Blair Hill

Hill, Mountain in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Blair Hill

The Thieves Standing Stones Standing Stones on Blair Hill, Moor of Drannandow.
This photo was taken on the 29th May 2022.
The Thieves Standing Stones Credit: Rab McMurdo

Blair Hill is a prominent geographical feature located in the region of Kirkcudbrightshire in southwestern Scotland. Situated near the town of Kirkcudbright, this hill serves as a natural boundary between the parishes of Borgue and Anwoth. Rising to an elevation of approximately 250 meters (820 feet), Blair Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the nearby Solway Firth.

The hill is covered in a variety of vegetation, including grasses, heather, and scattered stands of trees. The diverse flora attracts an array of wildlife, making Blair Hill a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers. Additionally, the hill is crisscrossed with a network of footpaths and trails, providing ample opportunities for outdoor activities such as walking, jogging, and mountain biking.

At the summit of Blair Hill, there is a trig point, which is a concrete pillar used in surveying to establish accurate measurements of distance and angles. The trig point serves as a notable landmark and is often used by visitors to orient themselves and appreciate the stunning vistas.

Blair Hill holds historical significance as well. It is said to have been a site of ancient settlements and is associated with local folklore and legends. The hill's proximity to Kirkcudbright also means that it is within easy reach of amenities and services, making it a convenient destination for locals and tourists alike.

Overall, Blair Hill is a picturesque and accessible hill in Kirkcudbrightshire, providing a fantastic opportunity for outdoor enthusiasts to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Blair Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.014268/-4.4978272 or Grid Reference NX4071. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The Thieves Standing Stones Standing Stones on Blair Hill, Moor of Drannandow.
This photo was taken on the 29th May 2022.
The Thieves Standing Stones
Standing Stones on Blair Hill, Moor of Drannandow. This photo was taken on the 29th May 2022.
Chambered Cairn The remains of one of the chambers in the cairn.
This photo was taken on the 29th May 2022.
Chambered Cairn
The remains of one of the chambers in the cairn. This photo was taken on the 29th May 2022.
Remains of a Cairn The remains of an ancient cairn.
This photo was taken on the 29th May 2022.
Remains of a Cairn
The remains of an ancient cairn. This photo was taken on the 29th May 2022.
Wood of Cree The estate is being carefully managed by the RSPB in an effort to restore the woodland to its 'natural' state. Coppiced birch and oak are gradually being thinned and dead timber is being left to rot. The reserve is famous for its summer populations of Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and Wood Warbler, but the waterfalls are worth the trip at any time of year.
Wood of Cree
The estate is being carefully managed by the RSPB in an effort to restore the woodland to its 'natural' state. Coppiced birch and oak are gradually being thinned and dead timber is being left to rot. The reserve is famous for its summer populations of Pied Flycatcher, Redstart and Wood Warbler, but the waterfalls are worth the trip at any time of year.
Waterfall in the Wood of Cree
Waterfall in the Wood of Cree
Cordorcan Cottage
Cordorcan Cottage
Forest Track above Cordorcan
Forest Track above Cordorcan
Drystone Dyke This Dyke runs right up to Craigmurchie.
Drystone Dyke
This Dyke runs right up to Craigmurchie.
Derelict Building at Cordorcan
Derelict Building at Cordorcan
Footpath in the Wood of Cree
Footpath in the Wood of Cree
Hillside Heather This Rock feature stands in the middle of the Forest and really looks out of place.
Hillside Heather
This Rock feature stands in the middle of the Forest and really looks out of place.
Track on the way to Loch Middle, Galloway Forest There are a lot of fir trees and not many views beyond them on the route from Wood of Cree to Loch Middle. So not many people bother to make the hour's walk to see the loch. If they did, they would find it worth visiting on a fine day.
There is one sighting of a hill - Craigmurchie - down a narrow forest ride : not a diversion to be recommended if the ground is very wet. This track becomes a woodland path at its southern end - near Cordorcan - so forestry vehicles must, one assumes, access it from the north, via Glen Trool.
Track on the way to Loch Middle, Galloway Forest
There are a lot of fir trees and not many views beyond them on the route from Wood of Cree to Loch Middle. So not many people bother to make the hour's walk to see the loch. If they did, they would find it worth visiting on a fine day. There is one sighting of a hill - Craigmurchie - down a narrow forest ride : not a diversion to be recommended if the ground is very wet. This track becomes a woodland path at its southern end - near Cordorcan - so forestry vehicles must, one assumes, access it from the north, via Glen Trool.
Waterfall in the Wood of Cree,  Galloway Forest Here, the Cordorcan Burn, which forms the south-eastern boundary of the Wood, is in spate after heavy rain in the Galloway Hills.
Waterfall in the Wood of Cree, Galloway Forest
Here, the Cordorcan Burn, which forms the south-eastern boundary of the Wood, is in spate after heavy rain in the Galloway Hills.
The Cordorcan Burn in the Wood of Cree, Galloway Forest The burn is full to the brim and fast flowing after a period of heavy rain in the nearby Galloway Hills, north of Newton Stewart.
The Cordorcan Burn in the Wood of Cree, Galloway Forest
The burn is full to the brim and fast flowing after a period of heavy rain in the nearby Galloway Hills, north of Newton Stewart.
Ruined cottage at Cordorcan, Galloway Forest This, and several other derelict cottages, are just off the track leading north-eastwards from the end of the Wood of Cree "Scrubland Walk". Clearly, this was once a small, remote community.
Ruined cottage at Cordorcan, Galloway Forest
This, and several other derelict cottages, are just off the track leading north-eastwards from the end of the Wood of Cree "Scrubland Walk". Clearly, this was once a small, remote community.
Building at Cordorcan, near Wood of Cree, Galloway This building is good repair and showed signs of periodic usage or occupancy (a fresh wood pile at the rear and a clothes line). Later, walking back, we encountered the owners who are from the S.E. of England. They inherited it and use it for holidays. There is no electricity or water supply: they have to use wood gathered in the nearby forest and water from the burn. Previously, it had been a shepherd's cottage. Is served by a wide, but not well used, track through Wood of Cree. New "farm" gates nearby bear the Royal Warrant and the legend "...Graham, by appointment to HMQ, gate manufacturers..." (The NSPB are involved in conservation in the Wood.)
Building at Cordorcan, near Wood of Cree, Galloway
This building is good repair and showed signs of periodic usage or occupancy (a fresh wood pile at the rear and a clothes line). Later, walking back, we encountered the owners who are from the S.E. of England. They inherited it and use it for holidays. There is no electricity or water supply: they have to use wood gathered in the nearby forest and water from the burn. Previously, it had been a shepherd's cottage. Is served by a wide, but not well used, track through Wood of Cree. New "farm" gates nearby bear the Royal Warrant and the legend "...Graham, by appointment to HMQ, gate manufacturers..." (The NSPB are involved in conservation in the Wood.)
Track from Drannandow Farm, Newton Stewart,  Galloway This is a lengthy 'circular' route via farmland, moor and forestry, eventually returning to the farm and giving access to interior hills, such as Larg, Benailsa and Garlick, which would otherwise be hard to reach from the outskirts of Newton Stewart. The sections through woodland (mostly spruce) are relatively short so, from higher ground, there is a constant panorama of views across the Minnigaff area. The outline of Larg Hill (known locally as the "Big Hill") can be seen above the forestry. There are both sheep and cattle, especially in the vicinity of the farm.
Track from Drannandow Farm, Newton Stewart, Galloway
This is a lengthy 'circular' route via farmland, moor and forestry, eventually returning to the farm and giving access to interior hills, such as Larg, Benailsa and Garlick, which would otherwise be hard to reach from the outskirts of Newton Stewart. The sections through woodland (mostly spruce) are relatively short so, from higher ground, there is a constant panorama of views across the Minnigaff area. The outline of Larg Hill (known locally as the "Big Hill") can be seen above the forestry. There are both sheep and cattle, especially in the vicinity of the farm.
Forestry in the vicinity of Drannandow Farm, Newton Stewart The valley of the River Cree lies westwards beyond the area of woodland which includes the ancient Wood of Cree (unseen) leading by forestry track to Loch Middle and, further north, Larg Hill. The farmer has to drive into this forest periodically to rescue sheep which have wandered there in search of more grazing.
Forestry in the vicinity of Drannandow Farm, Newton Stewart
The valley of the River Cree lies westwards beyond the area of woodland which includes the ancient Wood of Cree (unseen) leading by forestry track to Loch Middle and, further north, Larg Hill. The farmer has to drive into this forest periodically to rescue sheep which have wandered there in search of more grazing.
Show me another place!

