Highlight • Natural Monument
Mount Keen
Hiking
5.0
(38)
Mountain biking
5.0
(14)
Mount Keen is probably best known for being the most easterly of all the Munro summits. Rising above the wild Mounth plateau, midway between glorious Glen Tanar and Glen Mark, hikes to Mount Keen’s granite summit leave a lasting impression.
Most walking routes to Mount Keen either begin from Glen Tanar in the north or Glen Mark to the south. If opting for the former, consider that the pine woodland of Glen Tanar represents a fine remnant of the Great Forest of Caledon, which once covered much of the Highlands. Whichever way you choose, the paths are distinct and straightforward to follow. The northern approach is longer; some choose to shorten the day by taking a mountain bike.
Ancient forests and sumptuous views from an isolated Munro
The mountain rises gradually at first and then steeply to something of a domed summit, though nowhere is it technical. A broader but lower area of upland rises to the east in the form of Braid Cairn. Beyond this are many miles of upland and rounded hills that eventually meet the sea at Stonehaven.
A trig point adorns the mountain top, a great foreground for photos to the west where the Cairngorms National Park fills the horizon. Lochnagar’s dark, distant cliffs are possibly the finest scene from this vantage.
Aboyne is a good base for approaches from the north, with plenty of inns and guesthouses. Glen Mark has a guest house and there are numerous wonderful locations for an unforgettable wild camp.
In full winter conditions, Mount Keen may be accessible from the south but the northern approach may be too long, given the reduced daylight. Conditions can become very challenging, so be prepared to turn back if it becomes clear the use of ice axes and crampons are needed and you are without.
Most walking routes to Mount Keen either begin from Glen Tanar in the north or Glen Mark to the south. If opting for the former, consider that the pine woodland of Glen Tanar represents a fine remnant of the Great Forest of Caledon, which once covered much of the Highlands. Whichever way you choose, the paths are distinct and straightforward to follow. The northern approach is longer; some choose to shorten the day by taking a mountain bike.
Ancient forests and sumptuous views from an isolated Munro
The mountain rises gradually at first and then steeply to something of a domed summit, though nowhere is it technical. A broader but lower area of upland rises to the east in the form of Braid Cairn. Beyond this are many miles of upland and rounded hills that eventually meet the sea at Stonehaven.
A trig point adorns the mountain top, a great foreground for photos to the west where the Cairngorms National Park fills the horizon. Lochnagar’s dark, distant cliffs are possibly the finest scene from this vantage.
Aboyne is a good base for approaches from the north, with plenty of inns and guesthouses. Glen Mark has a guest house and there are numerous wonderful locations for an unforgettable wild camp.
In full winter conditions, Mount Keen may be accessible from the south but the northern approach may be too long, given the reduced daylight. Conditions can become very challenging, so be prepared to turn back if it becomes clear the use of ice axes and crampons are needed and you are without.
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
Adventurer Nic
June 28, 2021
Hiking
Mount Keen is a Munro mountain of Scotland that stands alone in the east. For that reason it's commonly hill walker's first or last Munro as it's a long but technically easy climb and a great walk to share with friends.
Andrew
March 8, 2022
Hiking
One of the easiest Munros to reach, a good one to do as a beginner. Cycling in will make a much easier ascent.
Alex
January 3, 2023
Mountain biking
Mount Keen sits at 939 m high and is the most easterly munro in Scotland. Take in the views before the rapid descent!
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Elevation 930 m
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Family Friendly
yes
Wheelchair access
no
Dog Friendly
yes
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Thursday 18 June
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