Balcary Hill

Hill, Mountain in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Balcary Hill

Shore with boulders Rounded glacial boulders, many of granite, are a feature of the upper shore at Lochenling. — Shore with boulders Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Balcary Hill is a prominent hill located in Kirkcudbrightshire, a historical county in the southwestern part of Scotland. Rising to an elevation of 152 meters (499 feet), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and the beautiful Solway Firth.

Situated near the small coastal village of Auchencairn, Balcary Hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. The hill is covered in lush green vegetation, including heather, gorse, and various species of wildflowers, making it a haven for local wildlife. Visitors to the area may spot a range of bird species, such as buzzards, kestrels, and pheasants, as well as rabbits and deer.

At the summit of Balcary Hill, there is a stone cairn that marks the highest point. From here, visitors can soak in the stunning views of the rolling Galloway Hills to the north, the picturesque coastline to the south, and the vast expanse of the Solway Firth stretching out before them.

There are several walking trails that lead to the summit of Balcary Hill, catering to all levels of fitness. The trails meander through peaceful woodlands, providing an opportunity to spot woodland creatures and enjoy the serenity of the natural surroundings.

Balcary Hill is not only a place of natural beauty but also of historical significance. It is believed to have been a site of ancient settlements, with archaeological evidence suggesting human activity in the area dating back thousands of years.

Overall, Balcary Hill offers a wonderful outdoor experience, combining stunning vistas, diverse wildlife, and a glimpse into the rich history of the region.

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Balcary Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.823569/-3.8302287 or Grid Reference NX8249. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Shore with boulders

Rounded glacial boulders, many of granite, are a feature of the upper shore at Lochenling.

Jonathan Wilkins

Sea kale

A fabulous specimen of sea kale, Crambe maritima, growing amid boulders above the tide line. Other seedlings were dotted about nearby on the edge of the raised beach.

Jonathan Wilkins

Rock outcrops

Rock outcrops here belong to the Rascarrel member of the Fell Sandstone Formation which are of Carboniferous (Arundian to Holkerian) age. Rapid variation in the composition and grain size of these sandstones and conglomerates are due to very active faulting on the edge of the Solway Basin, but prominent among recognisable clasts are lumps of granitic rock from the weathering of the nearby intrusion. The camera location is a stack which is above the tide level and has a thick encrustation of lichens, mostly yellow Caloplaca.

Jonathan Wilkins

Path to Loch Mackie

Rampant bracken has taken hold following the felling of adjacent forestry, but isolated rowans have good colour with abundant berries.

Jonathan Wilkins

Rock outcrops

Low rock outcrops on the edge of the raised beach comprise dipping beds of sandstone belonging to the Rascarrel Member of the Fell Sandstone Formation. In the background is the steep, seaward face of Airds Heugh.

Jonathan Wilkins

Boulder shore

The shore here comprises an extraordinary carpet of equal-sized boulders of glacial origin which are the residua of former deposits of till, or boulder clay. It is part of the discontinuous raised beach which is particularly prominent through the west of the southern Scottish coast. See also, for example NX1239 : Bouldery beach.

Jonathan Wilkins

Balcary Bay Hotel

'The Balcary Bay Country House Hotel which takes its name from the stunningly beautiful bay that overlooks the Solway with the Cumbrian mountains in the distance. Each day brings a different colour spectrum to this wonderful vista. Each night brings forth a romantic moon shimmering across the waters.' Link

Viewed from the top of Balcary Hill.

Russel Wills

Newly cut grass fields

Some grass has been baled. Airds Farm under Big Airds Hill in the background.

Russel Wills

No they are not sheep!

The grass in the foreground has been cut and put into bales covered with white plastic. In the background, looking like a grass maze, the grass has been cut and the machine to gather it and blow it into trailers waits for a trailer.

Russel Wills

Rocks on the foreshore of Auchencairn Bay

The various post on the beach are the remnants of salmon fishing nets. How it might have looked. Link and Link Hestan Island in the bay.

Russel Wills

Balcary Tower

'Balcary Tower was built around 1860 by Colonel Johnstone, the Laird of Auchencairn House, it is believed for his French governess and mistress. The Tower was extended in the 1960s and again in the 1970s and mostly recently was entirely professionally refurbished in 2012.' Link

Link

Russel Wills

View from the carpark

Over the white plastic wrapped bales of grass.

Russel Wills

Agricultural traffic hazard

This is one of the large tractors with a trailer load of freshly cut grass. They were moving in a convoy of four down to the fields to collect the loads and then back up the narrow road with few passing places.

Russel Wills