Balig Hill

Hill, Mountain in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Balig Hill

Wooden sign, Kirkcudbright Training Area Credit: Steven Brown

Balig Hill is a prominent landmark located in Kirkcudbrightshire, a historic county in the southwestern region of Scotland. Rising to an elevation of approximately 274 meters (899 feet), it is classified as a hill rather than a mountain. Despite its modest height, Balig Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers.

This hill is characterized by its distinct shape and rugged terrain, with a mix of grassy slopes, rocky outcrops, and scattered trees. Its location within the Galloway Forest Park ensures a diverse range of flora and fauna, adding to the natural beauty of the area. The wildlife found on Balig Hill includes various bird species, such as buzzards and kestrels, as well as deer and foxes.

Access to Balig Hill is relatively straightforward, with several footpaths and trails leading to its summit. These routes cater to different levels of difficulty, allowing both experienced hikers and beginners to explore the area. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the peaceful ambiance and immerse themselves in the tranquil Scottish countryside.

The hill's proximity to the town of Kirkcudbright makes it easily accessible for locals and tourists alike. Kirkcudbrightshire itself is renowned for its scenic landscapes and historical sites, and Balig Hill contributes to the region's natural charm. Whether it is for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, Balig Hill offers a rewarding experience for those seeking to connect with nature and enjoy breathtaking views of the Scottish countryside.

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Balig Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.792546/-4.0029802 or Grid Reference NX7146. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Wooden sign, Kirkcudbright Training Area

Steven Brown

Chapelton Cottages turn

A junction with the rather wet A711 where there is access to Chapelton Cottages which sit right at the edge of the military ranges.

Gordon Hatton

A711 at Galtway

The house on the right faces across the road towards the military training area.

Gordon Hatton

Farm entrance off A711

The entrance to the lane leading to Milton farm which stands at the edge of the military training area.

Gordon Hatton

Kirkcudbright Ranges

An old tank used as a target on the Kirkcudbright Ranges.

Rab McMurdo

Controlled Impact Area

South of the waymarked route along the Netherlaw Burn, a large expanse of now wild land which appears to be the recipient of a lot of ordnance, hence the sign. Some signs have been covered in sacking, my guess is that they are reflecting light at the gunners. This is one of the few keep out signs that I am happy to photograph from the front.

Richard Webb

Tanks, Kirkcudbright Infantry Training Range

On former farmland, now flowery grassland, of Barcheskie.

Richard Webb

Range road, Netherlaw Wood

A former public road, now part of the Kirkcudbright Infantry Training Range. The waymarked path crossing the range rather conveniently turns left here, giving easy access to a surprising number of (at the time unvisited) gridsquares.

Richard Webb

Kirkcudbright Infantry Training Range

Scrub on what was, and what appears to be again farmland on the training range. A real savannah appearance to this place with the dry summer. No wildebeest here, just sheep and clegs.

Richard Webb

Mown grass, Craigraploch

Normal agricultural activity on this side of the road. Behind me is the controlled impact area which has seen no farming for many years.

Richard Webb

Tank, Kirkcudbright Range

A target near the road which crosses the range at Craigraploch. This is the controlled impact area and there has been little or no agricultural activity for many years.

Richard Webb

Camp Hill

Wild ground, typical of artillery ranges where agricultural activity has been suspended for many years. Much of the range is still farmed, note the contrast between the foreground slopes and fields on the hill top.

Richard Webb

Craigraploch and Camp Hill

Contrasting farmed and left wild areas of the Kirkcudbright Infantry Training Range.

Richard Webb

Kirkcudbright Ranges

Former farmland on the firing range.

Richard Webb

Craigraploch

Craigraploch was once a farm, now part of Kirkcudbright Infantry Training Range. The road is a waymarked route across the range, open when the range is not in use.

Richard Webb

Craigraploch

View towards Camp Hill on the Kirkcudbright Infantry Training Range. There was once a farm here, Craigraploch. Much of the range is still farmed, but the bits that have been left to grow wild are very interesting.

Richard Webb