Benarty Hill

Hill, Mountain in Fife

Scotland

Benarty Hill

Loch Leven Heritage Trail Milestone (Findatie) Milestone (in km), on the Loch Leven Trail west of Findatie towards the south-eastern corner of the loch. — Loch Leven Heritage Trail Milestone (Findatie) Credit: Scott Cormie

Benarty Hill is a prominent landmark located in Fife, Scotland. Also known as the "Bennachie of Fife," it is a prominent hill rising to a height of approximately 356 meters (1,168 feet) above sea level. Situated near the town of Lochgelly, it forms a distinctive part of the local landscape and is visible from miles around.

The hill is formed from a volcanic plug, a remnant of an ancient volcano that was active millions of years ago. Its unique shape and composition make it a popular destination for hikers, walkers, and nature enthusiasts. The hill is covered in grassy slopes and rugged terrain, with a well-defined path leading to the summit.

At the top of Benarty Hill, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding area, including the Firth of Forth, Loch Leven, and the Lomond Hills. On clear days, it is even possible to see as far as Edinburgh and the Pentland Hills.

The hill is also rich in flora and fauna, supporting a diverse range of plant and animal species. Rare wildflowers can be found dotting the hillside, while birdwatchers may spot buzzards, kestrels, and other raptors soaring above.

Benarty Hill holds historical significance as well. It is believed to have been a site of human activity since ancient times, with evidence of a fort and a hillfort dating back to the Iron Age. The remains of these structures can still be seen on the hill today.

Overall, Benarty Hill is a popular and picturesque destination, offering both natural beauty and historical interest to visitors and locals alike.

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Benarty Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.16605/-3.3642492 or Grid Reference NT1597. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch Leven Heritage Trail Milestone (Findatie)

Milestone (in km), on the Loch Leven Trail west of Findatie towards the south-eastern corner of the loch.

Scott Cormie

Loch Leven Heritage Trail Milestone (Vane Farm)

Milestone (in km), on the Loch Leven Trail near Vane Farm on the south side of the loch.

Scott Cormie

Farmland at Gairneybank

Looking north from the B9097. Newly ploughed stubble and an adjacent grass field.

M J Richardson

Benarty Hill

Looking south from near West Brackley.

M J Richardson

Conservation grazing at Vane Farm

Between Loch Leven and Benarty Hill, part of the RSPB Vane Farm Nature Reserve.

M J Richardson

Plantations on Benarty Hill

At the boundary between hill and farmland.

M J Richardson

Sheep pasture at East Brackley

And the lower slopes of Benarty Hill.

M J Richardson

Loch Leven, with sunlight on St Serf's Island

The rest of the landscape was in cloud, and suddenly the island lit up!

M J Richardson

Tiny waterfall in Benarty Woods

This stream runs off the plateau with Benarty Hill and drops down through the trees. Here it crosses underneath the path traversing the hillside.

Aleks Scholz

Stile at Benarty Hill

Just beyond the summit of Benarty Hill, this small stile leads across the fence, a bit further onto the steep northern slopes. Views of Loch Leven beyond. Snow showers approaching from the west.

Aleks Scholz

Tree on the edge

Impressive tree on the edge of the Benarty Hill plateau. A smattering of snow on the hills beyond Loch leven.

Aleks Scholz

Sheep west of Ballingry

This field is on the track that links Benarty Hill with Lochore Meadows.

Aleks Scholz

Track through Benarty Woods

This travel track links the plateau of Benarty Hill with the road.

Aleks Scholz

Hay Bales near Loch Leven

The picture was taken from the path - officially called the 'Loch Leven Heritage Trail' - that encircles Loch Leven. It's about 13 miles round in total, and more time is probably spent out of view of the water than with it in sight (this grid-square, for instance, doesn't even touch the loch), which was surprising to me, having not studied its route beforehand. I reckon there were probably more cyclists on the track than walkers, though this is of course impossible to gauge for sure due to cyclists travelling more quickly - it might have just seemed that way. There were certainly a few other walkers doing a circuit, some of whom obviously had different starting points. Although it made sense after a bit of thinking about it, I was initially baffled when I found myself saying hello to the same man approaching me from the opposite direction for a second time. The person I was walking with, however, didn't share my confusion at all! I can never resist the photo opportunity that hay bales stretching out in a field of yellow provide, and this was the only point along the 13 mile circuit that there so many close by, though we did pass the odd small field containing a few old-style rectangular ones.

Ian Dodds