Ben Macdui from Deeside
‘The long walk in’, a term used by some to describe the approach of the main Cairngorm plateau from Deeside, the shorter approach being from the north ski centre. The long walk in is not too far though, with just a fine short 5km to Derry Lodge, after which options are opened on your way up to the hills, including Ben Macdui.
Options to the west include an approach over a Munro, Carn a’ Mhaim. This is another favourite hill with spectacular views, especially down into the famous mountain pass, the Lairig Ghru, where we often guide groups during the summer. Approaching Ben Macdui via Carn a’ Mhaim is an even longer but rewarding day. There is a fine wide ridge walk down to Allt Clach nan Taillear, after that an impressive bouldery walk up the hill to Macdui.
Looking towards the Carn a’ Mhaim ridge, Cairn Toul to the right.
Another option to the east is to walk up the beautiful Glen Derry, an area full of regeneration and has some of the finest and oldest Scots Pines in Scotland. This approach takes you past the central Loch Etchachan, a high hill loch surrounded by the corries and hills of the Cairngorm plateau.
Sron Riach and Lochan Uaine.
Our favourite way up to Ben Macdui takes a more central route, following the Luibeg, then up Sron Riach. This gives excellent views of the surrounding Munros and the best views of the impressive Coire Sputan Dearg and it’s wee Lochan Uaine. On the way up, the hills on the other side of the Lairig Ghru start to peak their heads above the skyline and the views looking back down the glen you have walked up are splendid. There is a good mix of flora, with juniper and scots pines also creeping their way up the glen.
Looking south from Sron Riach.
From Sron Riach, it’s worth diverting north east to look down into the Coire and Lochan. You then have a steady ascent over boulders to the summit of Ben Macdui, Scotland 2nd highest hill, below Ben Nevis (1345m), and stands at an impressive height of 1309m. It is a rounded big lump of a hill, so again, once you reach the top it’s worth walking 100m west to see into the Lairig Ghru and receive one of the best views of the day, with the Garbh Coire to the west below Braeriach and you should be able to make out Corrour Bothy below Devils Point too.
Above the Lairig Ghru.
The return journey to the Linn o’ Dee has the same varied options as the approach. Going back via Derry Cairngorm, another fine Munro, keeps you higher up for the day, which can be a good option for low wind or clear days!
Ben Macdui summit.
Whichever way you go from Deeside, you will be in for a rewarding day. We offer guided walks from Deeside or from the Aviemore side, both are excellent and different apart from the top of the hill itself. And if you’re lucky, you might bump into the local reindeer herd or potentially Am Fear Liath Mòr - The Big Grey Man!
Approaching Derry Lodge.