Sron Riach

Often serving as a spectacular approach to Ben Macdui, this rugged spur offers a far more dramatic ascent than the main tracks. The narrow, rocky ridge provides an airy feeling as it climbs above the depths of the Lairig Ghru, with constant views across the pass to the massive bulk of Cairn Toul.

• •The name comes from the Gaelic Sròn Riach, meaning 'brindled nose' or 'greyish ridge', likely describing the way the dark rock ribs contrast with the summer grass or lingering winter snow.
• •While officially a Munro Top, it functions as the grand south-eastern staircase of Ben Macdui, rising steeply from the Luibeg Burn to the high plateau.
• •The ridge offers an exceptional perspective of the Lairig Ghru, looking directly across the Great Pass to the dramatic, pointed summit of The Devil’s Point and the high corries of Braeriach.
• •Climbers often prefer this route for the 'scrambling light' experience it offers, providing a more hands-on alternative to the well-worn paths of Coire Etchachan.
• •It is the perfect spot to realise you have done most of the hard climbing to reach Ben Macdui, only to find the true summit is still a mile-long trek across a featureless, boulder-strewn plateau.