Seat Hill

Hill, Mountain in Lanarkshire

Scotland

Seat Hill

Forest Access Near Tarbrax This track leaves the A70 to run alongside Boston Burn for a short distance. — Forest Access Near Tarbrax Credit: Mary and Angus Hogg

Seat Hill is a prominent hill located in Lanarkshire, Scotland. Situated in the Southern Uplands, it forms part of the picturesque Clyde Valley. With an elevation of approximately 446 meters (1,463 feet), it is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

The hill is characterized by its distinct shape, resembling a seat or saddle when viewed from certain angles. It offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the nearby towns of Lanark and Carluke. On clear days, it is possible to see as far as the hills of Tinto and the Campsie Fells.

The terrain of Seat Hill is a mix of heather, grass, and rocky outcrops, making it a challenging yet rewarding climb for hikers and hillwalkers. There are various routes to reach the summit, each offering its own unique charm. Visitors can choose from well-established paths or opt for a more adventurous off-road experience.

Wildlife is abundant in the area surrounding Seat Hill. The hill is home to a diverse range of bird species, including peregrine falcons, kestrels, and red grouse. During the summer months, the slopes are adorned with colorful wildflowers, creating a stunning natural spectacle.

Seat Hill is easily accessible, with parking available at various points along the surrounding roads. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, providing an opportunity to escape the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse oneself in the tranquility of nature. Whether one seeks a challenging hike or simply a peaceful stroll, Seat Hill offers an unforgettable experience for all.

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Seat Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.750753/-3.5375002 or Grid Reference NT0351. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Forest Access Near Tarbrax

This track leaves the A70 to run alongside Boston Burn for a short distance.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Boston Burn

Boston Burn separates two blocks of forestry on the Lang Whang, one of which has been harvested and replanted.

Mary and Angus Hogg

By Corse Law Forest

The A70 on the edge of Corse Law Forest, looking in the Edinburgh direction.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Corse Law Forest Edge

This forest lies alongside the Lang Whang between Carnwath and Edinburgh.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Cattle at Dykefoot

Dairy cattle on a farm by the Lang Whang, near Edinburgh.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Countryside by the A70 roadside, with wind turbines seen beyond

Darrin Antrobus

Old Enclosure near Path Junction

I thought the boxes on the map at this spot might represent stone ruins of some sort. They clearly do not and this small area, once fenced off, is the only obvious thing to be seen. At dusk in this barren area certain things take on a sinister air, and I got the feeling that unpleasant things must have once gone on here! Rather more curiously, there were low earthen ramparts at the Northern end of this map feature (I didn't check the area South of this enclosure), running where the lines on the map are drawn. There is no evidence of a former fence; nor is anything shown as being present at this spot on old maps.

Ian Dodds

Old Quarry Site

This is the Southernmost of two former quarries marked on the map on the Western approach to the small hill of Left Law. The 1859-surveyed OS map shows them as being disused even then, though a track to the site is still indicated. The old map also indicates that a lime works was once present at the quarries. This basically involved burning the limestone at a high temperature, which causes the calcium carbonate contained in the rock to release carbon dioxide and turn into calcium oxide, or lime. The lime was, and still is, used for construction and as a fertilizer, amongst numerous other things. These days the lime added to fertilizer is just ground down limestone powder, but back when this quarry was operational there were no mills capable of grinding down stone, so they just used the burnt version.

Ian Dodds

The Southern Pentland Landscape

Whilst it could be argued that this is rather a dull picture it is certainly very representative! I took it because there is some unbelievably noisy water flowing through the peaty soil underneath the grass in the immediate foreground, which is on the North side of the wide grassy track heading SouthEast across the moorland here. Strangely I passed this same spot the day before and there was no noise at all. The turbines on the horizon belong either to the Easteryardhouse or Polkelly windfarms (I can't remember if these are their official names but that is what they usually get called), or perhaps both.

Ian Dodds

Old Boundary Stone

The small pyramid-topped boundary stone is on the other side of the very pretty Westruther Burn, which, to me, contains a surprisingly large amount of water. Considering that the OS map key includes 'BS : Boundary Stone' there is really no excuse for it to be marked on the map as simply 'Stone'. Whilst I probably would have wandered along for a look anyway I was disappointed not to find some impressive geological feature here. Come on OS - it is, after all, marked as a boundary stone on earlier maps as well! The writing on the far side of the stone reads : 'BOUNDARY BETWEEN THE PARISHES OF CARNWATH AND DUNSYRE'. There is also 'C D' inscribed on the top of the stone but I have no idea what this might stand for.

Ian Dodds

Track through Felled Forest

A desolate route to a desolate place - the very remote-feeling, and slightly eerie Southern end of the Pentlands. Somewhere up ahead on the left, amongst the carnage, is Lingy Knowe, which must have been christened before the trees got planted. As it is certainly not a very discernable natural feature these days. It probably never was much to write home about anyway - it just looks like a slightly flatter bit of an incline judging by the map.

Ian Dodds

Gate onto moorland near Tarbrax

Mike Pennington

Lone bush on moorland near Tarbrax

Mike Pennington

Planting patterns in the valley of the Adder Burn

The water of the burn will eventually flow into the River Clyde - this is near the watershed between Clyde, Forth and Tweed. I'm not sure about the green strips - an unlikely place for a forestry nursery; perhaps Christmas trees? Ground truth, 4 months later, confirms that this is indeed a Christmas tree plantation Link .

M J Richardson