Munro · Cairngorms
Mount Keen
Mount Keen (939m) is a Munro set in the country between Braemar to Montrose. Its 312m of re-ascent gives it a distinct identity — this is no subsidiary top but a hill worth visiting in its own right. The summit, marked by a rock, gives views of the vast Cairngorm plateau, Speyside and the Moray Firth. The nearest town is Dundee in Aberdeenshire/Angus.
Quick facts
- Height
- 939m/ 3082ft
- Distance
- 16 km
- Ascent
- 827 m
- Time
- 4.6 hrs
- Difficulty
- 4 / 5Strenuous
- Grid ref
- NO409869
- Parking
- NO372867
- Nearest city
- Dundee
Download GPX route file
Standard route · 16km
Standard route
The standard route is a longer walk with a gradual approach covering approximately 16km with 827m of total ascent — a full day on the hill. Lower slopes cross ancient Caledonian pine forest and heather moor. Higher up, the terrain changes to granite plateau and boulder fields with arctic-alpine vegetation. Well-maintained paths in popular corries give way to featureless plateau above — compass work is critical in cloud. The summit is marked by a rock.
Terrain
Above 700m the ground is fully exposed to weather from all directions. Well-maintained paths in popular corries give way to featureless plateau above — compass work is critical in cloud. The connecting ridges to adjacent hills are well-defined but involve noticeable re-ascent.
In winter
In winter, Mount Keen is a serious proposition. Arctic conditions are possible year-round above 900m. The plateau is one of the most dangerous places in Britain in winter — whiteout, cornices and wind chill below -20°C are regular occurrences. Short winter days mean an early start is essential, particularly on longer routes.
Best time of year
Getting there
- Glasgow3h 7m
- Edinburgh2h 25m
OS maps: OS Landranger 44
Current conditions
Daylight Today
- Sunrise
- 05:39
- Sunset
- 20:41
- Civil dawn
- 04:55
- Civil dusk
- 21:25
NOAA Solar Calculator · 25 April 2026