Black Hill

Hill, Mountain in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Black Hill

View from Ladyurd Hill Ladyurd Hill belongs to an obscure category of hills called Donald Deweys. The Deweys were originally drawn up by a Mr Dewey for England and Wales only, then subsequently adopted in Scotland by various hill-list compilers in the early 2000s. The Donald Deweys are Lowland hills lower than Donalds (which are Lowland hills starting at 610 metres, or 2000 feet, and follow no other real criteria other than being deemed important enough to be on his list by Percy Donald back in 1935) but at least 500 metres high, with a minimum prominence of 30 metres. There are 247 in total - I have yet to hear of anybody having done a &#039;round&#039; of them.
Where the actual summit is, is a matter of some debate. The OS map at the 1:25k scale puts it at the Southern end of the fairly long summit plateau, but confuse matters by showing it as being towards the Northern edge of the plateau on their 1:50k scale map. Near to the Southern &#039;summit&#039; are two shallow depressions; an 1850s OS map shows these as being at the site of an old whinstone quarry.
Whether the hill takes its name from the old farm below, or vice-versa is unclear. As is the meaning of &#039;urd&#039;, which also appears in other nearby placenames: Netherurd, Kirkurd and Lochurd. Wikipedia references an 1840s book which suggests it might mean quarter, which presumably would be as in &#039;living quarters&#039;, but other than that there is nothing to go on. — View from Ladyurd Hill Credit: Ian Dodds

Black Hill is a prominent hill located in Peeblesshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of 684 meters (2,244 feet), it is part of the larger Moorfoot Hills range, which is renowned for its picturesque landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. Black Hill is situated around 17 kilometers (10.5 miles) south of the town of Peebles and is easily accessible for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The hill is characterized by its distinctive dark appearance, which is the result of its heather-covered slopes. Its summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the rolling hills, lush green valleys, and nearby reservoirs. On clear days, it is even possible to see the iconic Edinburgh skyline in the distance.

The ascent to the top of Black Hill is a popular choice among outdoor enthusiasts, as it provides a challenging yet rewarding hike. The route begins at a car park located near the village of Romanno Bridge, and from there, hikers can follow well-marked paths that lead up the hill. The trail meanders through moorland and heather, offering glimpses of wildlife such as red grouse and mountain hares.

Reaching the summit of Black Hill takes approximately two to three hours, depending on one's pace and level of fitness. Once at the top, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views that make the effort worthwhile. The hill's proximity to Peebles and other nearby towns makes it a popular destination for day trips and outdoor adventures. Whether it's hiking, nature photography, or simply taking in the beauty of the Scottish countryside, Black Hill offers a memorable experience for all who visit.

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Black Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.647999/-3.3328132 or Grid Reference NT1640. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

View from Ladyurd Hill

Ladyurd Hill belongs to an obscure category of hills called Donald Deweys. The Deweys were originally drawn up by a Mr Dewey for England and Wales only, then subsequently adopted in Scotland by various hill-list compilers in the early 2000s. The Donald Deweys are Lowland hills lower than Donalds (which are Lowland hills starting at 610 metres, or 2000 feet, and follow no other real criteria other than being deemed important enough to be on his list by Percy Donald back in 1935) but at least 500 metres high, with a minimum prominence of 30 metres. There are 247 in total - I have yet to hear of anybody having done a 'round' of them. Where the actual summit is, is a matter of some debate. The OS map at the 1:25k scale puts it at the Southern end of the fairly long summit plateau, but confuse matters by showing it as being towards the Northern edge of the plateau on their 1:50k scale map. Near to the Southern 'summit' are two shallow depressions; an 1850s OS map shows these as being at the site of an old whinstone quarry. Whether the hill takes its name from the old farm below, or vice-versa is unclear. As is the meaning of 'urd', which also appears in other nearby placenames: Netherurd, Kirkurd and Lochurd. Wikipedia references an 1840s book which suggests it might mean quarter, which presumably would be as in 'living quarters', but other than that there is nothing to go on.

Ian Dodds

Looking towards Penvalla from Cat Hill

Penvalla is a distinctively shaped hill above Harrow Hope.

Alan O'Dowd

Lyne Water

Flooding beside the Lyne Water near Wester Happrew.

Richard Webb

Lyne Water

Bank vegetation has been flattened by floods.

Richard Webb

Summit fence, Riding Hill

An old wall, an old fence and a newer fence cross the heathery top.

Jim Barton

Westwards from Riding Hill

The view to Tinto in the distance across the col between Penvalla and Ladyurd Hill with Broomy Side straight ahead.

Jim Barton

Wester Happrew from Riding Hill

A farm in the Lyne Water valley with the ridge of Stevenson Hill beyond (L).

Jim Barton

Summit fence, Cat Hill

Cat Hill is a minor top (437m) on the ridge running NW from Riding Hill. Penvalla is the prominent summit to the left with Hammer Head in view straight ahead.

Jim Barton

Descent from Cat Hill

Wainwright's maxim 'Watch where you are putting your feet' applies here on a heathery slope with concealed bumps and hollows and the occasional piece of old fence wire. NT1540 : Pass beneath Ladyurd Hill shows this spot in a hard winter frost.

Jim Barton

Ruins at Harrowhope

The back of the ruined cottage by the Easton Burn.

Jim Barton

Ruins by the Easton Burn

The roofless remains of the cottage. The John Buchan Way passes its front door.

Jim Barton

Small quarry below Hammer Rig

An old quarry by the track south of Hammer Rig. Exposed rock is rarely seen in this area.

Jim Barton

Ruined cottage, Harrowhope

Only the walls are standing as a reminder of this cottage by the track from Stobo.

Jim Barton

On the slopes of Torbank Hill

On a strip of mown heather, with the small forested hill of Penveny in the middle ground and Tweeddale beyond.

Alan O'Dowd

Fences and drystane dyke on Riding Hill

The stones of the drystane dyke are covered in lichen.

Alan O'Dowd

Track on Hammer Rig

Approaching the summit of the pass between Stobo and the valley of Stobo Hope.

Jim Barton

The pass on Hammer Rig

The highest point of the track between Stobo and Stobo Hope, used by the John Buchan Way. The small hill to the left is Louden Knowe with Trahenna to the right.

Jim Barton