NO2773 : The featureless summit dome of Driesh (2)
Strenuous mountain walk

Driesh

948m Elevation
137m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NO2773 : The featureless summit dome of Driesh (2)

Richard Webb Photo source

Overview

Driesh is a 947.6 m Munro rising above Glen Doll at the head of Glen Clova in Angus. Its rounded summit has a trig point and shelter cairn. The Kilbo path provides the usual approach, and a longer circuit also visits Mayar through Corrie Fee.

Driesh

Driesh is a 947.6 m Munro in the Angus Glens, on the Mounth plateau above Glen Doll. The summit grid reference is NO271735. Trig point within a large stone shelter cairn on the rounded summit.

Routes

For Driesh alone, ascend the Kilbo path from Glen Doll, turn east at the high bealach for the summit, and retrace the route. The two-Munro circuit climbs through Corrie Fee to Mayar before crossing east to Driesh and descending Kilbo. The complete two-summit circuit is about 14.5 km with 835 m ascent; allow 4.5–5.5 hours in suitable conditions. Both routes finish at the starting car park.

Access and facilities

Start at Glen Doll car park, NO284760, reached through Glen Clova from Kirriemuir. There are toilets and picnic tables; refreshments are available in Clova. No scheduled bus reaches the trailhead.

FLS notices checked on 16 October 2026 list Corrie Fee and Kilbo mountain access as open, with timber traffic and other waymarked forest trails closed. The car park is partly closed for works beginning 24 August 2026 for up to three months. Use the signed available areas and check current FLS notices before travel.

Mountain conditions

Steep paths lead to exposed, open high ground. Low cloud demands navigation; snow can hide the route. Winter conditions require appropriate equipment and skills, including ice axe and crampon use where needed. Assess avalanche risk and avoid corniced corrie edges. Carry warm and waterproof clothing, navigation backup and enough food, water and daylight for the outing.

For the usual walking descent, return to the bealach and Kilbo path; the Scorrie ridge is steep and poorly defined.

Landscape

BGS identifies psammite, metamorphosed sandstone, on the summit plateau. Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve protects rare mountain plants; keep to paths and keep dogs under control. In clear weather there are wide views across the Angus hills and Mounth plateau towards Lochnagar, and south towards the Firth of Tay.

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Route planning notes

These notes describe possible approaches. Check a route's map and access information when planning your walk.

Kilbo Path Approach

From Glen Doll car park (NO284760), use the Kilbo path through the forest and along the flank of the Shank of Drumfollow to the high bealach. Turn east for Driesh. Return to the bealach and descend the same Kilbo path and forest approach to the car park. This is steep mountain walking with exposed upper ground and navigation required.

Strenuous mountain walk

Driesh and Mayar Circular

From Glen Doll car park (NO284760), climb through Corrie Fee to Mayar, then cross the plateau east to Driesh. Retrace to the bealach and take the Kilbo path beside the Shank of Drumfollow down through the forest to the same car park. Complete circuit: about 14.5 km, 835 m ascent and 4.5–5.5 hours in suitable conditions. Follow current forest signs and closures.

14.5 km Hard
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Hump Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

948m

3,109 ft

Prominence

137m

Coordinates

56.8480, -3.1965

NO271735

OS Map

44

Explorer: OL53S 388S

At the Summit

Trig point within a large stone shelter cairn on the rounded summit.

Terrain & Geology

Forest tracks and steep rough Kilbo path open grassy plateau and a rough final climb to the rounded summit; locally wet or boggy ground.

Driesh’s summit plateau is dominated by psammite, a metamorphosed sandstone. BGS maps this as the Driesh Psammite Member of the Longshank Gneiss Formation, part of the Dalradian Southern Highland Group.

Views & Scenery

In clear weather there are wide views across the Angus hills and Mounth plateau towards Lochnagar, and south towards the Firth of Tay.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

From Gaelic dris, meaning “bramble” or “thorn bush”.

Historical Significance

The Kilbo Path is an old hill route linking Glen Doll and Glen Prosen, now used to reach Mayar and Driesh.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

Glen Doll car park at the head of Glen Clova (NO284760; nearest postcode DD8 4RD), reached via the B955 from Kirriemuir. FLS lists £3 all-day car parking. Its 16 October 2026 notices show partial closure from 24 August for up to three months: use the overflow and top end as signed. Check current notices before travelling.

Public Transport

No scheduled bus serves the Glen Doll trailhead. Arrange onward transport from Kirriemuir and check current services and return arrangements before travelling.

Nearby Facilities

Toilets, including an accessible toilet, and picnic tables are beside Glen Doll car park. Clova village has places to eat; carry food and drink for the mountain walk.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Low cloud and snow can obscure paths across the broad plateau. Carry a map, compass and backup navigation and know how to use them.
  • Steep, rough paths, wet rock and boggy sections require care; burns can be harder to cross after heavy rain.
  • FLS notices checked on 16 October 2026 say the Corrie Fee and Kilbo mountain paths are open, but other waymarked forest trails remain closed. Follow signs and allow timber lorries to pass safely.
  • The NNE ridge over the Scorrie is steep and poorly defined. The usual walking descent returns to the bealach and Kilbo path.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice can make the steep Corrie Fee and Kilbo paths serious winter terrain. Winter navigation, suitable boots, ice axe and crampons, and the skills to use them may be needed. Assess avalanche conditions on snow-covered steep slopes and keep away from corniced corrie edges. Check mountain weather and avalanche information and allow enough daylight.

General Safety Tips

  • Check weather conditions before setting out
  • Carry appropriate clothing and equipment
  • Let someone know your planned route
  • Take a map, compass, and GPS device
  • Carry emergency supplies: food, water, first aid kit, torch

Hills

Some common questions about the hills answered

Are there group walks up Driesh?

Many walkers use Walkmates to join or organise walks with others. You can check for group walks around Driesh through the maps

Are there other walkers around Driesh?

Activity varies by location and time, but Walkmates lets you see whether others have shared walks or shown interest in this area. Find other people through the walking friends search walking friends for Driesh search or of course create your own walk for Driesh

Can I organise a walk to Driesh?

Yes. If there aren’t any walks listed already, you can create a walk and make it available for others to join.

If you're signed up to Walkmates, you can create a walk to Driesh.

How do I find a walk up this hill?

There are often multiple ways to walk this hill, depending on experience and route preference. Walkmates helps you explore walks and routes that others have shared.

Can I suggest a new route up Driesh?

Yes. You can suggest or create routes to share with others. Walkmates focuses on the social side of walking, so routes are used to help people organise walks and explore areas together, rather than as detailed navigation tools or route libraries.

Other uses really appreciate knowledgeable walkers sharing their routes. Share your favourite route to Driesh here

The is an error or something incorrect about this hill. How do I let you know?

We always strive to keep the information on Walkmates as accurate as possible. If you find an error, please let us know through the contact form and we'll aim to correct it as quickly as possible

Location

Driesh location map

Grid reference: NO271735

View on OpenStreetMap

Opens a map in a new tab, centred on the hill.

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