Ciss Outdoors

This route takes in Mayar and Driesh from Glen Doll, using the Kilbo Path to reach the high ground and deliberately avoiding the steep climb out of Corrie Fee. Glen Doll works well as a hiking base for a wide range of routes in the Angus Glens. A dedicated Glen Doll guide brings these hikes together and explores how the area can be used for repeat visits.

The classic Corrie Fee approach to Mayar is dramatic but steep. By contrast, the Kilbo Path offers a longer, more gradual climb, spreading the height gain over distance rather than concentrating it in one sustained pull. For this Hikes with Dad walk, that mattered. Dad has had a knee replacement, and choosing a steadier ascent and descent helped reduce strain without taking away from the challenge or satisfaction of the day.

It is also a good option on busy days. While the summits of Mayar and Driesh are popular, the approach and return via the Kilbo Path can feel quieter, particularly if your timing differs from those completing the more common loop.

Start Point and Facilities

Glen Doll car park marks the end of the public road and serves as the main access point for walks into Glen Doll and Corrie Fee. There is a large car park here, along with toilet facilities. From the car park, well-signed paths lead into the glen and towards Corrie Fee and the surrounding hills.

Through Glen Doll Forest

From the car park, follow the main path into Glen Doll, crossing the bridge on your left and continuing through Glen Doll Forest on a well-established track. This is a straightforward start to the walk, allowing time to settle into a steady pace before the climb begins.

There have been fallen trees reported within this forest section. While it is usually possible to pass above or below them, some obstacles may require care. As conditions and clearance work change over time, it is worth checking for up-to-date information before setting out and allowing a little flexibility in your timing.

Picking Up the Kilbo Path

As you leave the forest, the route turns onto the Kilbo Path, which climbs steadily out of Glen Doll towards the higher ground. This is where the character of the walk begins to change.

The Kilbo Path provides a consistent gradient, gaining height gradually rather than in a single steep pull. It is a clear, well-used path and offers a noticeably gentler alternative to the Corrie Fee ascent.

The Broad Saddle at the Head of Corrie Kilbo

As the Kilbo Path levels out, you reach a broad saddle at the head of Corrie Kilbo. This is an important navigation point, as you return here between summits.

In clear conditions, the surrounding terrain makes the options obvious. In patchy cloud, it is worth pausing to confirm your bearings before heading out across the plateau, as distances can feel longer than expected and the direction of travel may not be immediately clear.

Out and Back to Mayar

From the broad saddle at the head of Corrie Kilbo, turn right and follow the path across the plateau towards Mayar. A distinct path exists for much of the way, but careful navigation is still required, particularly if visibility comes and goes and the summit is not immediately obvious.

The final climb onto Mayar is clear, but the summit itself can feel busy on popular days and is often exposed to the wind. On our walk, there were plenty of people stopping for lunch on the summit, but the breeze made it a cold place to linger.

If you are looking for a quieter or more sheltered break, it is worth descending slightly from the summit and taking a moment to look around. Depending on wind direction, there are larger boulders just below the top that provide surprisingly good shelter and a sense of being tucked out of the way, even on a busy day.

After reaching the Mayar, return the same way across the plateau to the broad saddle at the head of Corrie Kilbo. This is an excellent decision point, where you may choose to descend after the single Munro.

Continuing on to Driesh

From the same saddle, continue past the Kilbo Path line and head out towards Driesh. The path remains visible, but as you approach the mountain, it becomes increasingly braided, with several lines splitting and rejoining.

Near the top, a cairn appears before the true summit. In poor visibility, this can easily be mistaken for the highest point. The actual summit lies beyond this and is marked by a larger shelter cairn. Careful orientation is needed here to ensure you continue on to the correct summit.

After reaching Driesh, return the same way back to the broad saddle at the head of Corrie Kilbo.

Descending via the Kilbo Path

From the saddle, pick up the line of the Kilbo Path and begin the descent back into Glen Doll. Retracing the outward route allows for a controlled and predictable descent, before returning through Glen Doll Forest to the car park.

Related reading:

Hiking Broad Cairn from Glen Doll: A Quiet Munro Route

Glen Doll: A Hiking Base in the Angus Glens