After what should have been an exhilarating and inspiring first day, today continues to spoil us with beauty and adventure as our scenery becomes more rugged and although it’s shorter in distance, it is our hardest day with an ascent of Scotland’s second highest mountain, Ben Macdui.

The scenery from the summit of Ben Macdui, simply translated as the ‘Hill of Macduff’, is nothing short of spectacular. On clear days, you’ll be rewarded with sweeping vistas across the Cairngorms, including views of nearby peaks like Cairn Gorm, Braeriach, and Ben Nevis far to the west. The surrounding landscape is a patchwork of wild, unspoiled glens, lochs, and forests, making it a photographer’s paradise.

Ben Macdui is also known for its deep sense of mystery. It is often referred to as the “haunted mountain” due to stories of strange sightings and eerie experiences reported by hikers over the years. These have spawned the legend of ‘The Big Grey Man’. Whether you believe in the legends or not, the mountain’s solitude and vastness certainly add to its mystical allure.

After bagging this famous munro, we drop down towards the Hutchinson Memorial Hut which lies beneath the steep slabs of Creag a’ choire. 

The shelter is one of the few purposely built shelters in the Highlands and was constructed in 1954, although it saw a major renovation in 2012.

If there’s space we can take the opportunity to sleep here or if you prefer you can set up your tent outside in a position of your liking.

After breakfast,  we embark on well earned easy day of approximately 5 miles and not much elevation as we follow the stream before crossing the ford at Little Loch Etchachan.

We then head north following Allt nan Stacan Dubha heading for the Shelter Stone, a well known and celebrated howff sitting in a boulder field, that has come to the rescue of many in need of shelter when the sudden unpredictability of the Highlands mountain weather takes a turn for the worse.

Once navigating ourselves through this obstacle course of nature, we follow the bank of Loch Avon before reaching the fords at the far end, where we’ll settle down for the night.  Hopefully reaching here in good time to take in the unique beauty and tranquility of this remote location.

A slightly longer, but easier day as we head south gradually downhill, following the river, leaving the harsher, rugged terrain and dropping down into the idyllic Glen of Derry.

We past through a couple of miles of lush forest before breaking out to see the bothy of Bob Scott.

Again, we can make use of the bothy or you are free to find a camp spot either nearby, on the banks of the river or a spot in the woodland.

Our last day sees us make the short trek, retracing our steps from Bob Scott’s bothy back down to where we started on the first day.

After five days of incredible adventure, you’ll feel a true sense of achievement as you complete your trek. From the rugged beauty, to the serene, untouched landscapes of the Cairngorms, this journey has taken you through breathtaking glens, ancient woodlands, and challenging mountain passes. Each step has brought you closer to the heart of Scotland’s wild beauty, with unforgettable views, thrilling encounters, and a deeper connection to the land.

As you reach the end of this unforgettable trek, you’ll not only have conquered some of Scotland’s most stunning terrain but also carry with you memories that will last a lifetime.