Castle Hill

Hill, Mountain in Renfrewshire

Scotland

Castle Hill

Small Burn Near Mearns Law. — Small Burn Credit: wfmillar

Castle Hill is a prominent hill located in Renfrewshire, Scotland. Situated approximately 12 miles west of Glasgow, it is a popular landmark that offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Rising to a height of 430 feet, Castle Hill is a notable feature in the region's landscape.

The hill derives its name from the ancient castle that once stood on its summit. Believed to have been built in the 12th century, the castle served as a stronghold for the powerful Stewarts of Renfrew. Unfortunately, all that remains today are the ruins, but they still provide an intriguing glimpse into the area's rich history.

Castle Hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The hill boasts several walking trails that wind their way through a mixture of woodlands, grasslands, and heathlands. These paths offer visitors the opportunity to explore the diverse flora and fauna that call the hill home.

In addition to its natural beauty, Castle Hill is also home to a variety of archaeological sites. The area has seen human occupation dating back thousands of years, and artifacts from the Iron Age and Roman period have been discovered on the hill. These historical remnants add to the fascination and appeal of Castle Hill.

Overall, Castle Hill in Renfrewshire is a captivating landmark that combines natural beauty with a rich history. Its commanding presence, panoramic views, and archaeological significance make it a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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Castle Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.759416/-4.4155217 or Grid Reference NS4854. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Small Burn

Near Mearns Law.

wfmillar

Old Dam, South Craigton

The Walton Burn was used to create this small disused reservoir.

wfmillar

Walton Dam

Near Neilston.

wfmillar

Neilstonside Hill

Looking over the now partially planted up Dingle Bog.

wfmillar

Neilston Quarry

A disused quarry north of the hill called Neiston Pad is popular with local rock climbers. The rock is dolerite and quite smooth and slippery.

Marion Boyle

Gate on Neilston Pad track

Slim people only allowed on this walk! Neilston Pad has been a popular spot for walkers and picnickers for at least a century. Recently more woodland planting has been done and the walks publicised.

Marion Boyle

Frozen Snypes Dam

Home of Neilston Trout Fishery. Neiston Pad surrounded by the trees on the western side of the dam.

wfmillar

Frozen Snypes Dam

No fishermen today the ice is a couple of inches thick.

wfmillar

Snypes Dam

Barr Hill on the left. Looking towards Neilston. The dam was frozen.

wfmillar

Muirhead Farm

Mainly sheep farming around here.

wfmillar

Muirhead Farmland

Looking across mainly sheep grazing land towards North Walton Farm. Dodd Hill with the trees on it, above the farm .

wfmillar

Two Hawthorn Trees

Rough land near Dyke Hill

wfmillar

Rubbish beside the Dunlop-Neilston road

A little layby at the side of this road is convenient for Craighall Dam and walks round Neilston Pad. It also seems to be a dumping ground for a remarkable array of domestic rubbish as well as the expected drinks bottles etc. At upper right we see the road as it heads south.

Alec MacKinnon

Stile on Neilston Pad track

Neilston Pad is covered in well-frequented paths not show on OS maps. This one runs across the north side of the hill, entering the forest at the photographer's back, and has a sufficiently official existence to have been provided with a stile. Look closely on this side and you will see that the legs have broken off from the feet at the bottom so the stile is pretty wobbly in use.

Alec MacKinnon

Path round Craighall Dam

Walkers can circle Craighall Dam on a path of varying quality. Here the path, crossing the bottom of the picture, turns the corner at the south-west corner of the Dam having come through the gap between the two groups of trees.

Alec MacKinnon

Bench beside Craighall Dam

Originally the bench enjoyed a fine view over Craighall Dam but the trees planted in front of it have grown and the loch is now hidden. It can be glimpsed looking back along the path in NS4654 : Path round Craighall Dam.

Alec MacKinnon

Reeds on the edge of Craighall Dam

Alec MacKinnon

Neilston Pad

Neilston Pad is a modest, flat-topped hill, steep on three sides and particularly to the east, just south of the town of Neilston. Geologically it is a volcanic plug. Like many other isolated, steep wee hills of this kind its summit gives great views and it is conspicuous from quite a long way off (e.g. looking straight down Byres Road in Glasgow's West End). Just beyond we see Craighall Dam.

Alec MacKinnon

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Castle Hill is located at Grid Ref: NS4854 (Lat: 55.759416, Lng: -4.4155217)

Unitary Authority: East Renfrewshire

Police Authority: Greater Glasgow