Mount Battock via Clachnaben

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Mount Battock is the highest point on a vast expanse of rolling, peaty moorland and is the most easterly of the Corbetts. Usually approached via Glen Esk, this longer route from the east visits the great granite tor of Clachnaben along the way.

Terrain

Mostly good tracks and paths but very exposed with little shelter. Bealach after Clachnaben is briefly very boggy.

Public Transport

None to start. Traveline Scotland.

Start

Clachnaben Quarry car park just north of the Bridge of Dye. Map and directions.

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Grade (key)

Bog Factor (key)

Walk Statistics

Distance: 25km / 15.75 miles
Time: 6 - 8 hours
Ascent: 1023m (Profile)
Start Grid Ref: NO648868

Summits Climbed

Corbett: Mount Battock

Maps / GPS

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Accommodation

Walk Description

Stage 1

Begin from the forest car park in an old quarry three quarters of a kilometre north of the Bridge of Dye. The walk from here to Clachnaben has been greatly improved in recent years due to the work of the Clachnaben Path Trust, a local charity. The walk starts on a path heading southwest from the car park, almost parallel to the road at first, and continues through the plantation. When the far end of this is reached, go straight ahead across a track and follow a route which keeps to the right of the stone wall. Rather disconcertingly for a hillwalk, this start is downhill.

Stage 2

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.

Stage 3

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 are small and the drop substantial. There are superb views across much of Aberdeenshire; the Mither Tap on Bennachie being very prominent to the north.

Stage 4

Heading for Mount Battock, continue on the ridge path, passing close by the trig point (clearly not as high as the top of the tor) and a second, smaller tor before crossing a very boggy bealach. The path then joins a track on the Hill of Edendocher. Follow this west; the track detracts from the feeling of wildness but certainly eases the going as it winds through what would otherwise be exhausting peat bogs. After the Hill of Badymicks a major track goes down into Glen Dye - this an alternative return route, but first turn right to continue towards Mount Battock.

Stage 5

Over the next slight rise the track has a turning area and becomes much narrower beyond; follow it through the next peat bog. Eventually as the track swings right across the flanks of Mount Battock towards Cock Hill, look out for a clear path (rather than a track as shown on the OS map) which branches off to the left. This climbs towards Mount Battock, coming alongside a line of old fenceposts on the final section up to the summit. The white-washed trig point stands beside a windshelter cairn and a new electric fence. The views are superb, with Driesh and Mayar prominent and Mount Keen appearing as a whaleback ridge.

Stage 6

If transport arrangements permit, you could continue west from Mount Battock into Glen Esk. Otherwise there are two options; perhaps the finest way back is to retrace your steps over Clachnaben, otherwise you could take the broad track into Glen Dye mentioned earlier and head down the Glen until rejoining the route at Miller's Bog.

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