Clachnaben

Clachnaben is a granite summit standing at about 589 meters with a distinctive rocky tor at its peak, offering wide views across Lower Deeside and the surrounding land. The hill has a rugged stone formation that stands out clearly against the landscape.

The name comes from Gaelic language and means 'Rock of the Hill', a term used for centuries that shows its long connection to this area. The location served traditionally as a landmark in the Highland region.

The summit holds special meaning for Clan Strachan, and its name appears at one of the houses at Aboyne Academy, showing its place in local identity. This connection reflects how deeply rooted the location is in the region's community.

The starting point is at a car park on Cairn O' Mounth road south of Banchory, from where a well-developed path leads upward. The ascent follows marked trails and allows for different difficulty levels depending on your chosen route.

The granite formation at the top attracts climbers looking for technical challenges, making it interesting for more experienced hikers. From above you can spot several well-known mountains in the distance like Mount Battock, Lochnagar, and Bennachie.