The Gateway to the Plateau: Conquering the Twin Munros of Mayar and Driesh
Guarding the wild northern boundary of the Angus Glens, the twin peaks of Mayar and Driesh offer one of the most accessible, visually spectacular double-Munro circuits in Scotland. Rising sharply from the head of Glen Doll within the southern reaches of the Cairngorms National Park, these two mountains provide a dramatic study in contrasting topography. The route transitions seamlessly from the ancient, sheltering boughs of a Caledonian pine forest into a breathtaking, glacier-carved mountain amphitheatre, before finally topping out onto a vast, high-altitude arctic plateau. For hillwalkers and outdoor cinematographers alike, this classic horseshoe ridge walk delivers immense scale, deep glacial architecture, and wide-angle panoramas across the roof of the Grampian mountains.
The Amphitheatre of Giants: Corrie Fee
The undeniable centerpiece of the entire expedition is the passage through Corrie Fee National Nature Reserve, a monumental glacial bowl that cuts deep into the eastern flank of Mayar. Leaving the forest tracks of Glen Doll behind, hikers are suddenly treated to a theatrical reveal as the woodland opens up into a colossal, U-shaped corrie. Towering, sheer cliff faces of fractured rock and cascading mountain streams enclose the valley floor, creating a primordial landscape that feels completely detached from modern civilization. The trail winds elegantly up through a steep waterfall gully—a section that requires a steady foot but yields staggering, low-angle drone perspectives and cinematic tracking shots of the dramatic cliffs framing the climbing trail.
Ticking the Summits: Mayar to Driesh
Once you top out from the steep headwall of Corrie Fee, the physical nature of the terrain changes instantly. You step directly onto an expansive, gently undulating alpine plateau where the wind sweeps across vast fields of dwarf shrubs and montane mosses:
- Mayar (928m): The first Munro of the day is reached via a gentle, grassy slope leading up from the corrie edge. The summit cairn of Mayar offers a magnificent vantage point looking westward toward the remote, complex ridges of the Mounth and the high hills of Aberdeenshire.
- The High Plateau Walk: The traverse between the two peaks is a high-level stroller's dream. Following the edge of the northern cliffs along the Shank of Glen Doll, hikers cross a broad, shallow dip known as the Kilbo Path junction before gently climbing the rocky slopes of the second peak.
- Driesh (947m): Marked by a large, well-built stone windbreak cairn, Driesh sits slightly higher than its sister mountain. Its prominent position on the edge of the plateau grants exceptional, far-reaching views straight down the long, straight ribbon of Glen Clova and out toward the rolling hills of Strathmore.
Practical Mountain Safety
Navigation on the Plateau: While the trails connecting Mayar and Driesh are well-defined in clear summer weather, the high plateau is notorious for its uniform, featureless terrain. If the infamous Scottish hill fog or a sudden low cloud bank rolls in, visibility can drop to near zero within minutes. Carrying a traditional map and compass—and knowing how to take a bearing off the edge of the northern crags—is an absolute necessity.
The Descent via the Kilbo Path: From the summit of Driesh, the most common and safest return route back to Glen Doll is via the historic Kilbo Path. This ancient right-of-way descends steeply down a well-graded ridge line, dropping you smoothly back under the tree line of the forest. Avoid trying to descend directly down the sheer cliffs of Corrie Fee or Corrie Kilbo, as the terrain is highly unstable and treacherous.
Parking and Logistics: The walk begins at the Glen Doll car park managed by Forestry and Land Scotland, which features basic public toilets and an information centre. This lot fills up exceptionally quickly on bright weekends with Munro baggers, so arriving early in the morning is crucial to secure a parking bay.
Layering and Gear: Even if Glen Doll is warm and sunlit, temperatures on the exposed 900-meter plateau are routinely significantly colder, often accompanied by biting winds. High-quality waterproof layers, thermal gloves, and sturdy mountain boots with reliable ankle support are mandatory gear for a safe excursion.
Conclusion: A Classic Highland Symphony
The Mayar and Driesh circuit remains an essential milestone for anyone exploring the wild character of the eastern Highlands. By balancing the raw, intimidating verticality of Corrie Fee with the liberating, expansive freedom of the high plateau walk, it encapsulates the multi-layered beauty of Scotland's mountains. Whether you are catching the morning light breaking through the Glen Doll pines or filming the sweeping shadows of the clouds racing across the summit cairn of Driesh, this double-Munro day delivers an unforgettable encounter with the wild spirit of the Cairngorms.
