Mount Keen

The standard Mount Keen outing from Glen Esk is about 17.76 km with 670 m of climbing, so most hikers should allow roughly 5 to 6 hours. The usual start is Invermark car park in Glen Esk, and the route is generally done as an out-and-back to the 939 m summit.

The usual parking for Mount Keen is Invermark car park in Glen Esk. From there, the route heads over the bridge, past the church, and onto the signed track for Mount Keen and Queen's Well, making it the standard starting point for the shorter southern approach.

Mount Keen is generally considered a medium-difficulty hike. The route is 17.76 km long with 670 m of ascent, and the main Glen Esk line follows track and good hill path for much of the day, but the mountain is exposed in poor weather and the summit cone is rougher and rockier.

The Mount Keen route from Glen Esk passes Invermark Castle, Queen's Well, Easter Burn, and Ladder Burn before climbing onto open moorland. The summit itself has a trig point at 939 m, and on a clear day there are wide views across the Mounth plateau with Lochnagar visible to the west.

Mount Keen is often described as one of the more straightforward Munros because the Glen Esk route is relatively direct and follows a clear line for much of the ascent. It is also the most easterly Munro, and the usual hike is 17.76 km with 670 m of elevation gain, which keeps it a full mountain day rather than a short walk.

Dogs can usually be taken on Mount Keen under Scotland's access rules, but close control is important. The lower part of the Glen Esk route can have sheep nearby, and guidance for the Scottish hills also advises keeping dogs under close control or on a short lead during sensitive periods such as deer stalking season.

Public transportation to Mount Keen is very limited. The Glen Esk start at Invermark is noted as having only a very limited bus service from Brechin, reportedly around school-bus times, so most hikers use a car for this route.