Mayar and Driesh, Glen Clova

Summary

A stunning ascent through picturesque Corrie Fee leads up to the extensive rolling plateau above - visiting the summits of Mayar and Driesh. With the descent on the excellent Kilbo path back to Glendoll forest at the head of Glen Clova, in summer conditions this makes a straightforward round for two Munros.

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Grade

Bog Factor

Rating

Terrain

Good path to back of Corrie Fee, then pathless section over moorland, rough path to Driesh - navigation aided by fence posts, descent on rough path.

Hillwalking in Winter

Please note that hillwalking when there is snow lying requires an ice-axe, crampons and the knowledge, experience and skill to use them correctly. All route descriptions and difficulties given here are for summer conditions. See our Winter Skills page for basic information on the essential skills, techniques and knowledge needed for winter hillwalking.

Getting there

Start

Glen Doll car park (charge), Glen Clova.

Public Transport

None to start.

Start Grid Ref

NO284760

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Walk Statistics

Distance: 14.5km / 9 miles
Time (summer conditions): 4.5 - 5.5 hours
Ascent: 835m (Profile)

Summits Climbed

Munro: Driesh
Munro: Mayar

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Walk Description

User reports (157)

Stage 1

Start from the Glen Doll car park at the head of Glen Clova where there is a ranger information post and toilets (parking charge). From the start there is a great view of the Scorrie - the steep shoulder of Driesh that rises dramatically from the floor of the glen.

Stage 2

From the car park follow the sign for Forest Walks and take the track past the farm at Acharn, keeping left at the fork here (sign Forest Walks). At the next junction ignore the track off left, following the signs for Corrie Fee. Soon Jock's Road, the ancient route to Braemar leaves to the right, stay on the main track running alongside, and soon crossing, the White Water. Keep on the track, taking the left branch when it forks. Soon the path narrows and heads into the woods.

Stage 3

The path winds uphill, crossing a small stream, and then reaches the deer fence at the entrance to Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve. From the viewpoint just beyond the magnificent bowl shape of the corrie is suddenly revealed, with a fine waterfall at the back.

Stage 4

Follow the path across the undulating bottom of the corrie, the bumps are mounds of glacial debris left by the retreating glacier that carved out the corrie. The area has a large number of rare plants and it is also a good place to spot golden eagles and other birds of prey. At the back of the corrie the well-made path starts to climb steeply, keeping well to the left of the waterfall.

Stage 5

Once the path emerges onto the plateau it heads SSW to climb gently toward Mayar, eventually becoming an informal hill path. The Munro summit is marked with a small cairn, and a fairly extensive view across the rolling tableands of the Mounth plateau. From the summit head north northeast for a very short distance to avoid steep ground, and then follow the path (with very occasional fenceposts) eastwards.

Stage 6

At a tall post, the Kilbo path and a line of posts from the south come up to join the route. The path to the right leads down the Shank of Drumwhallo into Glen Prosen; continue straight ahead along the plateau, now with more regular fenceposts. This passes the south side of the top of the Shank of Drumfollow which extends northwards from the plateau. Our eventual descent route is the path that descends NNE along the right flank of the Shank, but first we have Driesh to climb. Descend slightly to reach the bealach between Corrie Kilbo and Black Skellies.

Stage 7

Beyond the bealach a rough path climbs the initially steeper slope ahead and then continues towards the dome shaped summit area, passing a couple of small cairns before the trig point and massive shelter cairn at the summit of Driesh is reached. The views are extensive - especially towards the Firth of Tay - but the flat plateau does rob them of much depth. The route marked on some maps descending the NNE ridge via the Scorrie is very steep and poorly defined - this is really much better left as an challenging alternative ascent route. Instead, to make a safer descent retrace the outward route down to the col and part way up the other side pick up a path to the right, linking to the path down the side of the Shank of Drumfollow.

Stage 8

The path descends across the slope to eventually reach the forestry. It passes through a gate in a deer fence and continues descending through the forest, crossing the Burn of Kilbo on stepping stones. After a while keep straight across at a track to continue downhill. When the track is reached again turn left to follow it round a bend to the right, continuing downhill. At the next junction turn left to cross a bridge and then right to follow the original track back to the car park.

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