“Big One”
Mayar is a 928m Munro in the Angus Glens region, its Gaelic name meaning “big one”. It stands 253rd of the 282 Munros by height. The usual ascent — Mayar and Driesh from Glen Doll — is a 16.7km round trip taking 5.2–6.8 hours, rated easy (1/5).
There are 2 routes to the summit of Mayar, ranging from 13.4km.
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Unlock with Munros+Mayar rises to 928 metres in the Angus Glens, offering one of the more accessible Munro experiences in the eastern…
Mayar rises to 928 metres in the Angus Glens, offering one of the more accessible Munro experiences in the eastern Highlands. The standard routes from Glen Doll are relatively short by Munro standards, covering 13 to 17 kilometres over 5 to 7 hours, with a difficulty rating of just 1 out of 5.
The approaches to Mayar are characterised by good paths and relatively dry underfoot conditions, with a bog level of only 2 out of 5 making this mountain suitable for those building their experience. The ascent follows well-established tracks from Glen Doll, initially through the glen before climbing more steeply up grassy slopes toward the summit. Mayar is commonly climbed in combination with neighbouring Driesh, creating a satisfying circuit that takes in both peaks.
The terrain is straightforward by Highland standards, with grassy slopes and good visibility of the route ahead. The eastern location means Mayar sees drier weather than western mountains, making it an excellent choice when Atlantic weather systems are dominating the west. The shorter distances make Mayar achievable even on shorter winter days for experienced winter walkers.
Mayar's relatively modest height and accessible character make it climbable across a wider season than many Munros. The…
Mayar's relatively modest height and accessible character make it climbable across a wider season than many Munros. The short approach means it's achievable even during the shorter days of spring and autumn, and experienced winter walkers equipped with ice axe and crampons often tackle Mayar during winter months when conditions allow. Summer from May to September offers the most reliable weather windows and the longest daylight, ideal for those building experience on Mayar.
The eastern location in the Angus Glens means this region is generally drier than the western Highlands, lying in the rain shadow of mountains to the west. However, Mayar still experiences significant weather, particularly at the summit where conditions can be harsh even when the glen is pleasant. The 5 to 7-hour time requirement is comfortable even on shorter days, making Mayar suitable for later starts than more remote peaks.
Spring and early summer bring new growth to the slopes, while autumn colours can be spectacular in the glens approaching Mayar. Winter snow transforms the mountain into a different challenge, beautiful but demanding proper equipment and skills.
Access to Mayar begins at Glen Doll Car Park, one of the most popular and well-established mountain access points in the…
Access to Mayar begins at Glen Doll Car Park, one of the most popular and well-established mountain access points in the Angus Glens. Glen Doll is reached via the B955 from Kirriemuir, following a well-maintained single-track road that winds up Glen Clova before reaching the car park at the road end. The drive from Dundee takes approximately an hour, while from Aberdeen it's about 90 minutes to reach the Mayar trailhead.
Glen Doll Car Park is reasonably sized but can fill quickly on summer weekends and holidays, so an early start is advisable for Mayar. There are toilet facilities at the car park and an honesty box for parking fees, which help maintain the facilities and paths. The nearest village with shops and facilities is Clova, a few kilometres back down the glen from the Mayar starting point.
Mobile phone signal can be patchy in the glen and is generally absent once you're on the hill, so inform someone of your plans. The access road is well-maintained but requires careful driving on the single-track sections with passing places.
The summit of Mayar at 928 metres offers extensive views across the distinctive landscape of the Angus Glens and the…
The summit of Mayar at 928 metres offers extensive views across the distinctive landscape of the Angus Glens and the eastern Highlands. The top is marked by a substantial cairn and provides a satisfying sense of achievement, particularly for those building their Munro experience on this accessible peak. From the summit of Mayar, you can appreciate the rolling character of the eastern mountains, quite different from the dramatic peaks of the west.
The summit plateau is relatively broad and grassy, and while it's exposed to wind, it's less dramatically so than many western peaks. On clear days, the views extend east toward the coast and west to the higher Cairngorm peaks. The proximity to neighbouring Driesh means many people continue along the connecting ridge rather than immediately descending from Mayar.
There's little natural shelter on the summit, but the exposure is manageable compared to higher or more westerly peaks. The summit of Mayar provides an excellent location for a rest and lunch, though you should still be prepared to move on quickly if weather deteriorates or you're cooling down.
The Angus Glens around Mayar support rich Highland wildlife and flora characteristic of the eastern Highlands. Red deer…
The Angus Glens around Mayar support rich Highland wildlife and flora characteristic of the eastern Highlands. Red deer are abundant throughout the area, and you're very likely to see them on the approaches and slopes of Mayar, particularly during early morning or evening. Mountain hares inhabit the higher slopes, turning white in winter, and you may spot them on the upper reaches of Mayar. Golden eagles patrol the glens, and buzzards are common.
The lower slopes support heather moorland that provides habitat for red grouse, and you may hear their distinctive calls as you approach Mayar. The vegetation transitions from heather and bilberry at lower elevations through grassier slopes to montane heath near the summit. The eastern location and lower rainfall compared to western areas means the vegetation is generally less lush but no less interesting.
In summer, wildflowers dot the slopes, including tormentil, milkwort, and mountain pansies. Meadow pipits are abundant during breeding season, and wheatears nest among the rocks on Mayar. Ring ouzels, mountain specialists related to blackbirds, may be encountered in suitable habitat during summer months.
While Mayar is one of the more accessible Munros, proper preparation remains essential for a safe and enjoyable day.…
While Mayar is one of the more accessible Munros, proper preparation remains essential for a safe and enjoyable day. Navigation equipment including map and compass should be carried and you should know how to use them, though the good paths and relatively straightforward terrain mean navigation on Mayar is less challenging than on more complex peaks.
Despite the low bog level, waterproof boots are advisable, and carrying full waterproofs is essential as weather can change rapidly even on this lower peak. Pack warm layers including a hat, as summit conditions on Mayar can be significantly colder and windier than in the glen. Carry sufficient food and water for 5 to 7 hours, though the shorter distance means you need less than for more remote peaks. Mobile phone signal is unreliable, so inform someone of your plans.
The relatively short approaches and good paths make Mayar an excellent training ground for developing hill fitness and mountain experience. Start with appropriate footwear and basic hill skills, and use Mayar as an opportunity to practice navigation and mountain craft in a less intimidating environment than more remote or complex peaks.
Explore more peaks near Angus Glens.
Common questions about climbing Mayar.
Mayar stands at 928 metres (3,045 feet), making it the 253rd tallest of all 282 Munros in Scotland.
The name Mayar translates from Scottish Gaelic as “Big One”.
Climbing Mayar typically takes between 5.2 and 6.9 hours round trip. This varies with fitness, weather, and the route chosen — there are 2 routes to the summit.
There is dedicated parking at the standard starting point for the main route up Mayar, in the Angus Glens area. The exact car park location, map pin and arrival guidance are in the free Munros app.
Mayar is rated Easy (difficulty 1/5). All 2 routes share this grade.
The most popular route up Mayar covers 13.4km, 5.3–6.9 hours round trip. There are 2 routes to the summit in total, ranging from Easy to Easy difficulty.
Mayar is an excellent choice for beginners in the Angus Glens area. Rated difficulty 1/5 at 928m, it has well-marked paths and straightforward terrain — a great first Munro.
Mayar is in the Angus Glens region of Scotland. Nearby Munros include Broad Cairn, Driesh, Mount Keen.
Step-by-step directions, GPS navigation, exact parking and offline maps for Mayar — free in the Munros app.
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