This popular route to Mount Keen, the most easterly Munro, offers a relatively straightforward ascent from Glen Esk. The journey follows a long glen track, transitioning to open moorland before reaching the summit. It provides a rewarding hillwalking experience with expansive views across the surrounding Angus glens and distant craggy peaks.
Terrain and underfoot
The route begins on a good quality track through Glen Esk, which gradually becomes rougher as it ascends. Higher up, the track transitions to a constructed path leading onto open moorland. There are sustained steep sections on the approach to the summit, and some rockier ground and a bouldery summit cone near the top. The path has seen recent repairs, improving its condition. Navigation is generally clear on the well-defined track and path.
Mount Keen
Mount Keen
Distance
29.7 km
Ascent
891 m
Typical time
7.5 - 9.5 hours
Munros
1
Route overview
An exceptionally long but gentle approach to Scotland's most easterly Munro. Starting through the ancient Caledonian pinewoods of the Glen Tanar National Nature Reserve, the route transitions into open, rolling heather moorland before a final, steeper pull onto the rocky summit dome. It offers a scenic, classic journey through a preserved Highland glen.
Terrain and underfoot
Underfoot conditions are highly straightforward, utilizing well-maintained estate tracks and clear, eroded paths. The initial miles follow flat forest tracks, which gradually give way to a rougher, steeper path on the upper slopes of the mountain. While navigation is simple in clear weather, the final dome is exposed. A key river crossing relies on a bridge currently reported as closed.
Stay close to the hill
Turn Mount Keen into part of a Highland break
Browse handpicked Scottish cottages ranked with cached road times to Munro route starts. Signed-in walkers can prioritise cottages by the hills still missing from their round.
Route times and descriptions are planning estimates. Recheck mountain weather, access, daylight, river levels and your own experience before setting out.