Hog House Hill

Hill, Mountain in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Hog House Hill

Granite outcrop shore The shore here comprises solid granite outcrop, albeit fissured and jointed. Where the rock is clean and free of colourful lichen, the granite has a pronounced red tint which is characteristic of the southern, marginal part of the large intrusive mass. — Granite outcrop shore Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Hog House Hill is a prominent hill located in the region of Kirkcudbrightshire, southwest Scotland. Rising to an elevation of approximately 200 meters (656 feet), it is considered a notable natural feature in the area. The hill is characterized by its gently sloping sides, covered in lush green vegetation, which add to its picturesque appeal.

Situated in close proximity to the town of Kirkcudbright, Hog House Hill offers visitors an opportunity to enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. From the summit, one can observe the rolling hills, fertile farmlands, and meandering rivers that make up the picturesque countryside of Kirkcudbrightshire.

The hill is accessible via well-marked trails and paths, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Its relatively moderate gradient makes it suitable for visitors of varying fitness levels, providing a pleasant and enjoyable hiking experience.

Hog House Hill is also known for its rich biodiversity. The area is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various bird species, small mammals, and a variety of plant life. Nature lovers can revel in the opportunity to spot and appreciate the local wildlife while exploring the hill's trails.

Overall, Hog House Hill offers a tranquil and scenic escape for those seeking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kirkcudbrightshire. With its stunning views and abundant wildlife, it is a must-visit destination for both locals and tourists alike.

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Hog House Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.879228/-3.8034612 or Grid Reference NX8455. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Granite outcrop shore

The shore here comprises solid granite outcrop, albeit fissured and jointed. Where the rock is clean and free of colourful lichen, the granite has a pronounced red tint which is characteristic of the southern, marginal part of the large intrusive mass.

Jonathan Wilkins

Shell banks

A curious feature of the coast here is the presence of storm beaches comprising nothing but cockle shells, which make a very colourful contrast with the rock outcrop and marshy turf.

Jonathan Wilkins

Polished granite, Roughfirth

The shore at Roughfirth has abundant granite outcrop which is kept wonderfully clean by erosive wave action. The granite is more compact here, with fewer joints and fissures, so has been eroded and polished into smooth, rounded pillows with a fine pinkish hue. The environs of the Criffel-Daleattie Granite Pluton are a geologist's dream.

Jonathan Wilkins

Lichen-encrusted outcrop

Fissured granite outcrop lies above the maximum tide level, so is a favourable habitat for the characteristic Caloplaca and Lecanora lichens.

Jonathan Wilkins

Ice-smoothed outcrop

This area of rock outcrop lies entirely below the maximum high-tide level, as can be seen from the encrusting molluscs, so it has none of the lichens which are characteristic of the upper shore. The clean rock shows obvious signs of erosion by glacial action, presumably due to an ice stream moving down the valley of the Urr from higher ground inland.

Jonathan Wilkins

Ready to go

A fleet of sailing dinghies ready to take to the water at the Solway Yacht Club slipway.

Jonathan Wilkins

Boat storage

Boats standing on saltmarsh above the normal tide level.

Jonathan Wilkins

Samphire bed

A patch of muddy sand near to the causeway has a fine growth of samphire.

Jonathan Wilkins

Shore by the causeway

The shelly beach near to the causeway, which appears to be a form of tombolo.

Jonathan Wilkins

Muddy river banks

Mud banks at the side of Urr Water on a falling tide, though there is a good way to go yet.

Jonathan Wilkins

Morning reflections

Still water on the Urr in the early morning.

Jonathan Wilkins

Riverbank and salt marsh

Diverse habitats in the estuary of Urr Water, which meanders in an impressive fashion.

Jonathan Wilkins

Creek meanders

Fabulous, sinuous forms and billowing banks in the mud of a tidal creek.

Jonathan Wilkins

Mud reflections

Fabulous forms highlighted by reflection in this contra-jour image of a meandering creek at low tide.

Jonathan Wilkins

Shell Beach Kippford

One of the shell beaches just out from Kippford. The beaches around this part of the coast are made from broken cockle shells.

Steve Houldsworth

Rocky Shore Kippford

Rocky shore just off the shell beach looking out towards Rough Island. The sand bank showing at low tide is known as the causeway. Although possible to walk out at the right state of the tide, the National Trust for Scotland ask visitors to keep off the Island from the 1st of March until the 31st of July to protect and avoid disturbing the nesting bird colonies.

Steve Houldsworth

Shell Beach, Roughfirth Road

The shell beach located at the end of Roughfirth Road just out of Kippford. The Hawthorn Tree seen on the left won Woodland Trust Tree of the Year 2021 Link