Scotland
Clachan Yell
626M
2054FT
About Clachan Yell
Rising above the remote glens north of Ballater, this rounded Aberdeenshire summit offers a quiet alternative to the busier Cairngorm peaks. Its heather-clad slopes provide a classic grouse-moor experience, rewarding those who navigate its peat hags with expansive views across the eastern Grampians toward the distinctive profile of Lochnagar.
Key Statistics
Rank
143rd Highest in Region
Parent Range
Lochaber
Prominence
?
91m
Nearest Town
Tanar
Geology
You are walking on biotite granite, a durable, crystal-rich rock that formed deep underground as part of the massive Mount Battock Pluton.
Classifications
Nearby Fells
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NO446911
Latitude
57.0077°N
Longitude
2.9138°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely stems from the Gaelic 'Clachán', typically meaning a stony place or a small settlement, reflecting the scattered granite boulders found across its upper slopes.
- •Positioned on the edge of the Mounth, this hill marks the transition from the sheltered woodlands of Deeside to the high, exposed plateau that stretches south towards the Angus Glens.
- •The summit provides a standout view of Lochnagar to the southwest, allowing walkers to trace the dramatic skyline of the Mounth’s highest peaks from a quieter, less-trodden vantage point.
- •Navigating the approach often involves a masterclass in 'hag-hopping', as the surrounding moorland is notorious for deep peat troughs that remain stubbornly wet long after the last rainfall.