Gowk Hill

Hill, Mountain in Fife

Scotland

Gowk Hill

Grass field near Newhill Grass field next to the minor road heading to Newhill from Auchtermuchty.
Grass field near Newhill Credit: Scott Cormie

Gowk Hill is a prominent hill located in Fife, Scotland. Situated near the village of Largoward, it is an easily recognizable landmark in the area. Standing at an elevation of approximately 218 meters (715 feet), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

The hill is part of the Largo Law and the east Lomond Hills range, which stretches across eastern Fife. Its distinctive conical shape and lush green slopes make it an attractive destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy a variety of walking trails that lead up to the summit, where they are rewarded with stunning vistas of the Firth of Forth and the nearby town of St Andrews.

Gowk Hill is also known for its rich history and folklore. It is said that during the 18th century, locals used to celebrate the May Day festival on the hill, with people dressing up as "gowks" (fools) in honor of the hill's name. The name "gowk" is derived from the Scots word for cuckoo, which is known for its playful and mischievous nature.

Today, Gowk Hill continues to be a popular spot for outdoor activities and offers a peaceful retreat for nature lovers. Its accessibility, commanding views, and historical significance make it a must-visit destination for those exploring the picturesque region of Fife.

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Gowk Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.316441/-3.2435671 or Grid Reference NO2314. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grass field near Newhill Grass field next to the minor road heading to Newhill from Auchtermuchty.
Grass field near Newhill
Grass field next to the minor road heading to Newhill from Auchtermuchty.
Converted dwelling at Newton Mains Steading converted into a house at Newton Mains, viewed from the road to the south.
Converted dwelling at Newton Mains
Steading converted into a house at Newton Mains, viewed from the road to the south.
Lochmill Loch Lochmill Loch Reservoir from the hillside to the south.
Lochmill Loch
Lochmill Loch Reservoir from the hillside to the south.
Woodland and heathland on the path The path heading up Lumbennie Hill from the east passing through woodland and scrub.
Woodland and heathland on the path
The path heading up Lumbennie Hill from the east passing through woodland and scrub.
Lumbennie Hill Trig Pillar The triangulation pillar on Lumbennie Hill viewed from the south-west.
Lumbennie Hill Trig Pillar
The triangulation pillar on Lumbennie Hill viewed from the south-west.
Remains of  Pitcairlie Toll House Hidden from the B936, but visible from the side road.  Close to the Fife / Perth boundary. Originally served the Pitcairley Turnpike Trust.

Milestone Society National ID: FF.PIT
Remains of Pitcairlie Toll House
Hidden from the B936, but visible from the side road. Close to the Fife / Perth boundary. Originally served the Pitcairley Turnpike Trust. Milestone Society National ID: FF.PIT
Track to Easter Colzie
Track to Easter Colzie
Ploughed field at Easter Colzie
Ploughed field at Easter Colzie
Field at Colzie Barley field near Easter Colzie.
Field at Colzie
Barley field near Easter Colzie.
Field near Pitcairlie Field on the lower slope of Gowk Hill, south of Pitcairlie.
Field near Pitcairlie
Field on the lower slope of Gowk Hill, south of Pitcairlie.
Cattle at Pitcairlie Horned cattle near the roadside at Pitcairlie.
Cattle at Pitcairlie
Horned cattle near the roadside at Pitcairlie.
Tree in a field Copper beech in the middle of a wheat field east of the B936.
Tree in a field
Copper beech in the middle of a wheat field east of the B936.
Towards Auchtermuchty Common Looking over a field with Auchtermuchty Common in the distance along with West Lomond.
Towards Auchtermuchty Common
Looking over a field with Auchtermuchty Common in the distance along with West Lomond.
Sign at Weddersbie Forest
Sign at Weddersbie Forest
Road by Pitmedden Forest
Road by Pitmedden Forest
Road to Newhill
Road to Newhill
Pylons, Lumbennie Hill After a long walk I was disheartened to see what lay before me if I wanted to reach Lumbennie Hill trigpoint. I decided to leave it for another day!
Pylons, Lumbennie Hill
After a long walk I was disheartened to see what lay before me if I wanted to reach Lumbennie Hill trigpoint. I decided to leave it for another day!
Approaching Pitmedden Farm
Approaching Pitmedden Farm
Show me another place!

Gowk Hill is located at Grid Ref: NO2314 (Lat: 56.316441, Lng: -3.2435671)

Unitary Authority: Fife

Police Authority: Fife

What 3 Words

///tinsel.tram.octagon. Near Auchtermuchty, Fife

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Nearby Amenities

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The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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