Clean Hill

Hill, Mountain in Banffshire

Scotland

Clean Hill

Near the site of Drybridge Halt, 1997 View NE, towards Portessie: ex-Highland Railway Keith - Portessie branch. The line was closed back in 8/1915! Note the curiosity of the Aberdeen Angus. — Near the site of Drybridge Halt, 1997 Credit: Ben Brooksbank

Clean Hill is a prominent and picturesque mountain located in Banffshire, Scotland. With an elevation of 1,034 meters (3,392 feet), it stands as one of the most imposing peaks in the region. Clean Hill is situated in the eastern part of Banffshire, near the town of Glenlivet, and forms part of the Grampian Mountains range.

The mountain's name, Clean Hill, is derived from the Gaelic phrase "cluan," meaning a meadow or pastureland. This etymology is fitting, as the lower slopes of Clean Hill are indeed covered in lush green meadows, providing a serene and idyllic setting. However, as one ascends towards the summit, the landscape gradually transforms into a rugged terrain, characterized by craggy rocks and scree slopes.

Clean Hill offers a challenging yet rewarding climb for outdoor enthusiasts and mountaineers. It features several well-defined trails and paths that cater to different levels of hiking experience. The summit provides breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Cairngorms National Park and the Spey Valley.

The mountain is also home to a diverse range of wildlife and flora. Red deer, mountain hares, and ptarmigans are commonly spotted on the slopes of Clean Hill, while a variety of alpine plants and wildflowers adorn its rocky slopes.

Clean Hill holds significant historical and cultural importance as well. It has been a site of traditional Scottish gatherings, such as the Highland Games, which continue to be held in the vicinity. Its rich history and natural beauty make Clean Hill a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

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Clean Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.660976/-2.9417896 or Grid Reference NJ4363. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Near the site of Drybridge Halt, 1997

View NE, towards Portessie: ex-Highland Railway Keith - Portessie branch. The line was closed back in 8/1915! Note the curiosity of the Aberdeen Angus.

Ben Brooksbank

Meal Mill at Mill of Buckie

The fragment of masonry among the trees is all that is left of the meal mill, which was one of two mills here.

Anne Burgess

Mill Lade

This is really one for a winter photograph, when there's not so much vegetation. The lade ran past the west side of Inchgower and then powered NJ4264 : Meal Mill at Mill of Buckie and NJ4264 : Threshing Mill at Mill of Buckie.

Anne Burgess

Threshing Mill at Mill of Buckie

This is the gable of what used to be a threshing mill, powered by the same lade as NJ4264 : Meal Mill at Mill of Buckie. The reinforcing breezeblocks are not original. The lade ran along to the left, and the wheel was mounted on the west (left in this view) of the building.

Anne Burgess

Threshing Mill at Mill of Buckie

This is the west wall of NJ4264 : Threshing Mill at Mill of Buckie. It's awkward to see because of the trees now, but you can just about make out the shape of the wheel on the wall at lower right. The lade is out of sight at upper right.

Anne Burgess

The End of the Mill Lade

The yellower stonework at lower right is the end of the lade, where the water fell on to the top of the mill wheel which was mounted on the greyer wall. It is all but impossible to photograph because of the trees, not to mention a heap of broken glass bottles which make scrambling around for a viewpoint just that little bit more 'interesting' than one might wish.

Anne Burgess

Where the Wheel Was

The mill wheel of NJ4264 : Threshing Mill at Mill of Buckie was mounted on the west wall, on the left in this view, and at the far end is NJ4264 : The End of the Mill Lade.

Anne Burgess