Since we first started doing munros we have been recommended this pair of munros more than anything else and now I can see why!
Mayar and
Driesh make a brilliant pair and an awesome walk.
After very wet and cloudy conditions the day before, we woke up to clear blue skies on the Sunday ahead of the hike. For the first time we noticed that you can actually see Driesh from the car park - the previous two days it had been too cloudy.
We started the hike feeling great - sunshine is a special treat for us! After walking along the initial track away from the car park we took a left turn and into a little clearing. From here we were in and out of forest along a path with gentle ascent until we emerged at Corrie Fee.
Wow.
Honestly, this is one of the most beautiful places we've walked. Whether you're into munro bagging or not, Corrie Fee is a must visit, especially on a sunny day! Walking through the valley was stunning and I could stop commenting on how beautiful it was. When you reach the far side you start to climb up the edge of the valley following a stair path. This is probably the most physically challenging section of the walk but is still definitely manageable. Stopping to look at the view behind you of Corrie Fee gives you the perfect excuse if you need a breather! After you get to the top of the stairs you follow a path with a gentle ascent straight for ~500m before taking a left turn and continuing up a similar ascent to the top of Mayar.
The view from the top of Mayar was a little hazy but still beautiful and it was clear enough for us to see across to Dreish in the distance.
After getting our munro dogs photo we set off for Driesh. Its pretty much a straight path across a hill inbetween to reach the summit. Just before you start the final ascent up to Driesh you will pass the path you return back along. The path up to Driesh summit feels like a steep hill, but not steep enough for steps or zig-zags to be required.
Driesh summit is marked by a wind-shelter and a trig point and has beautiful views of the mountains in the surrounding area. We stopped to have a nice chat with a man from Germany who had a very strong love of Revolution Race clothing! After saying goodbye and -you guessed it- getting a munro dogs photo, we headed back down Dreish.
The path back into the valley is pretty stunning. You have a view right into the valley and its a lovely warm sun trap - very needed after being on the exposed face of Dreish! On the way down we met 2 long-haired Weimaraners (I didnt even know there were long haired ones!) and a guide-dog called Holly who had a play with Spencer.
After you get to the bottom of the valley the path heads back into the forest and continues with a gentle descent all the way to the original left turn. From there, its a short ~500m walk back to the car park!
This is a really awesome set of munros for newbies! Sections where its challenging, but still manageable and no scrambling or climbing required. With the added bonus of walking through Corrie Fee, its a must-visit for us!
Walk Stats:
Time - 3h 26m
Distance - 15km
Elevation gain - 852m
Walkhighlands route here
