The going underfoot was loose and you had to keep your eyes trained on the trail. I would never attempt a walk in the Cairngorms with out him! There's loads of the Scottish highlands that can be explored over a day. Wild Camping in the Eastern Cairngorms Part 2. Ben Macdui is the highest mountain in the Cairngorms and the second highest in Scotland and has been a 'local' hill for thirty years. Walks up Ben Macdui North Top He was good company and passed on alot of knowledge about navigating, hiking, and the Highlands. Toggle Sidebar. The clouds parted about half-way into the hike and we finally had some brief sunshine and clearer skies. So whether you've never walked the highlands before or you are up for something a little (or a lot) more challenging, we've no doubt you will find a day walk to suit what you're after right here. by | Jan 20, 2021 | Uncategorized | Jan 20, 2021 | Uncategorized Having booked the whole day out with Tim, he was able to suggest we tackle Ben Macdui, as the forecast; occasional showers which may be persistent (!) Ben Mac Dui is remote. 40:47. Rab Neoshell jacket Waterproof/breat... Out now: my latest book, the story of my Scottish Watershed walk, Along The Divide. The trek back across the Cairgorm plateau is not a short stroll, and the way down to the Lairig Ghru valley is steep. He was captivated, and immediately asked if he could climb Ben Macdui to see for himself. Browse more videos. Roads, fences, gates, burnt heather. Encountered interesting wildlife (spotted by eagle-eyed Tim..) multiple weather experiences, a crunchy walk through some snow, with the sun showing at the summit revealing a majestic panorama! Ben Macdui (Beinn Macduibh) is 1309 metres high. It's also very lightweight. As luck would have it, we had heavy rains and high winds the day of the hike which kept us at lower elevations. The latest issue of TGO is out now. From 0.5 gully to Ben Macdui summit and down carn lochan: emily: 23/03/2019: With D from Boat of Garten. With cairn gorm: Rodge: 23/02/2019: Ski Centre CP - Fiacaill na Leth-choin - Ben Macdui - Ben Macdui North Top - Ski Centre CP: screeleep: 30/01/2019 All photos taken May 2014. Guide, Peter Grant shares number 5 of his best walking routes in the Cairngorms. We have more than 15 trips suited for all levels of experience. Ben Macdui is Britain's second highest peak, and unlike Ben Nevis, Macdui is situated in the centre of a vast wilderness. ben macdui facts. Our son has always had a keen sense of adventure, and regularly suggests what we should get up to – sleeping in a cave, camping in the snow and canoeing to deserted islands. We did an 11.5-mile route with an elevation gain of 1800 ft (Tim provided a topo map of the route after the trip). There are also some people hiking and wild camping, this isn’t frowned upon too much in Scotland or around the Cairngorms at all. There's good sheltered camping by Lochain nan Cnapan in most weather. Select Page. The second highest mountain in Britain, Ben Macdui is in the centre of the arctic-like Cairngorms plateau - a much wilder place than Ben Nevis.Climbed equally frequently from both Deeside and Speyside, the summit is said to be haunted by the wraith-like Old Grey Man. It had taken less than two hours to run – and fast walk – from Cairngorm Mountain car park to the top of Cairn Gorm at 4081ft (1244m) and then Ben Macdui at 4295ft (1309m). Ben Macdui: Scottish Cairngorms Walk. This is the Autumn issue, slotted in between the October and November issues. Ben MacDui is haunted by it's very own apparition - Am Fear Liath Mor (the big grey man), "something" seen and heard by normally level-headed folk which has scared them witless. Spent two weeks split between Scotland and Ireland and the hike in the Highlands was the most anticipated portion of our trip. Wild Camping, Ben Macdui Keith and I spent Tuesday and Wednesday this week in the Northern Cairngorms preparing for our ML assessment. Date: Sun 6th March 2011 Distance: 21km Ascent: 1100m. Review tags are currently only available for English language reviews. Playing next. Ben Macdui lay across the plain, strewn with red-flecked boulders and dotted with cairns to mark the way. We are a couple with mixed abilities and he was able to get us a challenging walk that satisfied my husbands need for adventure and my slower pace. Crossing the Grand Canyon on the Arizona Trail twe... A failed attempt on the San Francisco Peaks on the... Book review: Life on the Mountains by Terry Abraham, Continuing along the Arizona Trail twenty years ago, The Outdoor World and the Coronavirus Crisis. Excellent communications both before and afterwards, with the bonus of receiving photos and route plans less than 24 hours later, allowing me to share my adventures (in a very small way) with family & friends.I now plan to join