Clachnaben trail hill run

Clachnaben is the dominant hill in the area and can be seen from all around the Aberdeenshire countryside. The route is almost long and involves a fair bit of climb in the first section. However, it is worth it.

The route starts off on the trail from the car park through some nice trees before popping out into more open space and onto a dirt road. Dirt roads make up the most of this route and are used by the gaming community so beware of the shooting season.

After less than you will see the hill in the distance. At around the mark you start the main climb of the route and this goes on for over . This is not easy but apart from some sections in the small wood the trail is really good quality. Out last run up here was in October where flies and midges were a bit on an issue on the way up. Just need to run faster I expect.

The top of the hill is made of large rocks. This is called a granite tor and once climbed up offers some lovely views all around the area. Take your time here and enjoy it, especially if you get it to yourself. It's not the highest point though, that's just along the path.

For this route we went the loop back to the car park, but you can of course just retrace your steps from this point. That would give you about of a run. The route back is all on well-made dirt roads apart from the final section through the woods to the car park. The scenery is not dramatic, but it is nice and for us it was getting late in the autumn evening sunshine so was very nice.

We've not been back here for almost two years, but it's on our repeat list when the chance comes up. We are thinking early morning though, when the flies are still asleep.