First Munro?

[Sean0510]

Before I started this hobby of mine, I set out a list of Mountains I wish to climb. Recently been gaining a little experience on a couple Corbett's and now next is a Munro - Mount Keen.

Is there an easier alternative to begin with or think it's worth a shot?

Thanks guys!
Sean

[basscadet]

Och, its not tricky that one, no matter what route you take.. Rather dull though I would of said, you want it to be memorable I'd go for Lochnagar if I were you.. Tourist path all the way to the top, and spectacular when you get there

[Lightfoot2017]

HI Sean,

Being based in Aberdeen (my home town) then Mt Keen is an obvious shout for your first Munro. It was my first Munro about 30 yrs ago. Don’t forget Mayar and Dreish also – both relatively nearby (Angus) and very similar in nature to Keen. A quick double-hit there.

[Lightfoot2017]

Awww, c’mon Basscadet! Have you not read the rulebook!? “There’s no such thing as dull hills. Only dull people”??

I think Keen is much maligned. Ok, so it doesn’t have the dramatic landscape of Lochnagar or Liathach, but you get a fine sense of wilderness and HUGE space there – something you don’t always get on the more dramatic, more rocky, precipitous routes…

[Red Peak]

Ben Nevis - get it out the way. Every hill will seem nice and quiet after that

[jmarkb]

Mount Keen has scarcely any more ascent than Morven, just a longer approach (about 2.5 miles on a good track) before the climbing (which is never very steep) starts.

If you want a shorter day there are several options off the Glen Shee road: The Cairnwell and Carn Aosda are very short, but also not very pretty due to the ski area: something like Carn an Tuirc would be a better choice.

[basscadet]

Awww, c’mon Basscadet! Have you not read the rulebook!? “There’s no such thing as dull hills. Only dull people”??

I think Keen is much maligned. Ok, so it doesn’t have the dramatic landscape of Lochnagar or Liathach, but you get a fine sense of wilderness and HUGE space there – something you don’t always get on the more dramatic, more rocky, precipitous routes…

Oh I didn't say it was a bad hill.. every hill is good for a day out, and what you say about it is true.. But despite climbing this hill more often than most, it kind of blends in with other memories of similar hills and the memories get blurred.. To make good strong memories, I think a hill has to have a feature to remember it by, and for a 1st, I think thats important If Sean is from Aberdeen, then he will probably do all the Deeside hills many many times if he has a good experience in the beginning and learns to love the hills like we all do

[Johnny Corbett]

Go for Mount Keen but wait till winter time
http://www.walkhighlands.co.uk/Forum/viewtopic.php?f=9&t=8072

[The Rodmiester]

Hi there Sean, give Mount Keen ago from either Glen Esk or Glen Tannar, it may not be the most of exciting of hills but there is a track all the way to the top either way, and at least it will have you on your pegs for a fairly long time so it will enable you to find out your fitness level for others Munros in the future. Pick a nice day and enjoy!

[denfinella]

Yep, would say either Mayar & Driesh (together) or Mount Keen. Mayar & Driesh would make a shorter walk, and perhaps more scenic.

I say that having not climbed Mount Keen.

[coachmacca]

Ben Nevis - get it out the way. Every hill will seem nice and quiet after that

Agree 100%! My first and wouldn't go back and do it via pony track afterwards but its a great feeling doing it for the first time! - every hill is amazing after it - NF has some good routes though

[Astronick]

Mount Keen was my first Munro and my second hillwalk after I moved to Scotland and decided to give this hobby a bash! I caught the first bus out of Aberdeen on a Saturday morning, hopped off at Dinnet, crossed to Glen Tanar via back roads and then walked all the way through the glen to the summit of Mount Keen. It was bright and breezy on top (a perfect autumn day in early November) and I stood gazing out far and wide, particularly over to the bigger mountains of Lochnagar and the White Mounth. I think I caught the bug in that moment! It was a long walk back, reversing my route, but the afternoon sunshine was beautiful in the pines of Glen Tanar. I got back to bus stop in Dinnet just as dusk was falling and was soon whisked off back to Aberdeen. A magical day.

I would say go for it. Glen Tanar is to my mind one of the great eastern glens, that mix of native pine lower down and open views higher up is wonderful, and Mount Keen is a good ascent on an easy track. Sure, there are more spectacular hills, in more dramatic parts of the country, but Keen has its own charm.

[Fife Flyer]

No go for Mount Keen, the most easterly munro, all you have to do then is start heading west

Like everyone says, nice walk in & not at all difficult, good starter

[hailiamdigby]

I've just had a look and Mount Keen was my 4th Munro and 10th hill, since getting interested in hill walking.
The reason I mention this is because I will never forget how damn long that walk in is, not to mention coming back. We did it from Glen Tanar side. That's where I got my 'walking legs', I would say.

[mrssanta]

Glen Tanar is a smashing place for a bike