Driesh Summit

One of the most easterly Munros and at the very south of the Cairngorms National Park, hikes up Driesh are popular and provide a fantastic day in dramatic landscape. With a summit at 3,107-foot (947 m) Driesh is a serious climb and often hiked in tandem with neighbouring Munro, Mayar. That said, in good conditions, its most popular routes aren’t technical, opening up this rugged mountain to a variety of hillwalkers. 

Thanks to its position in the south of the national park, the starting points for hiking trails up Driesh are easy to access from Dundee and the nearby towns. While the walk is strenuous, trails ascend fairly directly and the views from the summit are the kinds you’ll never forget. Mountain-going children will enjoy this hike in sunny weather too. 

A stunning giant with matching giant views

A popular starting point is at the end of the road where Glen Clova meets Glen Doll. It’s also possible to walk from Glen Prosen or undertake a much longer adventure from Blackwater Reservoir. In good weather, multi-day hikes in this area can be fantastic. 

From Glen Clova, you’ll catch stunning glimpses of mighty Driesh as you hike through the conifer filled Glendoll Forest. To reach Mayar first, you can follow Corrie Fee while focusing solely on Driesh, the trail up to the Shank of Dumfollow is more direct. Either way, the approaches provide breathtaking views of the towering, rugged mountains ahead. The climbing is steep but the more you ascend, the better the views become behind you. 

You’ll find a summit cairn on Driesh and mesmerising views of the Cairngorms to the north. All around you rise hills and mountains in varying shades of vibrant greens and deep browns.

Only winter mountaineers should attempt Driesh in difficult conditions and bear in mind that snow can linger long into spring.