9 Tips for Walking Ben Macdui
At 1,309 metres, Ben Macdui is the second highest mountain in the UK and one of the great walks of the Cairngorms.
The most popular route starts high at Cairngorm Mountain and takes you across the vast Cairngorm plateau to the summit. On a clear day, the views across the mountains are incredible and, although it's a long and serious mountain day, there's no scrambling involved on the standard route.
The usual circular route taking in Ben Macdui and Cairn Gorm is around 17.5km, with roughly 930 metres of ascent, and you should allow around 6 to 8 hours.
We've walked it ourselves and loved it, but this is definitely one where a little preparation makes all the difference. Here are nine things we'd recommend knowing before you set off.
4. Wear layers and pack for changing weather
You can leave Cairngorm Mountain feeling warm and find yourself reaching for gloves and another layer considerably higher up.
Wear comfortable walking clothes and carry warm layers plus a waterproof jacket and trousers, even if the forecast looks reasonably good.
A hat and gloves weigh almost nothing and can make an enormous difference if the temperature drops.
And don't forget sun cream. We did once make that mistake and returned with the burnt cheeks and red noses to prove it.
5. Take enough food and water
This is a long day out, so take enough food and water to keep you going for considerably longer than you expect.
Pack a proper lunch along with high energy snacks that are easy to reach while you're walking.
How much water you'll need depends on the conditions, the individual and the length of your route, so don't rely on a fixed amount or assume you'll be able to refill safely from streams along the way.
And always keep something in reserve in case the walk takes longer than planned.
6. Wear proper walking boots or shoes
The standard route doesn't involve technical climbing, but you'll still be covering rough, rocky mountain terrain for several hours.
Wear sturdy walking boots or shoes with good grip that you've already broken in. Waterproof footwear is particularly useful after wet weather.
If there is snow or ice on the route, however, this becomes a very different proposition. Winter conditions in the Cairngorms require appropriate equipment, skills and experience, and snow can linger well beyond what we might think of as winter at lower levels.
If you're unsure, check current mountain conditions before setting off.
7. Give yourself plenty of daylight
Allow around 6 to 8 hours for the standard circular route and don't plan your day around the fastest time you've seen someone else record.
Start early enough that you have plenty of daylight in reserve, particularly outside midsummer.
Your walking pace, stops, weather and visibility can all affect how long the route takes. Besides, on a clear day you'll probably want to stop fairly often just to look at the view.
Tell someone where you're going and roughly when you expect to return too.
8. Look up occasionally
It's very easy to spend a mountain walk staring at the path immediately in front of your boots.
Don't.
The route to Ben Macdui crosses one of the most extraordinary landscapes in the Cairngorms, with views towards the Northern Corries, across the Lairig Ghru and deep into the mountain plateau.
Keep an eye out for wildlife too. Depending on the time of year you might spot red deer, mountain hare or some of the birds that make these high mountains their home.
And if you're lucky enough to get a beautifully clear day, take your time. This isn't a walk to rush.
9. Know when to turn back
Perhaps the most important tip of all.
Reaching the summit is never more important than getting safely back down again.
If the weather deteriorates, visibility disappears, someone in your group is struggling or the walk is simply taking much longer than expected, turning around is a perfectly good decision.
Ben Macdui will still be there next time.
But if the conditions are right, you've come prepared and you're comfortable with the route, go for it. Standing at 1,309 metres with the Cairngorm mountains stretching away around you is a pretty wonderful reward for the climb.
And yes, take lots of pictures. Just remember the sun cream.
1. Check the mountain forecast
This is number one for a reason.
Weather at 1,300 metres can be completely different from conditions down in Aviemore, and the Cairngorm plateau is exceptionally exposed. Sunshine in the village doesn't necessarily mean sunshine on Ben Macdui.
Check a dedicated mountain forecast before you leave and pay particular attention to wind speed, visibility, temperature and the possibility of rain or snow.
If the forecast looks poor, save Ben Macdui for another day. The mountain isn't going anywhere.
2. Know your route before you start
The popular northern approach begins at the car park at Cairngorm Mountain.
From there, the route passes beneath the Northern Corries before climbing onto the plateau and crossing towards Ben Macdui. Many walkers then return via Cairn Gorm to make a circular walk.
The paths can be clear in good summer conditions, but once you're on the plateau the landscape becomes much more open and featureless. In cloud, the whole experience can change remarkably quickly.
We'd recommend studying the route beforehand and using a detailed route guide such as Walkhighlands.
3. Don't rely entirely on your phone
A navigation app is incredibly useful, but don't make your phone your only means of finding your way.
Cold weather drains batteries, phones can be dropped or damaged and reception shouldn't be relied upon in the mountains.
Take a map and compass and, crucially, know how to use them. If you're not confident navigating when visibility disappears, choose a clear day or consider building your mountain skills on something less committing first.
Ben Macdui is accessible to plenty of ordinary hillwalkers in good conditions, but the Cairngorm plateau deserves respect.
