This Munro had been on my list for a while. The second highest mountain in the UK, Ben Macdui may not be full of technical sections. Well not on the route I took up, but there is more ridge paths available if you are so inclined and experienced to do so.
Myself I was nursing a little bit of a whiskey hangover after trying a few drams in the Pine Marten, on the shores of Loch Morlich, the night before. Not the best conditions to be in for a big hike, but the fresh mountain air quickly felt amazing.
The Route
This route follows the main path up to the summit of Ben Macdui then follows the ridge back to Cairn Gorm before bringing you back down to the Ski Centre. Last year I took on Cairn Gorm alone and followed the path all the way back to the campsite rather than the ski centre. It is a beautiful path that winds through the Glen More forest, following the streams that flow down from the mountain. It does add a fair few miles onto the hike though.
The Stats
Length
11.33 mi
Avg pace
26:23
Elev. gain
3,468 ft
Calories
2,594
Moving time
4:59:02
Total time
5:43:49
From the start of the hike there is simply gorgeous views of the Cairngorm National Park.
The First Incline
The first couple of miles are the steepest. As you head south from the Ski Centre the route heads towards the Laurig Ghru valley. The path is pretty simple underfoot as it sweeps around towards Ben Macdui.
This hiking route also offers some beautiful views. Whether that is looking back towards Loch Morlich or looking across the values at the other 4000 feet plus Cairngorm Range summits.
I was definitely lucky with the weather on this one. The sun was in full force all day but being over 2000 foot all day did bring a slight chill along with. Especially on the couple of occasions the wind picked up bring a crisp chill with it.
It may have been the end of the spring but you could still see tenements of winter as the snow clung onto the shadows of the mountains across the valley.
The Rocky Plateau
For the last mile and a half to the summit the path does flatter out considerably as it crosses over the rocky plateau. It’s not the easiest underfoot and didn’t really mix well with my faster pace, it forces you to focus a little more on the balance of each step as each little boulders becomes unpredictable in stability.
I was still able to keep a pretty good pace over these sections but that was also helped by the addition of my hiking poles to my mountain day kit. They just add a little extra balance and helps to reduce the risk of rolling those ankles on the uneven terrain.
The Summit of Ben Macdui
Unlike the summit of some mountains, the top of Ben Macdui is a very large flat area, spotted with lots of boulders. There are plenty of little wind shelters and they do almost appear hidden but it means that even with a crowded summit it still feels like you have it to you self. It also means that you have options for escaping the wind now matter which direction it is heading from.
I am not a huge one for mid hike breaks. I may stop for a very quick snack, or a few sips of coffee. Generally though I like to keep moving until I can fully stop moving.
The top of this magnificent Munro though deserved a full little break stop. After tapping the trig and checking out some of the surrounding summits on the dial. I found myself a nice little shelter (up here they really do come in all sizes) and I just sat taking in the view for a little while.
Loving the peace that was coming from the mountainous landscape. It was one of those moments when you realise just how small we are. One where I realised just how lucky I am to be able to take on amazing hiking routes like this one.
The Final ascent towards Cairn Gorm
The drop beneath the summits does come with some cliff edge paths. although I was left with little option in most places but the follow the ridge, I did keep my distance. Mostly because it was a pretty still day but when a gust came through, it wasn’t weak.
The last ascent of the day came up from this plateau, and I think it was the steepest section of the whole route. It definitely felt that way anyway. Thankfully it isn’t a huge climb, I realised I had made pretty good time all day. So I took my time and carefully reached the last summit of the hike.
A beautiful sunset from the shores of Loch Morlich to end the day
This hike was taken further with a little lap around the loch to catch the sunset. Loch Morlich is one of my favourite places in the UK. Surrounded by forests and mountains, with it’s own sandy beach which also happens to be the highest sandy beach in the UK. It really does have a little of everything, and the Glen More campsite is also pretty well set up for facilities and location. With pitches starting pretty cheap too.
There is sometimes some food vans on site, last time I got a couple of pizzas. There is also the aforementioned Pine Marten pub, which does serve food most of the day.
I escaped the campsite and pub crowds and I have a favourite little spot. It is a bit of the trail but there are many little openings where the forest meets the shore. Perfect for a peaceful sunset.