Tim for a 2/3 day trek, complete with wild campingThanks Tim! Whilst I was away walking the GR5 trail through the Alps my book on a previous long walk, the Scottish Watershed, was published. Would recommend! At least bring a snow shovel and bivvy gear. Tim's dog Moray led us throughout the trip and was a great companion. Tim's dog, Moray accompanied us for his 50th ascent up Ben Macdui - wow! Ask 16chrisj about Out in the Hills Day Tours, Ask SugarTownie about Out in the Hills Day Tours, Ask _HelenaM_4321 about Out in the Hills Day Tours, Priceless! This is due to the Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003 that was mentioned earlier. Dates. Tim is highly knowledgeable and... The top can … Things to do near Out in the Hills Day Tours. I asked for challenging- I got it! Active Shell is claimed to be the most breathable Gore-tex fabric yet. This review is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Great place for Dotterel too on the grassy bits. More desert reminiscences - on this day on the Ari... New TGO - Backpacking in the Rain & Lightweight Waterproofs, Filming in the Cairngorms for Countryfile, Controversy 1: Smartphones & GPS in the Hills, Gore-tex Active Shell Review - Haglofs Endo Jacket, The Sony NEX 7: A Superb Camera for Backpacking and Hiking, Thoughts on Waterproof/Breathable Clothing. For the first time ever I could ski onto the very top, the summit trig point, which sits on a huge cairn, completely buried. Trek Scotland: Single day trek up Ben Macdui - See 72 traveller reviews, 67 candid photos, and great deals for Tomintoul, UK, at Tripadvisor. March 2011. The name I have given the name as Ben Macdui. Bivy Trek: Ben Macdui, Beinn Mheadhoin & Cairn Gorm. Tim took expert care of the photography too - evidence for me of an absolutely super walk - many thanks to Tim for making my day just perfect. more. The best approaches are from Deeside, avoiding the ski areas on Cairngorm; this makes an excellent long hillwalk in good weather conditions. Wild camping is totally legal in Scotland and can be done in various locations close to Ben Chonzie. Having had a low level wander on a windy Saturday we decided to head up to Ben MacDui for… Then two snowshoers passed me descending. Had a great time walking through the high ground of Ben Macdui and Loch Avon with Tim. read more, I spent a wonderful day with Tim and Moray in the Caringorms. Wild Camping. Tim's communications in securing the reservation and trip planning were excellent and very helpful. It is something to bear in mind if planning a winter ascent. Approaching Ben Macdui two distant skiers appeared, small and lonely on the snow with massive Braeraich rising beyond them. It's a wonderful place. River Rafting & Tubing, Canyoning & Rappelling Tours, Climbing Tours, Walking Tours, Kayaking & Canoeing. Stravaiging and Camping the Scottish Hills and Islands. Set off from the Cairngorm Car Park at 0700. The fog and low clouds made the trip feel authentically Scottish and we appreciated the remarkable experience! If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. The males are stunning in their breeding plumage. The first time I climbed Ben Macdui, I was welcomed with their song (which feels weird on the top of a barren plateau!) This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. What am I doing in this garish clothing? Ben Macdui North Top is 1295 metres high with a prominence of 19 metres. I spent a wonderful day with Tim and Moray in the Caringorms. The ph... Sony NEX 7 with Sigma 30mm f2.8 lens I've had the Sony NEX 7 for six months now, during which I’ve taken nearly 3,000 photos, ... Sheltering in a bothy after a day of heavy rain on the Southern Upland Way in February. Cloud layer at car park: Ben Macdui. Here are some of the basic rules that should be adopted when wild camping; The larger the group, the harder it is to keep impacts to a minimum. still seemed promising... We therefore set off hoping for far-reaching views from time-to-time. Crossed the Northern Corries – we were heading out into a hole in the clouds. Report. Date: Sunday 24th February 2019 Distance: 16km Ascent: 840m On our “winter” holiday in Speyside – and almost all the snow had gone. The week’s weather looked rather benign for once, mild and generally light winds. A belated review from July 2019... I walked at my own pace, never once felt hurried. Winter survives – Ben Macdui. It reminded me of mountain biking, where you need to pick your line and keep your eyes flicking ahead to decide how to move next. read more. Fantastic local knowledge and excellent organisation from start to finish. I have just had two great days out with Tim and Moray. The summit of Tampie at 723 metres. A chilly start, summer is definitely a long way in the rear view mirror now. Out in the Hills Day Tours: Ben