Munro Profile 2: Ben Macdui

Region: The Cairngorms
Height: 1,309m (4,295 ft) Second-highest Munro in Scotland

Ben Macdui sits deep within the Cairngorm plateau, offering a quieter but no less commanding ascent than its taller sibling, Ben Nevis. For campervan travellers, access requires a bit more planning, but the route rewards with expansive views and a sense of highland solitude.

Trailhead and Parking

Primary Access Point: Cairngorm Ski Centre Car Park

Location: Near Aviemore, PH22 1RB
Capacity: Large car park with designated campervan spaces
Facilities: Toilets, café, information boards
Charges: Free parking, but donations are encouraged
Overnight: Not permitted in main car park; use nearby campsite or wild spots

Alternative Options

Coylumbridge: Limited roadside parking, not suitable for overnight stays
Glenmore Campsite: Full facilities, located 5 km from the trailhead
Rothiemurchus Camp and Caravan Park: Campervan pitches with access to forest trails

Note: Wild parking may be possible along the ski road, but check signage and seasonal restrictions

Route Overview

Standard Ascent: Cairngorm Ski Centre via Fiacaill a’Choire Chais

Distance: Approximately 18 km round trip
Elevation Gain: Around 850 metres
Terrain: Plateau walking, boulder fields, exposed sections
Time Estimate: 6 to 8 hours

Navigation Notes

The summit plateau is broad and often mist-covered; a map, compass, or GPS is essential
Weather can change rapidly; wind exposure is significant
Route can be extended to include Cairn Gorm or the Loch Avon basin

Campervan Suitability

Day Parking

Cairngorm Ski Centre allows daytime campervan access
Glenmore and Rothiemurchus sites offer secure daytime and overnight options

Overnight Options

Glenmore Campsite: Toilets, showers, electric hook-ups
Rothiemurchus: Quiet pitches, forest access, walking trails
Wild parking possible along ski road (check local guidance)

Fuel and Supplies

Aviemore: Full services including fuel, supermarkets, outdoor gear shops
Nearest fuel stations: BP and Tesco in Aviemore

Legacy Log

First recorded ascent: Possibly by surveyors in the early 1800s
Historic debate: Once believed to be the highest mountain in Scotland
Name origin: “Mac Duibh”, possibly “Son of the Black” or “Black Peak”
Summit features: Cairn and trig point, often used for navigation

Closing Notes

This is Munro Profile 2 in our campervan-access series. If you’ve parked near Ben Macdui, found a quiet overnight spot, or have route tips for plateau navigation, feel free to share your comments. Your insights help shape the archive and support fellow travellers.

Sources Used
These sites provide far more detailed and comprehensive overviews of the walks and Munros than I could hope to cover here:

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