Everything you need to plan a safe and successful day on Ben Macdui.
Today’s mountain at a glance
Recommended daylight window
Reviewing today’s daylight forecast.
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Daily modelled total
Daily summit estimate
Recommended route
World Imagery sources: Esri, DigitalGlobe, GeoEye, i-cubed, USDA FSA, USGS, AEX, Getmapping, Aerogrid, IGN, IGP, swisstopo, and the GIS User Community.
Imagery attributionA long approach through Gleann Luibeg to the plateau and summit. Remote and serious hillwalking.
View route →Essential information
Current seasonal hazards
Seasonal and weather-related risks are modelled estimates. Check the full hazard assessment before you set off.
View hazard assessment →Safety reminder
Mountain weather can change fast.
Carry waterproofs, warm layers, food, water, navigation equipment and a fully charged phone.
Plan ahead and be prepared to turn back if conditions worsen.
View safety guide →Stay informedMountain conditions can change rapidly. Always check the latest 7-day and hourly forecast, carry appropriate kit and know how to navigate in poor visibility.
Ben Macdui Via Allt Mor trail is the most direct route option currently listed.
Choose Ben Macdui Via Allt Mor trail →A long approach through Gleann Luibeg to the plateau and summit. Remote and serious hillwalking.
Paths can be unclear in poor visibility. Carry a map, compass and know how to use them.
Learn More →Conditions change rapidly on the mountain. Check the forecast and be prepared for all conditions.
Learn More →Ben Macdui is a Cairngorms mountain guide with 1 route currently listed. Use the live conditions snapshot, route details and essential access information below before planning a day on the hill.
Live Conditions
1 route available. Ben Macdui is a hard-grade mountain with a typical duration of 5–7 hrs.
Cairnova route lines and GPX files are independently prepared using publicly mapped paths, geographic mapping data and route-planning references. They have not been walked or field-verified by Cairnova. Routes, distances, ascent figures and timings are guidance only and may contain gaps, inaccuracies or pathless sections. Check the route against a current official map, carry suitable navigation equipment and make your own decisions on the mountain.
Read the full route and GPX terms →Choose the mapped approach, confirm the correct start and review parking, transport, facilities and nearby services before travelling.
Allt Mor trail parking area at route start
Pay & display (free for NTS members), 6 miles west of Braemar. Shorter option: top Cairngorm Ski car park (Coire Cas) via purpose-built path. [Coordinates verified via OS grid ref NO062897 (Linn of Dee)]
No direct bus to Linn of Dee - infrequent Stagecoach service Aberdeen–Braemar, then taxi/hitch/cycle for final leg; Coire Cas approach reachable by bus from Aviemore (limited weekday service, none Sundays).
Confirm the operator timetable, service days and return journey before departure. Where a taxi, cycle or walk is mentioned, treat it as a separate last-mile leg.
Braemar
6 miles / 9.7 km
None at Linn of Dee start; toilets at Braemar
Hotels, B&Bs, campsite and cafes in Braemar; Derry Lodge (bothy-adjacent) en route
Dogs allowed on lead
Very poor, minimal on summit plateau
Allt Mor trail parking area at route start
None at Linn of Dee start; toilets at Braemar
June–September
October to May
MountainBen Macdui (Beinn Macduibh)
Region08A: Cairngorms
CountyAberdeenshire/Moray
OS grid referenceNN988989
Height rank2
Street View near the recorded start point. Imagery may be outdated; check signs and avoid blocking access.
Research notes from the parking record; not confirmation of current access or permission to park.
[Coordinates verified via OS grid ref NO062897 (Linn of Dee)]
No direct bus to Linn of Dee - infrequent Stagecoach service Aberdeen–Braemar, then taxi/hitch/cycle for final leg; Coire Cas approach reachable by bus from Aviemore (limited weekday service, none Sundays).
Confirm operator timetables, service days and the return journey. Treat any taxi, cycle or walk as a separate last-mile leg.None at Linn of Dee start; toilets at Braemar
Check opening times and seasonal availability before travel.Hotels, B&Bs, campsite and cafes in Braemar; Derry Lodge (bothy-adjacent) en route
Explore options →△Start pointAllt Mor trail parking area at route start
↗Route typeOut and back
♧TerrainRemote plateau
≋SurfaceRemote plateau, Long approach
⌁Elevation gain769m
▣Best monthsJune–September
Parking, access, terrain and emergency details in one place, using the information available for Ben Macdui.
Very poor, minimal on summit plateau
Signal may improve lower down, but should not be relied on for navigation.Dogs allowed on lead
Please clean up after your dog and follow local access guidance.The best months to climb Ben Macdui are June–September.
Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.
Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.
Terrain and exposure vary by route. Check the route notes before committing.
Snow and ice can be present from October to May.
Parking information, facilities and access details are provided in good faith but may be subject to change. Always verify charges and opening times before travel. Cairnova accepts no liability for inaccuracies in third-party facility information.
Use this page to prepare your route plan, kit, emergency actions and mountain-specific hazards before committing to the hill.
Mountain conditions on Ben Macdui can change rapidly. Always check before setting out. Carry full waterproofs, map and compass at all times. Tell someone your route plan and expected return time.
View the 7-day forecastLocation-specific model guidance for Ben Macdui, combining live weather and pollen data with season, elevation, terrain and regional exposure.
Gathering mountain and approach-level hazard data.
Expect little or no mobile signal above higher ground.
Conditions can change rapidly at any time of year.
Do not rely on your phone for navigation.
Winter conditions can occur outside of winter.
Follow this order:
Use voice call if you can.
If you cannot speak, listen to instructions from the operator.
Do this before you travel into areas with no mobile signal.
Download the app and learn how it works before you go.
Scottish Mountain Rescue teams are entirely voluntary and charity-funded. Your support helps save lives.
Safety briefings are general guidance only and do not constitute professional mountaineering advice. Avalanche risk should always be obtained from SAIS. Cairnova accepts no liability for incidents. In an emergency in Scotland: dial 999.
Before downloading
This GPX is digitally mapped planning guidance and has not been walked or field-verified by Cairnova. Routes, distances, ascent figures and timings may contain inaccuracies, gaps or pathless ground. Cross-check it against a current detailed map, carry a map and compass, and do not rely on this file as your sole means of navigation. You remain responsible for route choice, navigation, preparation and safety. Check current weather, daylight and access conditions before setting out.
