Mount Keen by bike

[Knuckledragger]

Hi - I am thinking of doing a smash and grab raid on Mount Keen from Glen Esk on the way down from Aberdeen one day next week. Has anyone any experience of using a bike for the first few km up to Invermark Cottage and leaving it there before the uphill bits?

Thanks.... KD

[rockhopper60]

Have walked it a few times and seen people on bikes go as far as the holiday cottage and start hiking from there. The road / path in isn't to bad, softish in places, taking your bike would save some time especially coming down.
If you are really fit and dedicated I know a chap that cycled from Invermark over the top to Glen Tannar back over the Cairn oMount and back up Glen Esk for his car.

[Knuckledragger]

Thanks Rockhopper - sod biking over it, I'm just looking to avoid finishing the walk in the dark! Can't be any worse than the nutters biking down Ben Lawers on Sunday......

Just had a look at the Steve Fallon website, and the Mt Keen route on there includes biking to the cottage and walking from there.

All systems go for next week- just need to make sure they are not deer stalking when I give it a go!

[rockhopper60]

If anything up Mt Keen it would be driven grouse, I can walk it comfortably in about 6 hours in and out from Invermark.

[KatTai]

All systems go for next week- just need to make sure they are not deer stalking when I give it a go!

There is a number to call on the route description to find out where they are stalking, or as you have plenty of time there is an e-mail address as well. There is deer stalking up there though it's always been on the Loch Lee side when I've seen them doing that. I've always found the route along to Queens Well is better when shooting is going on (one of my dogs doesn't like the bangs).

It's a good enough track to bike along, though a bit bumpy in parts.

[Knuckledragger]

Thanks KT - have dropped them an email......