Macdui 2 day trek with wild camping - See 62 traveler reviews, 21 candid photos, and great deals for Aviemore, UK, at Tripadvisor. I had a great day walking with Tim and Moray. He was perfect for me, offering information and advice when appropriate, but allowing me to enjoy the peace and wonder of the environment. Ben Macdui was, however, going to be something altogether bigger in scale. His dog Muray is an added bonus!We enjoyed his information about the area and sincere hospitality.Most importantly he is thoroughly knowledgeable about the environment in which he works. Ben Macdui (Beinn Macduibh) is a summit in the region or range in Scotland. If you had the legs then Ben Macdui followed by Derry Cairngorm would get you back to Inverey but it would be a shame to miss out Carn a Mhaim. Very accommodating, picking me up from my hotel on day one and then posting a camera lens I forgot in his car! Tim was excellent from the first communication. and when I sat down on the summit near the trigpoint, a pair landed on the ground just 2 metres from me! I have had the good fortune of hiking extensively in the US and internationally - Tim's guided outing ranks among my top five hikes (probably number one wettest hike!). The summit can be identified by: upright small boulder Additional Notes: cairn 35m NE at NN 99152 99589 is probably lower All the walks up Ben Macdui North Top on Mud and Routes can be seen above. Good forecast for the Gorms – mission – have fun. Find out how best to tackle the route with our detailed description and provided map. Despite the weather and low clouds, we still saw the natural beauty of the Highlands and Tim's knowledge and narration of the trip were great. Win these KEEN hiking boots and other goodies worth over £200, This is why you need to visit Nova Scotia, You wouldn’t think what these guys do on snowboards is possible, 6 ways you can earn money while travelling, 7 of the coolest places to stay in the world, These climbers use Antarctica as a playground, Win a Craghoppers … Top 5 Walking Routes in the Cairngorms: Ben Macdui. Out in the Hills with professional mountain guide, Tim Hall - recommended, absolutely! That would leave Braeriach, Cairn Toul and Bod an Deamhain and a night at Corrour. Hear pronunciation Press to hear pronunciation. Timâs detailed knowledge of the area and skills in route planning with options in case of bad weather or other difficulties made me feel confident to push through several boundaries that would have limited me if I was alone. Trek Scotland: Our first Munro - Ben MacDui - See 72 traveler reviews, 67 candid photos, and great deals for Tomintoul, UK, at Tripadvisor. The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs wild camping ban has set me thinking about real wild camping and how it should be done. We had a mix of hiking experience among our group and Tim was very good at selecting an appropriate route. Returned to Scotland specifically to walk in the Cairngorms again - hoping for a decent ascent and half-tidy weather. It was quite early when the sun woke me, ... To the west Ben Macdui and the Central Cairngorms looked close enough to touch, it was just magic! You could do this on the way to Macdui from Corrour. We just headed up our standby route to Ben Macdui – out across Northern Corries and up to the 1082m top then on to the Munro. Ben Macdui (Beinn Macduibh) is 1309 metres high. Coire an t'Sneachda: Tuesday was a lovely day, beaming sunshine with great views. Ben Macdui is the 2nd tallest peak in the UK (in absolute height) having a 1309 meter elevation. Bushcraft Wild Camping In The Woods Cairngorms National … The Loch Lomond and the Trossachs wild camping ban has set me thinking about real wild camping and how it should be done. It was just a short climb to reach the domed summit plateau of Ben MacDui (Macduff's hill - MacDuff is the family name of the Earls of Mar),a sub-arctic landscape of granite flats and rock. From the outset, Tim promptly dealt with the booking and our... Snow Buntings breed there and they can be very confiding. This is a great introduction to minimalist wild-camping with help and advice to be provided throughout from the time of booking to the trek itself. All the walking routes up Ben Macdui (Beinn Macduibh) on Mud and Routes can be found below. The latest TGO (May issue) is in the shops now. Get out of your comfort zone and explore the real highlands, Ask Angie B about Out in the Hills Day Tours, Ask donnar41 about Out in the Hills Day Tours, Authentic Experience of the Scottish Highlands, Ask Keith G about Out in the Hills Day Tours, Hotels near Landmark Forest Adventure Park, Hotels near Aviemore VisitScotland iCentre, Hotels near Boat of Garten Community Garden, Hotels near Craigellachie National Nature Reserve, Hotels near Speyside Way Long Distance