Clashmach Hill is an open ridge lying southwest of Huntly. The ascent offers a pleasant walk with extensive views; the alternative descent is a little rougher.
Straightforward ascent on a grassy track and path, can be muddy in places. Descent on sometimes wet path cut through gorse.
Huntly is served by regular buses.
Market Muir car park, Huntly.
Park in Market Muir car park on George V Avenue, on the left side of the A97 into town. Begin the walk by heading back along the A97 to the large roundabout on the Huntly by-pass. Turn right here on the A96, crossing very carefully to reach the pavement on the far side. Follow this briefly before turning left onto a minor road past the auction mart, signed for Tullochbeg. Follow this road uphill past the auction mart until it turns sharp left with a bungalow ahead. Go straight on here up the drive, passing to the right of the bungalow and onto a grassy path. This runs between bushes and then bears right, passing a mobile phone mast, towards a prominent wind turbine. There are good views back to Huntly.
The grassy path continues with gorse and fences on either side. At the turbine it bends left to climb more directly, and the fields on the right gradually become rougher. It climbs up, passing a bench, and then through a gate.
As you approach the ridge, there's another gate. Beyond, the path leads up to the ridge line and there is a sudden view of Ben Rinnes ahead in the distance, the erosion scar of its path clearly visible. The path now reaches a grassy track running along the hill. Turn left onto this, making a note of where you joined the track so you can find your way back.
The summit of the hill is reached after a short distance, marked by a cairn and a triangulation point. The extensive views take in Huntly, the nearby Tap o'Noth, and the tors of Bennachie.
Return to the path and then the last gate you passed through on the way up. To vary the route back, turn left after passing through the gate, keeping the fenceline on your left. There is a grassy path though the gorse needs regular cutting to keep it open. After 500m the path bears right away from the fence.
Continue downhill, passing through a gate part way and then yet another gate. This gives access to an area planted with young native trees, mostly birch. Follow the grassy track that zig-zags down through this area; the going can be wet in a couple of places. Ignore any tracks off to the left and right. Eventually the track reaches a gate at the metal sheds, part of the Strathbogie Forest and Garden.centre. Pass through the gate and follow the track left to reach the A920 road at Arnhill Cottages.
The road can be quite busy so take care. Turn right along the verge for 400m until a tarmac lane off on the left side. Take this towards a house, turning right just as you reach it. The lane now leads to and passes under the main A96. Continue to a t-junction, then turn right along the pavement on the far side. Continue until the A920 joins in from the left, then take the next turning on the right - onto a tarmac cyclepath. Follow this for 400m, then turn left at the end of the housing onto a small road. Continue along this - passing Dean's shortbread factory and visitor centre (which has a cafe). At a t-junction by the fire station turn right and you'll soon be back at the Market Muir car park.
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