Ben Macdui North Top

Ben Macdui North Top

Ben Macdui North Top Group Walks | Join a Walk

1,294m Elevation
18m Prominence
Scotland Country

Join group walks, find walking companions and friends, or organise your own!

Classifications

High Hill of Britain Deleted Munro Top

Looking for walking companions?

Don't walk alone! Find friendly walkers to explore Ben Macdui North Top together. Join scheduled group walks or start your own.

Elevation

1,294m

4,246 ft

Prominence

18m

Coordinates

57.0760, -3.6656

NN991995

OS Map

36 43

Explorer: OL57S 403S

At the Summit

The summit features a substantial cairn and provides impressive 360-degree views. It's a perfect spot for lunch or a well-deserved rest after the climb.

Terrain & Geology

Predominantly rocky with grassy patches; expect some sections of loose scree especially near the summit.

The mountain is primarily composed of granite, giving rise to its rugged and striking appearance. The surrounding area features glacial valleys and scree slopes, which testify to the powerful forces that shaped it during the last Ice Age.

Views & Scenery

From the summit, you can see the majestic Cairngorm massif, including other notable peaks such as Braeriach and Cairn Toul, as well as expansive views of the highland glens.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

The name 'Ben Macdui' is derived from the Gaelic 'Beinn Mac Duibh,' which translates to 'Mountain of the son of the dark one.' Not much is known about this 'dark one,' but it certainly adds to the mountain's charm.

Historical Significance

Ben Macdui is the second-highest mountain in the UK and has been a longstanding favourite for hikers. Its mystical aura and natural beauty have made it a prominent landmark in Scottish culture.

Popular Routes

The Ladder Route

Moderate

A popular ascent from the east, this route offers gradual elevation gain and stunning views of the surrounding mountains. It's an excellent choice for those looking to ease into Munro bagging.

9 km 4 hours

The Lairig Ghru Route

Challenging

An iconic route through the Lairig Ghru pass, this path showcases some of the best of the Cairngorms. Adventurous souls will revel in its spectacular terrain and breathtaking vistas.

14 km 6 hours

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

The best parking is available at the Cairn Gorm ski centre car park, located about 15 km from the start of the Ladder Route.

Public Transport

Local buses connect Aviemore and other nearby towns with the Cairngorms. Check local schedules for service frequency.

Nearby Facilities

Aviemore offers several cafés, restaurants, and shops, as well as public toilets. At the Cairn Gorm ski area, facilities may be more limited.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Rapid weather changes can occur; it's advisable to carry appropriate gear. Watch for rocky sections and, during wet periods, the trails can become slippery.

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

Find Walking Companions

Join friendly walkers exploring Ben Macdui North Top and surrounding area

Can't find a walk? Organise your own!

Create a walk and let others join you. It's free and easy!

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Ben Macdui North Top?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Ben Macdui North Top through the maps

Are there other walkers around Ben Macdui North Top?

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 North Top search or of course create your own walk for Ben Macdui North Top

Can I organise a walk to Ben Macdui North Top?

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 North Top.

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 North Top?

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 North Top here

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

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible