CORVID-19 is still with us even though most restrictions have been relaxed in Scotland. The risks of infection are lower if outside, there is still a risk if mixing in large groups. Even so, please do not go out in the Cairngorms, or anywhere else, if you are showing signs of Corvid-19 and when out walking make sure you give people space - 1m at least and preferable 2m. Remember that if it feels too crowded then you can walk away and try somewhere else, the hills will still be there tomorrow. Also remember the MRT. They will come out to rescue you but they should not have to put themselves into danger from this virus.

A number of these routes start and finish at the main Cairngorm car park. Currently there is significant building work being undertaken in repairing the funicular. The site is fenced off to keep people out but there are routes across the work for walkers. Please keep out of this dangerous building site and follow the contractor's instructions.

Ben Macdui Horseshoe

Ben Macdui Horseshoe
Carn a Mhaim [NN994952, 1037]
Ben Macdui [NN988989, 1309]
Derry Cairngormn [NO017980, 1155]
OS map : 36 & 43
start : Linn of Dee
gridref : NO065897
summary : Linn of Dee - Derry Cairngorm - Ben Macdui - Cairn a Mhain - Linn of Dee
distance : 28.0km.
ascent : 1210m.
time taken : 10hr. 30min.

Summit of Ben Macdui - the highest in the Cairngorms

Ben Macdui is the largest of the Cairngorm mountains. This route ascends from the south including 2 other Munros on the way. Ben Macdui is set in the heart of the Cairngorms so this route has a typical Cairngorm long approach.

There is a large car park at the Linn of Dee that gives easy access to the Cairngorms from the south. Often busy especially in the good weather. Sitiuated at the Linn of Dee on the minor road west of Braemar.

From the Linn of Dee follow the track to Derry Lodge (can be cycled). Cross the river (bridge) and climb the steep slopes NW to exit the forest near Creag Bad an t-Seabhaig. Follow the crest of the ridge to Cran Crom and then onto Derry Cairngorm. This has a conical summit is covered with boulders. A cairn marks the summit.(10kms. 780m. 4hrs. 30min.)

From Derry Caringorm continue along the crest of the ridge NW to the bealach. Skirt around Creagan a Choire Etchetan to meet the major path from Loch Etchachan to Ben Macdui. Follow this path SW and then W to reach the summit of Ben Macdui. This has a large rounded summit of Ben MacDui is topped by a large summit cairn with trig point. Unmistakable.(4kms. 210m. 1hrs. 40min.)

Leave Ben Macdui along the main path E for 0.5km and then descend steeply along the SE slopes of Allt Clach nan Taillear to the bealach. Follow the ridge line SE to reach the summit of Cairn a Mhaim. The summit of Carn a'Mhaim is the north westerly of two rocky tops thatmarks the true summit.(4kms. 220m. 1hrs. 40min.)

Continue along the Cairn a Mhaim ridge SE as it broadens. Descend the steep slopes missing the cliffs of Coire na Poitel to reach the valley floor. Follow the path E to Derry Lodge and then return to Linn of Dee via the wide track.(10kms. 0m. 3hrs. 0min.)