NO4086 : "B"
Strenuous hillwalk; long exposed approaches

Mount Keen

939m Elevation
312m Prominence
Scotland Country
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NO4086 : "B"

Callum Black Photo source

Overview

Mount Keen is Scotland's most easterly Munro, rising to 939.4 m above the Mounth plateau. Its rocky summit overlooks Deeside and the Angus Glens. The shorter southern approach starts at Invermark in Glen Esk and follows Glen Mark; the northern approach through Glen Tanar's pinewoods makes a substantially longer day.

Mount Keen

Scotland's most easterly Munro

Mount Keen rises to 939.4 m above the Mounth plateau on the Angus–Aberdeenshire boundary. The highest point is a rock just south of the trig point. The upper hill exposes granite belonging to the Mount Battock intrusion. In clear conditions the outlook takes in Deeside, the Angus Glens and Lochnagar.

Choose your approach

The southern walk starts at Invermark in Glen Esk and follows Glen Mark. Glen Esk describes the access valley; Glen Mark is the glen used by the summit route. The complete return itinerary is 17.5 km, with 681 m ascent and a published estimate of 5–6 hours.

The northern walk begins at Braeloine in Glen Tanar. Its long woodland approach continues onto open hill ground. The complete return itinerary is 29.5 km, with 870 m ascent and a published estimate of 8–9 hours. Both sets of figures are from the linked Walkhighlands guides and include returning to the respective starting car park on foot.

These are separate out-and-back walks. A traverse from one glen to the other needs its own transport plan; neither return-route figure describes that trip.

Access and conditions

Use the river bridges on the Glen Tanar route. The Glen Mark approach has an Easter Burn crossing that can be problematic after rain. High water can obstruct a return even if a crossing was manageable earlier.

NatureScot's current estate guidance permits the main routes during stalking and asks walkers to avoid Garbh Coire when stalking is underway. Follow local signs and check current notices before setting out. Snow, ice or low cloud can make the open upper mountain much more serious than its broad shape suggests.

History and surroundings

The crown-shaped Queen's Well monument in Glen Mark recalls the royal visit of September 1861. Glen Tanar offers a contrasting approach through native pinewoods. Braid Cairn and Hill of Gairney are genuine nearby summits, but are not included in either itinerary above.

Route and access references

Explore routes near Mount Keen

Walks starting near this hill. Open a route to check its map, distance and full itinerary.

Cairngorms night walk and stargazing (event meeting)

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Cairngorms night walk and stargazing (event meeting)

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Cairngorms night walk and stargazing (event meeting)

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Cairngorms night walk and stargazing (event meeting)

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Route planning notes

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

Mount Keen via Glen Tanar

From Braeloine car park (NO479965), follow the Mounth route through the pinewoods and upper Glen Tanar, using the river bridges. Take the summit branch rather than the bypass, climb to Mount Keen, then retrace the same route to Braeloine. Walkhighlands gives 29.5 km, 870 m ascent and 8–9 hours for this complete return walk on foot.

29.5 km Strenuous; long return hillwalk

Mount Keen from Invermark via Glen Mark

From Invermark car park (NO446803) in Glen Esk, follow Glen Mark via Queen's Well, the Easter Burn crossing and Ladder Glen. Take the constructed summit path at the Mounth junction, reach Mount Keen, then retrace the route to Invermark. Walkhighlands gives 17.5 km, 681 m ascent and 5–6 hours for this complete return walk. Assess the burn crossing carefully after rain.

17.5 km Strenuous hillwalk
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Hill facts and local notes

Classifications

Marilyn Munro Simm High Hills of Britain

Elevation

939m

3,082 ft

Prominence

312m

Coordinates

56.9698, -2.9736

NO409869

OS Map

44

Explorer: OL54 395

At the Summit

The highest point is a rock 1 m south of the trig point, according to the Database of British and Irish Hills. The trig stands on the rocky summit crown.

Terrain & Geology

Estate tracks pinewood tracks on the Glen Tanar approach constructed hill paths open moorland steep upper slopes and a rocky summit

Mount Keen's upper slopes are formed from the Main Non-porphyritic Granite of the Mount Battock intrusion. The British Geological Survey describes exposures at NO409869; this is a specific granite body within the eastern Grampians.

Views & Scenery

Views over Deeside and the Angus Glens, with Lochnagar and the Cairngorms visible in clear weather.

History & Heritage

Name Origin

Possibly from Gaelic Monadh Caoin, meaning 'smooth mountain', according to the Cairngorms National Park Authority's place-name guide.

Historical Significance

Queen's Well in Glen Mark commemorates Queen Victoria and Prince Albert drinking at the spring on 20 September 1861. Historic Environment Scotland dates the granite crown-shaped monument to about 1862 and attributes it to the Earl of Dalhousie.

Getting There & Facilities

Parking

For Glen Esk/Glen Mark: Invermark car park, NO446803. For Glen Tanar: Braeloine car park opposite the Bridge of Tanar, NO479965; a parking charge applies. Choose the car park for your intended return route.

Public Transport

Arrange transport to Invermark or Braeloine unless you have confirmed a suitable current service and return. Glen Tanar also has walking links from Aboyne and Dinnet, which add distance beyond the summit itinerary quoted here.

Nearby Facilities

Glen Tanar Visitor Centre has toilets, parking and a permanent exhibition; check opening arrangements with the estate. Carry food and water for the mountain day.

Safety Information

Known Hazards

  • Both approaches reach open high ground exposed to strong winds and low cloud. Navigation is needed at path junctions and on the summit, despite the established paths.
  • The Easter Burn on the Glen Mark route can become difficult after heavy rain. Turn back if the crossing is unsafe; consider rising water on the return too.
  • The Glen Tanar itinerary depends on several river bridges. A missing or damaged bridge is not a reason to ford a fast or swollen river.
  • The northern route is a long return walk with a lengthy exit. Allow enough daylight and carry a torch; continuing into the opposite glen leaves you far from your starting point by road.

Seasonal Hazards

Snow and ice make the steep upper paths and summit rocks more demanding; winter equipment and the skills to use it may be needed. NatureScot's table updated 1 September 2026 lists stalking at Glen Tanar from 1 July to 15 February and Invermark from late August to 15 February, with none at Invermark on weekends. Both main Mount Keen paths remain acceptable during stalking. Avoid the Garbh Coire path (NO394917–NO407900) when stalking is taking place, and follow current local guidance.

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 Mount Keen?

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

Are there other walkers around Mount Keen?

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 Mount Keen search or of course create your own walk for Mount Keen

Can I organise a walk to Mount Keen?

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 Mount Keen.

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 Mount Keen?

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 Mount Keen here

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

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Location

Mount Keen location map

Grid reference: NO409869

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