Most people have heard of Ben Nevis, the UK's tallest mountain. But what about the second highest peak?
Standing 1,309m above sea level, number two on the UK's mighty mountains list is only 36m shorter than Ben Nevis (1,345m) – that's about a third of the height of London's famous clock tower, Big Ben – yet remarkably few people have ever heard of it.
The peak in question is tucked away in the Cairngorms National Park, just 40 miles east of the hulking mass that is 'The Ben'. And its name? Ben Macdui – or Beinn MacDuibh in Scottish Gaelic, meaning 'MacDuff's mountain'.
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Where is Ben Macdui?
Ben Macdui sits in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park in Aberdeenshire and Inverness-shire, north-east Scotland.
It rises amid a vast plateau of granite tors and heather moorland, surrounded by a group of other high peaks, including Cairn Toul and Braeriach.
Accessible from Aviemore or the Linn of Dee, its setting feels remote yet approachable (though still a tough climb), making it a hidden gem in Scotland’s high country.
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How tall is Ben Macdui?
Standing 1,309 metres (4,295 feet) above sea level (according to Ordnance Survey), Ben Macdui is the UK’s second-highest mountain after Ben Nevis. It exceeds the 3,000-foot threshold that qualifies mountains in Scotland as Munros.
The mountain has a broad, rounded summit, which can hold snow well into the summer months.
Ben Macdui: best walks
There are several popular routes to the top of Ben Macdui. None of them are easy and they should only be attempted by experienced walkers with strong navigation skills.
Perhaps to most classic path starts from the north at the ski centre at Cairngorm Mountain, ascending via Fiacaill Ridge before crossing the plateau to the summit.
Another route, this time from the south, begins at Linn of Dee, weaving through the pass of Lairig Ghru before climbing steeply over Sron Riach to the Ben Macdui summit.
How to stay safe on the mountain
Weather on Ben Macdui can change rapidly so those venturing onto its slopes must be well prepared. Equip yourself with a map, compass and GPS; even in clear conditions it can be difficult to orientate yourself on the expansive plateau.
Dress in (or take) lots of warm layers, pack a waterproof jacket and wear sturdy boots. Take plenty of food and water.
Start early, especially in winter, to give yourself plenty of time to tackle the mountain, and tell a friend or family member your intended route and return time. Always check the Met Office mountain weather forecast before setting out and consider carrying an ice axe and crampons in snowy months.
UK’s 5 highest mountains
– Ben Nevis (1,345m)
– Ben Macdui (1,309m)
– Braeriach (1,296m)
– Cairn Toul (1,291m)
– Sgor an Lochain Uaine (Angel’s Peak) (1,258m)
Top image: The view from Ben Macdui, looking across the pass of Lairig Ghru towards Cairn Toul in the Cairngorms National Park. Credit: Getty
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