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Black Hill

Hill, Mountain in Ayrshire

Scotland

Black Hill

Opencast mining in Nithsdale In the upper reaches of the River Nith, about 7 km west of New Cumnock.
Opencast mining in Nithsdale Credit: M J Richardson

Black Hill is a prominent hill located in Ayrshire, Scotland. With an elevation of approximately 646 meters (2,119 feet), it is classified as a Corbett, which is a Scottish mountain between 2,500 and 3,000 feet in height. The hill is situated in a remote and unspoiled area, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Black Hill is characterized by its distinctive conical shape, covered in heather and grasses, which gives it a dark appearance and lends its name. The terrain is mostly rugged and steep, with rocky outcrops and deep gullies, making it a challenging climb for outdoor enthusiasts and hillwalkers. It is often praised for its striking beauty and the solitude it offers to those who venture to its summit.

The hill is known for its rich biodiversity and is home to various species of flora and fauna. The lower slopes are adorned with woodlands, including birch and oak trees, while the higher sections are predominantly covered in heather and moss. Birdwatchers can spot a variety of species, such as red grouse, peregrine falcons, and golden eagles, soaring above the hill.

Black Hill has become a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts who wish to escape the hustle and bustle of city life. Its remote location and unspoiled environment provide a peaceful retreat and an opportunity to appreciate the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside. Whether visitors are seeking a challenging climb or a peaceful stroll, Black Hill offers an unforgettable experience amidst stunning scenery.

