Hunt Hill

Hill, Mountain in Morayshire

Scotland

Hunt Hill

Boggy Pond Looking at the pondweed at my feet, it&#039;s not going to be long before the open water is completely covered by vegetation, and there will be a risk of falling into the water underneath. However we have walked past it on several occasions and never noticed it before, and it&#039;s several miles from anywhere, so it&#039;s not exactly a popular spot. — Boggy Pond Credit: Anne Burgess

Hunt Hill, located in Morayshire, Scotland, is a prominent hill that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. With an elevation of 594 meters (1,949 feet), it is often referred to as a mountain due to its impressive height and rugged terrain.

The hill is a popular destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts, thanks to its well-marked trails and challenging climbs. One of the main routes to the summit is the Hunt Hill Path, which starts from the town of Forres and takes approximately three to four hours to complete. The path meanders through a mix of heather moorland, forests, and open grassy slopes, providing a diverse and picturesque landscape throughout the journey.

Reaching the summit of Hunt Hill rewards visitors with breathtaking views across Morayshire and beyond. On clear days, it is possible to see the Moray Firth, the Cairngorms National Park, and even Ben Nevis, the highest peak in the British Isles.

The hill is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, mountain hares, and various bird species. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the chance to spot golden eagles, peregrine falcons, and red kites soaring overhead.

Hunt Hill is easily accessible by road, with parking available near the starting point of the trail. It is advised to come prepared with appropriate hiking gear, as the terrain can be challenging and weather conditions can change rapidly. Nonetheless, the natural beauty and awe-inspiring views make Hunt Hill a must-visit destination for anyone exploring Morayshire.

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Hunt Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.504152/-3.2760572 or Grid Reference NJ2346. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Boggy Pond

Looking at the pondweed at my feet, it's not going to be long before the open water is completely covered by vegetation, and there will be a risk of falling into the water underneath. However we have walked past it on several occasions and never noticed it before, and it's several miles from anywhere, so it's not exactly a popular spot.

Anne Burgess

Clear Fell

All that remains of the conifers here are stumps, brash and a few logs waiting to be taken away.

Anne Burgess

Clear Fell north of Muirtown

Another swathe of conifer plantation has been felled, opening up the view towards Ben Aigan.

Anne Burgess

Forest Clearing

It looks as if this area was felled some considerable time ago, because there is quite a lot of later vegetation growing through the remnants of the trees and partly concealing them.

Anne Burgess

Nameless Burn

This watercourse is unnamed on the maps, being described simply as 'Drain'. It must have been a sudden and significant change of habitat for the birches when the surrounding conifers were felled.

Anne Burgess

Logs and Leftovers

The birches left by the forest clearance mark the upper course of NJ2345 : Nameless Burn. A few logs still await transport to wherever they are to be used.

Anne Burgess

Heath Bedstraw (Galium saxatile)

This common plant grows in great profusion here, forming large mats and cushions. Each flower is about 2 millimetres across.

Anne Burgess

Heath and Pine

A large bright cushion of Bell Heather (Erica cinerea) at the edge of the Scots Pine plantation. The largest yellow flower is a hawkweed, and the tiny ones are Tormentil.

Anne Burgess

Heath Spotted Orchid (Dactylorhiza maculata)

At least I think that is what it is; a very pale specimen with delicate markings.

Anne Burgess

Almost Hidden

This waymarker is just a metre or so west of the actual path, but that is enough for it to have become all but invisible among the encroaching whins. I was actually looking for a sign, and stepped slightly off the path, otherwise I would not have found it at all.

Anne Burgess

Opening up the View

Since the felling of the forest here, walkers can enjoy a wide view across to the Convals near Dufftown.

Anne Burgess

Forest Pool

Bog cotton is reflected in the surface of a pool by the roadside, with a clear felled area beyond.

Anne Burgess

Bog Cotton

To my inexpert eye, there seem to be two different types of cotton-grass here, but the books suggest that there is only one likely species, Common Cotton-grass (Eriophorum angustifolium).

Anne Burgess

Forest Pool

The map shows this as the source of a minor watercourse, marked only as 'Drain'. It was evidently surrounded by trees until the area was clear felled, and provides a welcome oasis of green amongst the brown brash and stumps.

Anne Burgess

Cairn Cattoch

Taken on a spring evening

Gavin Scott

Burn of Rothes

Clear felling has taken place on the approach to Burn of Rothes.

alan souter

Seen better days.

The dilapidated hut was probably used for shooting parties. Roe deer abound in the forest. There was evidence nearby of target practice. The hay rake looks abandoned, but the grass beyond looks as though it was harvested last year. Perhaps it is still put to use.

alan souter

Ruin.

There is evidence nearby of considerable agricultural activity in the past, but forest now covers the landscape for miles around. The building has some large cut granite stones in its construction and in the outbuildings. This could well explain why so much is standing today.

alan souter

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Hunt Hill is located at Grid Ref: NJ2346 (Lat: 57.504152, Lng: -3.2760572)

Unitary Authority: Moray

Police Authority: North East