Blair Hill is located at Grid Ref: NX4071 (Lat: 55.014268, Lng: -4.4978272)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///bleak.represent.lizards. Near Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway

Related Wikis

Wood of Cree

Wood of Cree is a nature reserve in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Located approximately 4 miles (6.4 km) north north-west of Newton Stewart, it is managed...

Hespies Linn

Hespies Linn is a waterfall of Scotland. == See also == Waterfalls of Scotland == References ==

Minnigaff

Minnigaff is a village and civil parish in the historic county of Kirkcudbrightshire in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. Lead was discovered there in...

Kirroughtree House

Kirroughtree House is the heritage-listed mansion house (Category B listing.) of the Kirroughtree estate. It occupies a prominent position 1 mile (1.6...

Lamachan Hill

Lamachan Hill is a hill in the Minnigaff Hills, a sub-range of the Galloway Hills range, part of the Southern Uplands of Scotland. It is the highest hill...

Douglas Ewart High School

Douglas Ewart High School was opened in 1922 in Newton Stewart, Scotland. It was formed by the amalgamation of the Douglas Free School opened in 1834...

Newton Stewart

Newton Stewart (Gd: Baile Ùr nan Stiùbhartach) is a former burgh town in the historical county of Wigtownshire in Dumfries and Galloway, southwest Scotland...

Penninghame

Penninghame in Wigtownshire, Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland, is a civil parish area, 8 miles (N. W.) from Wigtown. The area is approx 16 miles in length...

Have you been to Blair Hill?

Leave your review of Blair Hill below (or comments, questions and feedback).