3,081 ft · Cairngorms, Scotland
Mount Keen
Mount Keen is a 3,081 ft peak in the Cairngorms, Scotland. The standard route is the Mounth Road via Glen Mark: 10 mi, 2,230 ft of gain, Class 1.
Mount Keen at a glance
- Elevation3,081 ft939 m
- RouteMounth Road via Glen MarkClass 1
- Distance10 mi2,230 ft gain
- Time7 – 9 hrsModerate effort
- SeasonMay – Oct
- RangeCairngormsScotland
Climbing the Mounth Road via Glen Mark
From Edzell, take the B966 north and turn onto the Glen Esk road, following it about fifteen miles to the Invermark car park near the end of the public road. Walk past the church and Invermark Castle and follow the estate track up Glen Mark to the Queen's Well. Beyond Glenmark cottage, ford the Easter Burn, which can be tricky after rain, then climb the zigzagging Class 1 path called the Ladder onto open moor and follow the old Mounth Road to the trig point. The upper hill is bare and exposed with little shelter. Much of the track is good for mountain bikes.
Gear and hazards
What to bring
Backpack (30–40 L)
Hiking Boots
Water
Offline Maps
Headlamp
Satellite Communicator
Whistle
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sun Hat
Midlayer
Insulated Jacket
Hardshell Jacket
Warm Hat
Buff
Midweight Gloves
Trekking Poles
GPS Device
Power Bank
Water Filter
First-Aid Kit
Emergency Bivy
What to watch for
- High winds
- Low visibility
- Stream crossing
Quests with Mount Keen
MunrosPeaks near Mount Keen
Frequently asked questions
How tall is Mount Keen?
Mount Keen is 3,081 feet (939 m) tall. It is in the Cairngorms, Scotland.
How does Mount Keen rank among the Munros?
At 3,081 feet, Mount Keen is the 235th highest of the 282 Munros. The highest is Ben Nevis.
How hard is it to hike Mount Keen?
The Mounth Road via Glen Mark is Class 1, which means hiking on a trail. Yak rates the overall effort moderate: 10 miles with 2,230 feet of elevation gain.
How long does it take to hike Mount Keen?
Most people take 7 – 9 hours round trip on the Mounth Road via Glen Mark, covering 10 miles with 2,230 feet of elevation gain, so most people do it in a day.
Can a beginner hike Mount Keen?
Usually, if you are fit. The Mounth Road via Glen Mark is a common first summit for hikers ready for 7 – 9 hours on their feet. Bring layers, food and water, and check the weather before you start.
When is the best time to hike Mount Keen?
The usual hiking window is May to October. Outside it, expect snow, storms or closed access, and check the summit forecast before you go.
Climb Mount Keen with Yak
Plan your route on a topo map, check the summit forecast, then log your climb and see what is left on your list