Tackle Mount Keen via Glen Tanar, a rewarding Munro ascent through pine forest and open moorland, offering classic Cairngorms views and a steady climb.
As the most easterly Munro in Scotland, Mount Keen offers a gradual but satisfying ascent through ancient pine forest, open moorland and into wide, airy views across the Cairngorms. The route via Glen Tanar is not just one of the most scenic ways to climb this remote peak — it’s also one of the most accessible. With no need for scrambling or exposed ridgelines, it’s an ideal Munro for those making the leap from low-level walks to higher hills.
The journey begins with a tranquil walk through one of the UK’s most beautiful native pinewoods, eventually opening out into the expansive highland landscape that leads to the rounded summit of Mount Keen.
From Aboyne on the A93, follow signs to Glen Tanar. The estate car park is located near the Glen Tanar Visitor Centre. A small parking charge applies. Public transport is limited, the nearest regular bus routes run to Aboyne, so walking or taxi access from there is necessary if not driving.
Start early to give yourself plenty of time, as the route is long even though the ascent is gradual.
The walk begins on a broad estate track heading west from the Glen Tanar Visitor Centre, passing through Scots pine woodland and alongside the meandering Water of Tanar. This section is serene and atmospheric, with red squirrels and woodpeckers often spotted in the trees.
After around 5 km, the trail crosses a stone bridge at the Half Way Hut — a small shelter and a good rest point. The forest gives way to more open country as the route rises gently into heather moorland, with Mount Keen gradually coming into view ahead.
The path narrows and becomes rockier as it climbs more steeply up the eastern shoulder of the mountain. Near the top, cairns guide you along the stony ridge to the large summit cairn of Mount Keen (939 metres). From the top, the views are vast stretching across the Mounth Plateau, Lochnagar to the west, and even as far as the North Sea on a clear day.
Descend via the same route, retracing your steps through Glen Tanar.
The route is mostly on good estate tracks and well-defined paths, though the final 2–3 km to the summit are steeper and rougher underfoot. There’s little in the way of technical terrain, making it a good first Munro for walkers looking to build confidence in bigger hills.
Weather can change rapidly, so full waterproofs, map, compass and layers are essential. There is no phone signal for much of the route and no shelter after the halfway point, so come prepared.
Mount Keen via Glen Tanar is a long but rewarding day walk through some of the Cairngorms’ most evocative landscapes. The steady gradient and good paths make it one of the more approachable Munros, but the distance means it still delivers a full mountain day. Whether you’re collecting Munros or just in search of a great Scottish hillwalk, this route is a fine place to start.
Photo by martin bennie on Unsplash
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