Mount Keen Through-Route from Bridge of Muick to Invermark

Mount Keen Heritage Path is a 21 km (about 13 mi) one-way walk from the south end of Bridge of Muick to Invermark road end in Glen Esk. It follows an old drove road over the Mounth and reaches about 760 m on Mount Keen’s west side; the summit itself is an optional alternative. The second half drops into Glen Mark and follows the Water of Mark to the road end. This is a remote point-to-point day, not a loop: arrange transport at both ends before setting out. No route-specific time is published; plan around seven hours, with extra time if the faint path slows you.

The route leaves the south end of Bridge of Muick, climbs by a narrow road to Balintober, then follows a track around the west side of Craig Vallich. After a dip, it descends briefly before crossing the headwaters of Pollagach Burn on an indistinct path to a gate on the far ridge at about 600 m. The track then drops to the footbridge over the Water of Tanar.

From the footbridge, the line climbs south along Mount Keen’s north ridge and stays on the mountain’s west side, topping out around 760 m. This is a high crossing with open, rough ground; it does not take the usual Glen Esk path to the 939 m summit. The summit path is a separate alternative and would change the route.

The descent by Ladder Burn is steep. The path reaches Glenmark Cottage and Queen’s Well, then follows the east bank of the Water of Mark to the Invermark public road end. Burn of Glasscorrie and Easter Burn are crossed at fords; the headwater crossing and fords call for careful route-finding, especially when water is high.

This crossing follows an old drove road and a public right of way declared in 1931, excluding vehicles. In 1618 John Taylor described travelling this route over rough, stony and boggy ground; that is a historical account, not a report of present trail conditions. Queen Victoria and Prince Albert crossed Mount Keen in 1861, and the White Well was renamed Queen’s Well; its stone well-head is a landmark on the descent through Glen Mark.

The start is on the B976 about 1 km southwest of Ballater. The route information does not identify a car park at the bridge, so confirm permitted parking locally and plan your transfer to Invermark in advance. Dogs may accompany walkers under Scotland’s outdoor access rules; keep them under proper control around livestock and wildlife.