Mayar and Driesh via Corrie Fee

Overview

This classic southern Cairngorms circuit serves up a greatest-hits reel: a forestry warm-up, a dramatic glacial amphitheatre, then two accessible Munros before a steady descent back to the glen. Expect around 9 miles (14 km) total for the full loop from the Glen Doll car park, with roughly 900 m of ascent and 5–6 hours for most walkers.

Trail Experience

You’ll start on good forest tracks from the Glen Doll Ranger Centre, easing into the day before the scenery opens out into Corrie Fee—a spectacular, bowl-shaped glacial corrie guarded by cliffs and waterfalls. The path steepens sharply at the headwall; it’s the crux of the day and can feel hands-on in places when wet or icy.

Above the corrie, the character flips to broad, grassy, sometimes boggy plateau walking. Mayar is first—a wide, rounded top with big open views—then a traverse brings you to Driesh, slightly higher and usually windier. The descent via the Kilbo/Shank of Drumfollow path is rough in places but straightforward, leading you back into the shelter of the Glendoll forest.

Scenery, Flora, and Wildlife

Corrie Fee is the star: a textbook glacial amphitheatre with crags, moraines, and (in season) rare alpine plants. Keep an eye out for birds of prey soaring above the corrie, mountain hares on the plateau, and occasional ring ouzel. In wetter spots you may notice frogs, and the approach through Glen Clova often turns up pheasants.

Difficulty and Who It’s For

In summer, this is a well-known, approachable Munro-bagging day—moderate overall but with a sustained, steep pull onto the plateau and some rough, faint sections. Confident hillwalkers will find it rewarding; new Munro-baggers will appreciate the logical flow and the fact you tag two summits without endless detours.

Best Time to Hike

Late spring through autumn offers longer light, clearer paths, and easier navigation. Wildflowers and alpine flora in Corrie Fee are best from late spring into early summer. Summer is the simplest window for most people; do note that midges can be bothersome on calm, warm days. Winter transforms the route into a mini-expedition with snow/ice on the headwall and across the plateau—beautiful, but only for those with winter kit and experience.

Logistics & Tips

• Start/finish: Glen Doll car park (pay-and-display). Arrive early on fair-weather weekends—this route is popular.
• Navigation: Carry map and compass. The plateau and the link between summits can be confusing in mist; intermittent fence posts help but don’t rely solely on them.
• Gear: Waterproof boots and layers year-round. In winter, add ice axe and crampons.
• Access: No public transport to the trailhead; you’ll need a car.
• Dogs: Allowed, but keep close control—especially around livestock and ground-nesting birds, and follow any National Nature Reserve guidance.

Bottom line: If you want a single outing that feels varied and properly mountainous without being epic, this loop punches well above its mileage.