Driesh

Overview

Driesh is an easterly Munro rising to 947 m on the southern edge of the range, overlooking Glen Doll and Glen Clova. It’s a favorite first Munro for many: accessible, scenic, and commonly paired with Mayar for a satisfying two‑summit day. Expect a rounded summit dome, gentle ridges, and steeper, craggier ground in places like Winter Corrie.

Why Go

• Two Munros in one well‑trodden outing with big, airy views across the southern Cairngorms.
• A dramatic glacial amphitheatre if you approach via Corrie Fee, with waterfalls and grand scenery.
• Regular wildlife encounters, from upland birds to mountain hares.

Main Routes

• Corrie Fee to Mayar then across to Driesh is the classic loop, starting from Glen Doll. It mixes forest, a spectacular corrie, and open plateaus.
• Shank of Drumfollow offers a more direct line to Driesh.
• Confident navigators sometimes extend north to Tolmount and Tom Buidhe for a four‑Munro epic (~26 km, ~1,375 m ascent, ~9 hours) across very featureless, grassy terrain.
• A very steep line called “The Scorrie” is used by some; it’s not recommended as a descent by at least one report due to its steepness.

What You’ll See

• Broad, open uplands and sweeping summit panoramas over Glen Clova and Glen Doll.
• The bowl‑shaped Corrie Fee, a standout glacial landscape with a waterfall backdrop.

Wildlife

Keep an eye out for birds of prey over Corrie Fee, summer ring ouzels on the slopes, and occasional mountain hares on the plateau. You’ll also encounter more common upland and farmland species on approaches.

Hazards & Navigation

The high, rounded plateau can be disorienting in clag or snow. In poor visibility, expect indistinct terrain and few features—solid map, compass, and GPS skills are essential. In winter, plan for full winter conditions and check the Southern Cairngorms avalanche forecast before committing. Summer midges can bite hard on calmer days.

Essentials & Amenities

• Start from the Glen Doll Ranger Centre area for the standard Corrie Fee approach; there’s pay‑and‑display parking and toilets at the trailhead. There are no facilities on the hill itself.
• A smaller parking pull‑in exists on the southern side near Glenprosen for Kilbo Path approaches.
• No food, shop, gas, or water refill on route—bring everything you need.

Best Time to Visit

• Weekdays and early starts help you beat the crowds on popular summer days.
• Aim for clear weather to cash in on the views; avoid the four‑Munro extension in mist unless your navigation is rock‑solid.
• Winter can be superb but demands experience, kit, and avalanche awareness.
• In midge season, calmer, breezier days or higher ground can be kinder.