Munro Planner

Angus

Mount Keen

939 metres · 2 detailed routes

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Mount Keen

Mount Keen from Glen Esk

Route overview

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.

Distance
17.7 km
Ascent
744 m
Typical time
5 - 6 hoursStandard moving time
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Getting there and parking

Driving and parking

Invermark, Mount Keen from Glen Esk

Start the Mount Keen walk from Invermark car park at the head of Glen Esk. It gets busy on fine days.

An unmarked gravel car park with grass islands.

View parking area on Google Maps ↗Street View (July 2025) ↗
Walking approach and return
The walking route includes stream crossings, one of which can be difficult in spate.
Toilets
The nearest public toilets are in Tarfside, about a 10-minute drive (6 km) back down the glen.
Food and drink
The Retreat Café at Glenesk Folk Museum opens Friday to Sunday: noon to 16:00 from April to October and noon to 15:00 from November to March.
Sources checked 3 October 2026

Mount Keen

Mount Keen from Glen Tanar

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.

Distance
29.7 km
Ascent
891 m
Typical time
7.5 - 9.5 hoursStandard moving time
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Getting there and parking

Driving and parking

Glen Tanar visitor arrival, Mount Keen

Park at Glen Tanar visitor centre for this approach to Mount Keen. Toilets are available at the centre. The visitor centre is open daily from 10:00 to 17:00.

Toilets
Toilets are at the estate visitor centre, which opens daily from 10:00 to 17:00.
Sources checked 2 October 2026

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On foot

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Create your own walking route to Mount Keen on OS maps. Choose a start point, click along the paths you want to follow, and check the distance and ascent as you plan. The map opens centred on the summit.

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On the road

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Guidebook & paper maps

The Munros

Scottish Mountaineering Club · 4th edition (2021)

  • M235 · p. 179
View on Amazon (paid link)

Walking the Munros · Volume 1

Cicerone

Southern, Central and Western Highlands

  • Guide route 28 · p. 121

Latest edition: 4th (2021) · reprinted 2024. Edition of page references unconfirmed.

View on Amazon (paid link)

Peak Bagging: Munros · Volume 1

Nicola Hardy · 2025

Mount KeenGuide route 64 · p. 331

Hub 10 - Braemar

View on Amazon (paid link)

The Munro Almanac

Cameron McNeish · 2011

Glenshee and Lochnagar Hills

  • Munro description · p. 68

Page numbers vary by edition.

OS Explorer · 1:25,000
  • OL54Glen Esk & Glen Tanar
OS Landranger · 1:50,000
  • 44Ballater, Glen Clova

Summit locations only, not the approach or return route.

Check sheets with Ordnance Survey

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Mountain planning note

Route times and descriptions are planning estimates. Recheck mountain weather, access, daylight, river levels and your own experience before setting out.