Ben Macdui loop from Cairngorm Base Station — Cairngorms National Park
Ben Macdui loop from Cairngorm Base Station — Cairngorms National Park
4.9
(138)
1,317
hikers
Ben Macdui loop from Cairngorm Base Station — Cairngorms National Park
05:52
16.8km
760m
Hiking
Embark on the difficult Ben Macdui loop from Cairngorm Base Station, a challenging hike covering 10.5 miles (16.8 km) with an elevation gain of 2498 feet (761 metres), typically taking 5 hours and 51 minutes. The trail begins on well-constructed paths before transitioning to rugged mountain terrain, extensive boulder fields, and stony tundra. You will traverse the vast, arctic-like Cairngorm Plateau, offering a wild and remote feeling with panoramic views from the summit of Ben Macdui and glimpses of the serene Lochan Buidhe, considered the highest body of water in the British Isles.
This loop demands a very good level of fitness and sure-footedness, as much of the route is exposed above the treeline. You should be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions and potential low visibility, which can make navigation challenging across the featureless plateau. Sturdy shoes, alpine experience, and strong navigation skills using a map and compass are essential for your safety on this demanding route. Snow patches can linger into late spring, further adding to the trail's character.
The Ben Macdui loop is notable for leading you to the summit of Ben Macdui, Scotland's second-highest mountain at 1,309 metres. Starting from the high elevation of the Cairngorm Mountain ski station car park, the trail offers a unique opportunity to experience an arctic-like environment rare in Scotland, complete with rolling tundra and the potential for year-round snow. Keep an eye out for wildlife such as ptarmigan, golden eagles, and even reindeer as you explore this remote and wild corner of Cairngorms National Park.
Last updated: April 23, 2026
Tips
Your route passes through a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Waypoints
Start point
Parking
Get Directions
137 m
Cairngorm Mountain Base Station
Highlight • Parking
Since 1961, there was a chairlift on the slopes of Cairn Gorm, which had proven to be very susceptible to wind. The rebuilding of the Cairngorm Mountain Railway by the company Doppelmayr began in 1999, the opening was on December 23, 2001. [1] The railway is operated by Cairngorm Mountain Limited and is owned by Highlands and Islands Enterprise. At 1,970 m in length, the railway, which is executed in 2,000 mm broad gauge, negotiates a height difference of 462 m. Above the middle station Sheiling there is an alternative place. The route is mostly designed as a concrete viaduct, the last 350 m are located in a tunnel. The cable car is part of the ski area in winter and serves hikers and tourists in summer.
(c) Wikipedia 2018
Translated by Google •
Tip by
3.88 km
Stob Coire an t-Sneachda Summit
Highlight • Viewpoint
It is separated from Corie an Lochain by an enticing ridgeline. This is the Fiacaill Ridge, an exciting grade II scramble for hikers.
Tip by
8.63 km
Ben Macdui summit
Highlight • Summit
In good weather / clear visibility you have a great view. In bad weather (sudden weather change) you can quickly lose your orientation (map / compass / GPS)
Translated by Google •
Tip by
16.8 km
End point
Parking
Way Types & Surfaces
Way Types
11.9 km
4.01 km
726 m
< 100 m
Surfaces
6.77 km
5.39 km
4.06 km
208 m
181 m
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Elevation
Highest point (1,300 m)
Lowest point (630 m)
Sign up to see more specific route details
Sign up for free
Weather
Powered by Foreca
Wednesday 20 May
15°C
4°C
94 %
Additional weather tips
Max wind speed: 21.0 km/h
to get more detailed weather forecasts along your route
This route was planned by komoot.
Nearby routes
Trail Reviews
Fabulous day on the mountain in really deep snow. Parked at the ski station and headed up the Northern Corries path. Once on the ridge the plateau opens out in front of you with the toute to Cairn Gorm off yo your left. Braeriach & Cairn Toul are off to your right. Cross the plateau and then your destination of Ben Macdui can be seen for the girst time. The path heads fownhill from here into a dip before making its ascent to the summit. North top first and then the actual summit. We did this in thick powdery snow which made each sunken step a challenge but the views at the summit are worth it. Returning we retraced out steps before taking the path towards Cairn Gorm staying just under the summit before heading sterp down back to the ski station. A fabulous hike!
Today was the 2nd attempt to climb Ben Macdui - with success 👍🏻🏔️💪🏻 I've been keeping an eye on the weather forecast for the past few days and today, after the aborted tour, a second window of opportunity opened up. Much better than the storm the day before yesterday, today there was pure sunshine. The climb was a mix of sun and clouds, with a slight breeze and fantastic views. After the first tough meters of altitude came the scree field of Ben Macdui. This is actually not to be underestimated and in bad weather conditions you can get lost very quickly. At some point Ben Macdui appeared and I had the goal in sight. One last climb and the effort was worth it. For a short time the sun even appeared on the summit, but it quickly clouded over again. Happy and motivated, I started my return journey over the Cairn Gorm towards the base station. The way back was in full sunshine and through a beautiful Scottish landscape. Look at the pictures - I almost couldn't get enough of them. The last climb up the Cairn Gorm was again challenging and the path runs back the full height to the starting point in one go. The Cairn Gorm offers more fantastic views. Exhausted and tired, with a souvenir from the shop, I started my journey home. An amazing day with incredible impressions. I am particularly pleased that a second window opened up and I was able to complete this round. Many thanks to the Scottish weather gods for this day 😉 History (Wikipedia) Ben Macdui was long considered the highest peak in Great Britain. It was not until 1847, when the state surveying company Ordnance Survey carried out the first precise survey, that it was discovered that Ben Nevis was higher. Its name means "hill of the black pig". According to legend, Ben Macdui is the home of Am Fear Liath Mòr ("the big grey man"), who is said to resemble the Yeti. Happy Thursday everyone 🙋🏻♂️ Collection Scotland: https://www.komoot.com/de-de/collection/2403444/-schottische-highlands-das-nordwestliche-hochland