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Black Hillock

Hill, Mountain in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Black Hillock

Walled embankment protecting Corndavon Lodge A walled embankment runs alongside the Corndavon Burn for 50m, presumably to protect the ground around Corndavon Lodge from spates coming down the gully above
Walled embankment protecting Corndavon Lodge Credit: Mike Duguid

Black Hillock is a prominent hill located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Rising to an elevation of approximately 541 meters (1,775 feet), it sits within the picturesque landscape of the Cairngorms National Park. The hill is situated approximately 20 kilometers (12 miles) southeast of the town of Ballater.

Known for its rugged and striking appearance, Black Hillock is primarily composed of granite, which gives it a distinct dark coloration. The hill is characterized by its steep slopes and rocky terrain, making it a popular destination for hikers, climbers, and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a challenging ascent. On a clear day, the summit offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including nearby mountain peaks and the rolling hills of the Cairngorms.

Black Hillock is also notable for its rich wildlife and diverse flora. The hill is home to a variety of plant species, including heather, blaeberry, and bilberry, which carpet the lower slopes. This, in turn, attracts various bird species such as red grouse and golden eagles. The surrounding area is also inhabited by red deer and mountain hares, adding to the natural beauty and biodiversity of the region.

Due to its accessible location and striking features, Black Hillock has become a popular destination for outdoor activities, including hillwalking, birdwatching, and photography. The hill offers a challenging yet rewarding experience for nature enthusiasts, providing a glimpse into the breathtaking landscapes of Aberdeenshire's countryside.

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Black Hillock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.103789/-3.2523744 or Grid Reference NJ2402. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walled embankment protecting Corndavon Lodge A walled embankment runs alongside the Corndavon Burn for 50m, presumably to protect the ground around Corndavon Lodge from spates coming down the gully above
Walled embankment protecting Corndavon Lodge
A walled embankment runs alongside the Corndavon Burn for 50m, presumably to protect the ground around Corndavon Lodge from spates coming down the gully above
Cairn with memorial plaque A cairn of unknown age, with a memorial plaque concreted in place, possibly at a later date. The plaque reads "Steve Ross, The Cotton Bud"
Cairn with memorial plaque
A cairn of unknown age, with a memorial plaque concreted in place, possibly at a later date. The plaque reads "Steve Ross, The Cotton Bud"
Fork in the Corndavon Burn A short feeder burn joins from the west. The burn gully has no path (there being a landrover track above it a short distance east) but is navigable in dry weather hopping from side to side. It provides a refuge for some trees amongst many miles of barren moorland around.
Fork in the Corndavon Burn
A short feeder burn joins from the west. The burn gully has no path (there being a landrover track above it a short distance east) but is navigable in dry weather hopping from side to side. It provides a refuge for some trees amongst many miles of barren moorland around.
Resilient trees in the area In and near the gully there are a number of trees that have fallen but continue to survive having adapted their shape to their new situation
Resilient trees in the area
In and near the gully there are a number of trees that have fallen but continue to survive having adapted their shape to their new situation
Corndavon A view towards Corndavon Lodge in the middle of the Glen Gairn grouse moors.
Corndavon
A view towards Corndavon Lodge in the middle of the Glen Gairn grouse moors.
The bridge at Daldownie The bridge was constructed to carry the railway across the River Gairn on its way west from Ballater. When it was decided that the railway should go no further than Ballater, the bridge was moved here - nine miles upstream.
The bridge at Daldownie
The bridge was constructed to carry the railway across the River Gairn on its way west from Ballater. When it was decided that the railway should go no further than Ballater, the bridge was moved here - nine miles upstream.
Track on Black Hillock above River Gairn
Track on Black Hillock above River Gairn
Top of the shoot above Corndavon Lodge by River Gairn
Top of the shoot above Corndavon Lodge by River Gairn
View south-west from low ridge above Corndavon Lodge by River Gairn The White Mounth including Lochnagar in the distance on Balmoral Estate.
View south-west from low ridge above Corndavon Lodge by River Gairn
The White Mounth including Lochnagar in the distance on Balmoral Estate.
'Gibby' atop Black Hillock above the River Gairn Looking longingly at the snow-clarted heights and hollows of Ben Avon beyond the course of the Gairn. Some of the build-up areas looked like blisters and most prone to avalanche. Unfortunately I could not manage more than a vague resemblance of the scene with my washed-out photo! And I must say none of the longing was mine as the ground traversed to get here had me washed out too! Deep friable snow meant seeking out snowless areas but these only proved to be deep friable snow masked by deeper heather!! Heaven for grouse!
'Gibby' atop Black Hillock above the River Gairn
Looking longingly at the snow-clarted heights and hollows of Ben Avon beyond the course of the Gairn. Some of the build-up areas looked like blisters and most prone to avalanche. Unfortunately I could not manage more than a vague resemblance of the scene with my washed-out photo! And I must say none of the longing was mine as the ground traversed to get here had me washed out too! Deep friable snow meant seeking out snowless areas but these only proved to be deep friable snow masked by deeper heather!! Heaven for grouse!
Junction and track end(s) on Black Hillock above the River Gairn As far as the eye can see is a huge moorland grouse farm, clipped, trimmed and burnt to optimize the conditions for that bird.
Junction and track end(s) on Black Hillock above the River Gairn
As far as the eye can see is a huge moorland grouse farm, clipped, trimmed and burnt to optimize the conditions for that bird.
Track north-east of Black Hillock summit
Track north-east of Black Hillock summit
View south-west from Black Hillock summit Culardoch in view furthest back.
View south-west from Black Hillock summit
Culardoch in view furthest back.
Looking down the eastern slopes of Black Hillock The valley of the Gairn in full view.
Looking down the eastern slopes of Black Hillock
The valley of the Gairn in full view.
Small cairn on Black Hillock above the River Gairn Seemingly presenceless and without function it may be an indication of just how needful a small prompt can be even to the experienced keeper when conditions in the shooting season are grim. Though small, the paucity of boulders around here speaks of the effort someone was willing to invest to have its help. Or it could commemorate an old dog.
Small cairn on Black Hillock above the River Gairn
Seemingly presenceless and without function it may be an indication of just how needful a small prompt can be even to the experienced keeper when conditions in the shooting season are grim. Though small, the paucity of boulders around here speaks of the effort someone was willing to invest to have its help. Or it could commemorate an old dog.
Black Hillock from the north
Black Hillock from the north
Animal track on Black Hillock Most likely deer. Though not much in evidence I did see what looked like a small herd well in the distance on the open ground to the north-east.
Animal track on Black Hillock
Most likely deer. Though not much in evidence I did see what looked like a small herd well in the distance on the open ground to the north-east.
View southwards from the eastern slopes of Black Hillock
View southwards from the eastern slopes of Black Hillock
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Black Hillock is located at Grid Ref: NJ2402 (Lat: 57.103789, Lng: -3.2523744)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///octagon.landlords.verse. Near Ballater, Aberdeenshire

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Black Hillock

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.103789,-3.2523744
Black Hillock
Ele: 546
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 57.103911/-3.2524699
OpenStreetMap
Google Maps
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.
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Woodcock Downs Somerset

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