Ben Macdui and the Cairngorm Plateau

Distance – 17+km (11+ miles) Total ascent – 950+m Duration – 6 to 8+ hours. (If the weather is good we’ll be in no rush to go down from the plateau) Munros Ben Macdui – 1309m Cairn Gorm (optional) – 1245m Derry Cairngorm (possible from Deeside) – 1155m Times Meet at the Cairngorm ski centre car park, 9am. This walk can take 6 – 8+ hours depending on the weather and group. An earlier or later start time can be arranged by request. There is also an option to walk in from Linn o’ Dee, near Braemar. This is a longer walk but also very spectacular. A walk over the Munro Derry Cairngorm is possible via this route to Ben Macdui, returning via Loch Etchachan and the beautiful Glen Derry. Safety Aspects There is little in the way of hazards on this walk except the usual underfoot conditions that you find while walking in Scotland, some rough tracks and a couple of small boulder sections. These surfaces can be slippery underfoot in wet conditions. The main risk will be a slip, so adequate footwear is essential, boots or trail shoes with a good grip. If the weather forecast is extremely poor, especially for high winds, the walk may be postponed, or an alternative offered. Your guide will carry all the essential safety equipment required to keep the group safe and will show these items to you prior to departure. You will be given a short safety discussion at the start of your walk. Walk Description We will walk along a good path past the magnificent Northern Corries, then up Lurchers track to the plateau. A short detour from the path at this point provides breath-taking views into the Lairig Ghru and the Pools of Dee below. The subarctic terrain of the plateau is unlike anything else in Scotland. In her book, The Living Mountain, Nan Shepherd describes the plateau as the true summit of the mountains, the tops of Macdui etc being just eddies on the surface. Water springs and falls from the plateau. We will walk past the source of the March Burn, the crystal clear water falls east and joins on with the Dee. And to the west falls the Fèith Buidhe

©Hillgoers 2018 www.hillgoers.com [email protected] tel: +44 (0)7753 488688

into the remote Loch Avon and onwards to the Spey. Loch Avon (A’an) is described by Adam Watson in the Scottish Mountaineering Club guide for the Cairngorms as unsurpassed by any Scottish loch for its grandeur and wild, remote setting. We will walk over to view into the Loch. Views from Ben Macdui are vast on a clear day. Being the 2nd highest mountain in Scotland, you can see all the way to its rival Ben Nevis on a clear day. If time allows we will perhaps walk up to the summit of Cairn Gorm too but this is not essential, being on the plateau alone is the true experience and we may want to spend more time just taking in the scenery of Loch Avon or over the Lairig Ghru. Ptarmigan are often seen, as are snow buntings. We may also bump into the local reindeer herd. Mountain flora on the plateau is again quite unique, your guide will point out the interesting features and tell stories of the past as you walk. Once you’ve been on the plateau, you will feel the need to return.

©Hillgoers 2018 www.hillgoers.com [email protected] tel: +44 (0)7753 488688

Kit - This kit list can be used as a guide for what you need to bring on a summer day hill walk with Hillgoers, please contact us for any kit advice. Essentials In the bag

Walking boots / shoes Comfortable, waterproof, support the ankle and good grip. Socks Woollen socks, merino mix. Walking trousers Quick drying walking trousers (not jeans). Waterproof over trousers Something you can pull on and off quite easily. Base layer T-shirt or shirt next to your skin, should be breathable product like merino, avoid cotton as this holds moisture.

Mid Layer Warm and comfortable. Extra warm layers (fleece Fleece or insulating jacket. or insulating jacket) Outer jacket Waterproof with built in hood. Gloves layers of gloves can be a good option. Hats A good warm hat and a spare is good too. A buff can take the chill off your neck too. Rucksack A comfortable day sack with hip belt. Waterproof cover or liner inside to keep your kit dry. Food Enough for a day on the hills, you will burn a lot of calories so additional snack bars are good too. Drink We use a filter water bottle so we can pick up water when needed, saves carrying the additional weight. Torch Head torch with new batteries and spares. Personal items Anything you would normally take with you for a long day in the hills, toiletries, small first aid, etc. Midge net / spray Depending on time of year. Sun cream Depending on forecast! Optional

Walking poles Great items and take the strain off your knees. Camera / mobile phone Map and Compass We can provide discounted Harvey Maps and Silva Compass.

What your guide will also bring Map, Compass and spares Will also carry a GPS.  Whistle  Spare layers Down jackets, hats and gloves – If cold please use them.  Group shelter & Blizzard Large enough for whole group & emergency warm bag.  Bag Group First aid kit  Unlocked mobile phone/s 