Clachnaben is one of the best known of Aberdeenshire's lower hills, celebrated together with Bennachie in an old couplet. Its fame rests on the magnificent granite tor on its summit, a superb viewpoint and a worthy objective for any outing.
Excellent hill-path higher up; tracks lower down with just the odd slight boggy section.
None to start.
Clachnaben Quarry car park just north of the Bridge of Dye.
Begin from the forest car park in an old quarry three quarters of a kilometre north of the Bridge of Dye. The path to Clachnaben has been greatly improved in recent years due to the work of the Clachnaben Path Trust, a local charity. Start by following a path heading southwest, almost parallel to the road at first, and continuing through the plantation. When clear ground is reached go straight ahead across a track and follow a route alongside the stone wall ahead. Rather disconcertingly for the ascent of a hill, this start is mostly downhill.
Cross a stile beside a gate and continue down to the glen bottom where the track crosses a bridge. Fork right on the far side to follow a track which heads up through Miller's Bog; stay on the main track when smaller ones branch off, but fork right again to continue up near the glen floor; there are footbridges across several side streams. The granite tor of Clachnaben is now seen clearly ahead. Continue to a gate and stile which give access to an old plantation; a stone built cairn beside the path marks the latest phase of the path improvements.
The path mostly keeps to the left edge of the trees, above the fast-flowing Mill Burn. Eventually the top of the plantation is reached; continue on the clear and well-built path as it climbs uphill, with pitched stone-steps, initially aiming to the right of Clachnaben to ease the ascent. As the tor is approached its great size becomes apparent; its front features numerous rock-climbing routes. The path however heads round the right hand side to reach the easier-angled back of the tor. Reaching the highest point involves an easy scramble - but care is needed as the topmost rocks and small and the drop substantial. There are superb views across much of Aberdeenshire; the Mither Tap on Bennachie being very prominent to the north.
Due to the great popularity of Clachnaben the local trust recommend returning the same way. Variants are possible by branching left on the descent and then turning through the Slack of Dye, or passing round the plantation on the left side on the way back rather than the right, but these don't really improve on the fine views ahead.
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