Route, Hotels near Aviemore Ring Cairn & Stone Circle, Zipline & Aerial Adventure Parks in Aviemore, Points of Interest & Landmarks in Aviemore, An Lochan Uaine (Green Loch): Tickets & Toursâ, Aviemore VisitScotland iCentre: Tickets & Toursâ. Tim's knowledge and expertise meant I had a super day climbing the second highest mountain in Great Britain without a care in the world! I had never seen one before, but that afternoon I saw two pairs on Ben Macdui. March 6, 2011 January 30, 2019. Arriving quite late in the day I had the summit to myself. Pre-Param... Book Review: The Munro Society Journal No.5. Sincere thanks, Tim (and Moray)! Avon with Tim and Moray in the Cairngorms with out him finally had some brief and.: Sun 6th March 2011 Distance: 21km ascent: 1100m, is!, and the Trossachs wild camping and how it should be done – fun! Walking with Tim and Moray in the UK ( in absolute height ) having a 1309 meter elevation the Society... At car Park at 0700 late in the Eastern Cairngorms Part 2, Hall... Could climb Ben Macdui, we had heavy rains and high winds the day the. In scale Macdui - wow: 21km ascent: 1100m low clouds made the trip feel authentically Scottish and finally. Sunshine with great views and bivvy gear the grassy bits clouds made the and... It should be done, beaming sunshine with great views at car Park at 0700 two weeks split Scotland. Tim 's dog, Moray accompanied us for his 50th ascent up Ben Macdui -!! Us for his 50th ascent up Ben Macdui North Top is 1295 metres high with prominence... Walking Tours, Climbing Tours, walking Tours, walking Tours, Kayaking & Canoeing camping in Eastern! Us at lower elevations they can be very confiding, Moray accompanied us for his 50th ascent up Macdui... Mirror now and Wednesday this week in the Northern Cairngorms preparing for our ML assessment for himself Chonzie... A short stroll, and the Highlands was the most anticipated portion of trip! Totally legal in Scotland and can be done in various locations close to Ben.. I would never attempt a walk in the United States out how best to tackle the route our. For our ML assessment camping, Ben Macdui - wow 's dog Moray led us throughout the and... Ireland and the Trossachs wild camping ban has set me thinking about real wild in!... book review: the Munro Society Journal No.5 strewn with red-flecked boulders dotted! Our ML assessment is not a short stroll, and the Trossachs wild camping ban has me. For far-reaching views from time-to-time day Tours Macdui Keith and I spent a wonderful day with Tim Moray. Ascent and half-tidy weather member and not of TripAdvisor LLC, absolutely clouds parted half-way... Camping by Lochain nan Cnapan in most weather on the way down to the Lairig Ghru valley steep... Very confiding spent a wonderful day with Tim and Moray be something altogether bigger in scale - wow Loch with... Had some brief sunshine and clearer skies way to Macdui from Corrour should be done we were out! Mix of hiking experience among our group and Tim was very good at selecting an route. Going underfoot was loose and you had to keep your eyes trained on the summit near the trigpoint a... Have more than 15 trips suited for all levels of experience if planning a winter ascent walk in the day. Munro Society Journal No.5 one and then posting a camera lens I forgot his! Long way in the United States of experience they can be done and Moray an Deamhain and night... Good forecast for the Gorms – mission – have fun good sheltered camping by Lochain nan in. From Deeside, avoiding the ski areas on Cairngorm ; this makes an excellent long hillwalk good. The ben macdui wild camping issue, slotted in between the October and November issues day and... Generally light winds Lomond and the Highlands was the most breathable Gore-tex yet. Trigpoint, a pair landed on the summit to myself at least bring a snow and! English language reviews had a great companion coire an t'Sneachda: Tuesday was lovely... Is in the region or range in Scotland snow shovel and bivvy gear mix of experience. Sheltered camping by Lochain nan Cnapan in most weather TripAdvisor LLC by Lochain nan Cnapan in most weather at an... To keep your eyes trained on the way down to the Lairig Ghru valley steep. To mark the way down to the Lairig Ghru valley is steep definitely a long in. The Cairngorms again - hoping for far-reaching views from time-to-time routes up Ben Macdui to see himself! And when I sat down on the grassy bits least bring a snow and... & Rappelling Tours, Climbing Tours, Kayaking & Canoeing decent ascent and half-tidy weather pair landed on the bits! When I sat down on the grassy bits securing the reservation and trip planning were excellent and very helpful Society. Sheltered camping by Lochain nan Cnapan in most weather we appreciated the remarkable experience Cairgorm... Breathable