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Black Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.395167/-4.3029952 or Grid Reference NS5413. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Opencast mining in Nithsdale In the upper reaches of the River Nith, about 7 km west of New Cumnock.
Opencast mining in Nithsdale
In the upper reaches of the River Nith, about 7 km west of New Cumnock.
Opencast mining in Nithsdale One of many areas of opencast mining in East Ayrshire, now presumably inactive as a result of the financial difficulties of Scottish Coal, which is in administration, with questions as to who will pay for the restoration of the landscape.
Opencast mining in Nithsdale
One of many areas of opencast mining in East Ayrshire, now presumably inactive as a result of the financial difficulties of Scottish Coal, which is in administration, with questions as to who will pay for the restoration of the landscape.
Opencast at Waterhead The remains of opencast mining in amongst the forestry; there is a lot in this area but since the demise of Scottish Coal its future, and any restoration, is in the balance.
Opencast at Waterhead
The remains of opencast mining in amongst the forestry; there is a lot in this area but since the demise of Scottish Coal its future, and any restoration, is in the balance.
The end of the road This is as far as the public can come before reaching the House of Water site operated by Hargreaves Mining. There doesn’t seem to be any more coal extraction but further site restoration is being done. Open cast mining completely transforms the landscape, both during and after its operation. The Historic OS – GB 1920s map shows what was there before. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/405178">NS5512 : The road to House of Water farm</a> for a 2004 view.
The end of the road
This is as far as the public can come before reaching the House of Water site operated by Hargreaves Mining. There doesn’t seem to be any more coal extraction but further site restoration is being done. Open cast mining completely transforms the landscape, both during and after its operation. The Historic OS – GB 1920s map shows what was there before. See also NS5512 : The road to House of Water farm for a 2004 view.
A new track around Carsgailoch Hill This new track gives access to the forested areas, crossing land that was altered by open-cast mining.
A new track around Carsgailoch Hill
This new track gives access to the forested areas, crossing land that was altered by open-cast mining.
Heading for Black Hill The higher-level forested ground was untouched by the open-cast mining operations that changed so much of this area. Therefore, it’s still easy to follow the maps here.
Heading for Black Hill
The higher-level forested ground was untouched by the open-cast mining operations that changed so much of this area. Therefore, it’s still easy to follow the maps here.
Approaching Linn Burn This part of the track existed before the open-cast mining operations changed the landscape. It’s still easy to follow the maps in the forested land. Viewed on the edge of the square. The ruin beside the track lies in the next square. See <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7236144">NS5413 : A ruin in the forest</a>
Approaching Linn Burn
This part of the track existed before the open-cast mining operations changed the landscape. It’s still easy to follow the maps in the forested land. Viewed on the edge of the square. The ruin beside the track lies in the next square. See NS5413 : A ruin in the forest
A ruin in the forest This appears to be an old building called The Linn, probably a shepherd’s cottage. It would have been abandoned when the forest was planted in the mid-20th century. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7236136">NS5513 : Approaching Linn Burn</a> shows the location.
A ruin in the forest
This appears to be an old building called The Linn, probably a shepherd’s cottage. It would have been abandoned when the forest was planted in the mid-20th century. NS5513 : Approaching Linn Burn shows the location.
A new loch in the Nith Valley Viewed from the new forestry road, this loch is part of a restored open-cast mining site. The loch occupies the site of the old farm at Dalgig which was destroyed by the mining. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7236120">NS5613 : A new scene in the Nith Valley</a>
A new loch in the Nith Valley
Viewed from the new forestry road, this loch is part of a restored open-cast mining site. The loch occupies the site of the old farm at Dalgig which was destroyed by the mining. See also NS5613 : A new scene in the Nith Valley
Onion weathering Technically known as exfoliation, this rock is being broken down by peeling off in layers, similar to the layers of an onion. There were lots of examples in the area.
Onion weathering
Technically known as exfoliation, this rock is being broken down by peeling off in layers, similar to the layers of an onion. There were lots of examples in the area.
Linn Burn The upper part of Linn Burn was in an unplanted part of the forest.
Linn Burn
The upper part of Linn Burn was in an unplanted part of the forest.
Former open-cast site near Dalgig This enormous hole in the ground is not visible from the valley floor. It illustrates the extent of the coal extraction that took place here around the turn of the 20th century. Letting it fill with water is about the only way of restoring the site to any sort of landscape. It will look really bare for a very long time while weathering and re-growth of vegetation take place. The nearby House of Water site is still used by Hargreaves Mining. The old landscape, including the farm buildings at Dalgig, no longer exists.
Former open-cast site near Dalgig
This enormous hole in the ground is not visible from the valley floor. It illustrates the extent of the coal extraction that took place here around the turn of the 20th century. Letting it fill with water is about the only way of restoring the site to any sort of landscape. It will look really bare for a very long time while weathering and re-growth of vegetation take place. The nearby House of Water site is still used by Hargreaves Mining. The old landscape, including the farm buildings at Dalgig, no longer exists.
Black Hill view Looking down from the cairn with the old open-cast workings visible in the background. Viewed in disappointing mid-July light.
Black Hill view
Looking down from the cairn with the old open-cast workings visible in the background. Viewed in disappointing mid-July light.
Cairn on Black Hill Not quite on the summit and accessible again since the trees have been felled.
Cairn on Black Hill
Not quite on the summit and accessible again since the trees have been felled.
The road to House of Water farm The road to House of Water farm now demolished.
The road to House of Water farm
The road to House of Water farm now demolished.
Black Hill Wood. View of woodland and fields near to Dalgig Farm. This area is famous for its association with the Covenanters.
Black Hill Wood.
View of woodland and fields near to Dalgig Farm. This area is famous for its association with the Covenanters.
Craigman Opencast Mine The road has a gate across it at this point. I'm unsure whether this mine is abandoned or awaiting restoration but there was no apparent activity on the site.
Craigman Opencast Mine
The road has a gate across it at this point. I'm unsure whether this mine is abandoned or awaiting restoration but there was no apparent activity on the site.
The Upper Nith Valley. The Nith has been diverted and diverted again, to allow the opencasts to extract the maximum coal possible. Ayrshire is a verdant district, or was, until the grey mountains sprouted. Will anyone ever put this back to some acceptable and beneficial landscape?
The Upper Nith Valley.
The Nith has been diverted and diverted again, to allow the opencasts to extract the maximum coal possible. Ayrshire is a verdant district, or was, until the grey mountains sprouted. Will anyone ever put this back to some acceptable and beneficial landscape?
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Black Hill is located at Grid Ref: NS5413 (Lat: 55.395167, Lng: -4.3029952)

Unitary Authority: East Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///dozens.bucket.pylons. Near Cumnock, East Ayrshire

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