Glen Dye to Quarry Parking – Clachnaben & Mount Shade

Date/Time

Date(s) - 27/04/2025
8:00 am - 4:30 pm

Walk Details

Pub Stop?: If Time Permits
O/S Map Sheet No.: 45
Grid Ref. Start: 648 845
Grid Ref. Finish 649 869
Walk (Miles): 10
Walk Hours: 5
Bus Time to Walk:2 hrs
Bus Time from Walk: 1.5 hrs
Departure time from walk: 3:00 pm

Walk Notes

On this walk your club visits the heart of Aberdeenshire walking along Glen Dye by the river before hiking up to reach Clachnaben (Scottish Gaelic: “Clach na Beinne” for stone of the ben) to ascend its distinctive tor, a granite outcrop that stands proudly on top of the hill. Continuing on from there, we’ll then climb Mount Shade. Both tops should provide great views across the North East (weather permitting!)

Walk 1 – Clachnaben and Mount Shade

1. From the drop off point head West along the road and cross over a bridge turning right.
2. Follow this track until a T junction. Head left and then left again shortly after.
3. Stay on this track eventually crossing a bridge and then reaching Charr Bothy later on where you can have a break.
4. From Charr Bothy head NNW. Stay on this track until you reach the cairn of Endochar. Keep on this path and head towards the granite tor summit of Clachnaben
5. There are several tracks that head down from the top so make sure to take the correct one heading NE towards Mount Shade.
6. Climb and traverse over Mount Shade. Down on the other side you will enter a forest. Stay on this track until you reach a crossroads.
7. At the crossroads head left (NE) to go back to the quarry car park and finish.

Distance 15.3 km/9.5 miles, ascent 596 m, descent 612 m

Download file: t313388303_glen-dye-to-quarry-parking.gpx

Walk 2 – Clachnaben circular

1. From the second drop off point at the quarry car park head SW through the forest
2. Exiting the forest, head south eventually crossing a bridge and then head West along the river crossing several fords.
3. As you approach Black Hillocks forest plantation keep left and head along the South side of this.
4. Continue your climb until you reach the granite tor at the top of Clachnaben
5. Coming down, initially take the same route until you reach the Black Hillock forest plantation again.
6. This time take the path that head son the North side of the forest round the bottom of Mount Shade.
7. You will enter a forest. Stay on this track until you reach a crossroads.
8. At the crossroads head left (NE) to go back to the quarry car park and finish.

Distance 10.8 km/6.7 miles, ascent 502 m, descent 502 m

Download file: t313388925_glen-dye-to-quarry-parking-walk-2.gpx

The above notes are for guidance only and are intended as an aid to be used along with a map and compass and/or a GPS device. In the event of an emergency arising, the person in charge today should be notified, if possible, before the emergency services are contacted on 999. The Committee Member in charge of today’s walk is Mo Ironside – 07845 293258.

Cancellations/Waiting List: It is important to contact Gilbert (Mobile number 07807240817) if you cannot attend & have to cancel your booking. The bus is often fully booked which means any cancelled seats can be re-allocated to those persons on a waiting list. Anyone unsuccessful in booking a seat should contact Gilbert who will put them on a waiting list.

Bookings