountain, Aviemore has cafés, shops, and toilet facilities that are indispensable before or after your adventure.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Beware of sudden weather changes typical of the Highlands; visibility can drop quickly, and paths may become slippery when wet.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh]?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh] through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh]?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh] search or of course create your own walk for Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh]

Can I organise a walk to Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh]?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh].

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh]?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh] here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

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Location

Ben Macdui [Beinn Macduibh] location map

Grid reference: NN988989

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