Clachnaben

Clachnaben

Clachnaben is a 589 m Dodd in Glen Dye, Aberdeenshire. Its striking granite tor forms the true summit at NO615865. The lower trig pillar to the west, about 579 m high, is a separate feature. The final rocks require a short exposed scramble, with substantial drops; a walk to the tor’s base remains a worthwhile outing if the scramble is unsuitable.

Returning walks

The standard out-and-back starts at Clachnaben Quarry car park beside the B974, north of Bridge of Dye. Follow the woodland approach and bridge, then the path through Miller’s Bog and beside Black Hillocks, climbing the stone steps to the tor. Return by the same route all the way to the original car park, including the uphill woodland finish. Walkhighlands publishes 9 km, 511 m total ascent and 3 hours for this full return.

A separate Black Hillocks circuit uses the south side of the plantation on the ascent and its north side below Mount Shade on the return, finishing through the woods at the same quarry car park. Aberdeen Hillwalking Club’s Walk 2 of 27 April 2025 publishes 10.8 km and 502 m ascent/descent, without a route-specific time. It includes fords and is unsuitable when crossings are unsafe. Its figures must not be combined with the standard out-and-back.

Summit, terrain and views

Tracks and woodland paths give way to a built hill path with pitched stone steps and some boggy ground. The tor’s steep front is rock-climbing ground; the walking approach goes round its north side to the easier western rocks. Reaching the highest rock still requires scrambling. Wetness, ice and strong wind increase the risk. Views include Lower Deeside, Bennachie to the north and Mount Battock to the west, subject to visibility.

Geology, name and heritage

BGS identifies Clachnaben Granite as part of the Mount Battock Pluton, with a Wenlock-to-Early-Devonian age range. The tor is natural bedrock. Scottish Gaelic Clach na Beinne means stone of the hill. The Clan Strachan Scottish Heritage Society records Clachnaben as the clan’s war cry.

Volunteers have worked on the access path since 1997, with repairs recorded in 2018–19. Older route descriptions attribute same-way return advice to the Clachnaben Path Trust. OSCR records the trust’s removal from the charity register in July 2024, and the Glen Dye Moor project’s August 2024 addendum describes it as defunct. Keep to the maintained path and follow current signs rather than treating the older attribution as a newly confirmed instruction.

Access and facilities

The standard start is the small quarry car park at NO648868, about 750 m north of Bridge of Dye on the B974. It can fill up. Do not block entrances or park unsafely. Spital Burn parking lies south of the bridge and is a different start; the project reports upgrades there, but proposed toilets have not been verified as open. Local guides list no facilities at the quarry. Bring food and water; Banchory provides shops and cafés. Walkhighlands lists no public transport to the standard start.

Care on the hill

Use footwear with grip, carry navigation and suitable clothing, check the forecast and allow daylight for the whole return. Do not rely on mobile reception. Keep dogs under control, respect wildlife, and keep clear of active forestry, restoration work or shooting. Follow reasonable current land-management advice.

Nearby hills include Mount Shade (507 m, NO626870), Hill of Edendocher (577 m, NO604859), Sandy Hill (592 m, NO593858) and Mount Battock (778 m, NO549844). Mount Battock is a considerably longer extension, not part of the standard 9 km walk.