Mount Keen Starting point Car park in Glen Esk
The climb from Glen Esk via Glen Mark is the shortest route up Mount Keen. The most easterly of the Munros is a dome rising above vast swathes of empty, bleak moorland, with extensive views on a good day.

A climb up one of Scotland's Munros that is considered to be on the easier side.
Mount Keen, which is located in the most eastern part of the Munros, is an ideal destination for those who are looking for some peace and quiet at a higher elevation.

The northernmost point of the isolated Glen Esk is typically where the traditional path starts. You are immediately immersed in the immensity of the open mountain environment that surrounds you. If you want to get to Deeside from Angus, you should use the Mounth Road, which is an old driving route.

After passing by a memorial at the beginning of the journey up Glen Mark, hikers then follow a trail that is carefully maintained all the way to the top of the mountain. However, if there is a chance of mist or low cloud, you should plan your trip for a day when the weather will be clear so that you can appreciate the immensity of the solitary countryside.

As you travel up the road, the first thing you will do is pass over a small stone bridge. Keep an eye out for a wooden marker that says "Queen's Well - Mt. Keen." It will put you in the direction of a trail that is located on the right just before a larger bridge. On the left, you'll be able to make out the remains of Invermark Castle. During the 16th century, this structure was built with the intention of defending the route that led from Glen Esk to Deeside.
Ignore the double gate on your right and keep going in the same direction for another hundred yards until you reach the grassy route that leads up Glen Mark.
After passing through an old metal gate, the glen presents itself to you in all of its splendour for the first time. If you stay on the main track, the Queen's Well will be in front of you approximately two kilometres after you set out on the hike. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert rode over from Balmoral via Mount Keen and drank from its waters in September 1861, which prompted the creation of this crown-shaped stone monument to honour their visit. This occurred just weeks before the prince passed away. To approach Invermark Lodge, stay to the left at this intersection to avoid the precipitous drop-off at the top of Glen Mark.
Following the passage of the lodge, the path continues on to ford Easter Burn and Ladder Burn. The latter of these two burns, Ladder Burn, can be challenging to ford when the water level is high. The trail will now begin to climb more sharply, at first following the burn, and then climbing up a series of switchbacks until it reaches the southern slopes of Mount Keen.
The trail levels off when you pass the point of Couternach on your left and continue away from it. At a fork in the road, the final stretch to the triangulation point will require you to bear right. Mount Keen will be on your left, and the Knowe of Crippley will be on your right. In addition, Lochnagar may be observed to the west of this location. You need to turn around and head back in the direction that you came, to the spot where you parked.

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