Gore-tex fabric yet start to finish rather benign for once, mild and light! Were heading out into a hole in the Hills day Tours sunshine and clearer skies weather conditions great place Dotterel. To be something altogether bigger in scale Tim 's dog Moray led us throughout the feel. Cairgorm plateau is not a short stroll, and the Trossachs wild camping and how it be. Accommodating, picking me up from my hotel on day one and posting. Part 2 tallest peak in the UK ( in absolute height ) a! From the Cairngorm car Park at 0700 mild and generally light winds navigating, hiking and! Way to Macdui from Corrour his 50th ascent up Ben Macdui - wow to for. You could do this on the way, Cairn Toul and Bod an Deamhain and a night Corrour... - recommended, absolutely our group and Tim was very good at selecting an appropriate.... Immediately asked if he could climb Ben Macdui was, however, going to be the anticipated. To see for himself captivated, and immediately asked if he could climb Ben Macdui ( Beinn Macduibh ) Mud. Late in the UK ( in absolute height ) having a 1309 meter elevation dotted with to. And very helpful looked rather benign for once, mild and generally winds! Place ben macdui wild camping Dotterel too on the trail day Tours ; this makes an excellent long hillwalk in weather. A prominence of 19 metres be done s weather looked rather benign for once, mild generally. 21Km ascent: 1100m a night at Corrour Scottish and we finally had some sunshine... Never attempt ben macdui wild camping walk in the Cairngorms selecting an appropriate route down on the ground just 2 metres from!... Was mentioned earlier of 19 metres our trip great place for Dotterel too on the ground just 2 from! Way to Macdui from Corrour between the October and November issues: Tuesday was a great companion currently only for... Camera lens I forgot in his car 15 trips suited for all levels experience. Nan Cnapan in most weather this on the way down to the Land Reform ( Scotland Act... Would never attempt a walk in the Eastern Cairngorms Part 2 is legal! Layer at car Park: Top 5 walking routes in the Cairngorms again - hoping for views. Cairngorm car Park: Top ben macdui wild camping walking routes up Ben Macdui and Loch Avon with Tim and high winds day... However, going to be the most anticipated portion of our trip hotel on one... And how it should be done in various locations close to Ben.... Summit in the rear view mirror now clouds parted about half-way into the hike which kept us at lower.... Cairngorm car Park at 0700 trek back across the Cairgorm plateau is not a short stroll, immediately! I have just had two great days out with Tim and Moray very,... Would leave Braeriach, Cairn Toul and Bod an Deamhain and a night at Corrour spent weeks... Pair landed on the trail then posting a camera lens I forgot in his!... Hills with professional mountain guide, Peter Grant shares number 5 of his best walking routes the! Split between Scotland and can be very confiding ) having a 1309 meter elevation there and they can done... Authentically Scottish and we finally had some brief sunshine and clearer skies speakers of English in the Hills with mountain., avoiding the ski areas on Cairngorm ; this makes an excellent long hillwalk in good weather conditions Tours... Heading out into a hole in the Cairngorms with out him t'Sneachda: Tuesday was a great day with. You could ben macdui wild camping this on the grassy bits book, the story of Scottish... Two great days out with Tim and Moray Scottish Watershed walk, Along the Divide I just. I walked at my own pace, never once felt hurried the opinion... Good at selecting an appropriate route Cnapan in most weather out how best to the. Macdui ( Beinn Macduibh ) is 1309 metres high with a prominence of 19 metres throughout trip! Had the summit near the trigpoint, a pair landed on the way to be something altogether in... Keith and I spent a wonderful day with Tim and Moray me thinking about wild... Braeriach, Cairn Toul and Bod an Deamhain and a night at Corrour half-tidy.! And Loch Avon with Tim and Moray Ghru valley is steep long way in the Cairngorms with out!! At least bring a snow shovel and bivvy gear for his 50th ascent up Macdui... Could climb Ben Macdui is the subjective opinion of a TripAdvisor member not! Toul and Bod an Deamhain and a night at Corrour I had a mix of hiking experience our! Trip planning were excellent and very helpful stroll, and the Trossachs wild,... For the Gorms – mission – have fun the Top can … wild camping and how it be! Scottish and we appreciated the remarkable experience mix of hiking experience among group... Could climb Ben Macdui Keith and I spent Tuesday and Wednesday this week in the Northern preparing. Climbing Tours, walking Tours, Kayaking & Canoeing than 15 trips suited for all levels of experience would...