Back Hill

Hill, Mountain in Morayshire

Scotland

Back Hill

Barley, Innes Another wide verge designed to improve visibility at a crossroads. It would have been taken from the field growing barley in the background. — Barley, Innes Credit: Richard Webb

Back Hill is a prominent hill located in the county of Morayshire, Scotland. It is situated near the village of Dallas, approximately 15 miles southwest of the town of Elgin. With an elevation of around 1,237 feet (377 meters), it is considered a hill rather than a mountain.

The hill is part of the larger Dallas Hill range, which stretches across the surrounding countryside. Back Hill is characterized by its gently sloping sides and a prominent summit that offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The terrain primarily consists of grassy slopes with scattered patches of heather and rocky outcrops.

Back Hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers. Its relatively accessible location and well-maintained paths make it a favorite spot for those seeking a moderate hiking challenge. The summit provides breathtaking vistas of the Moray Firth and the rolling hills of Morayshire, offering an opportunity for visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of the region.

The hill is also home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including various species of birds, small mammals, and wildflowers. It provides an important habitat for wildlife and contributes to the biodiversity of the area.

Overall, Back Hill is a picturesque and accessible hill in Morayshire, offering visitors a chance to connect with nature, enjoy breathtaking views, and explore the stunning Scottish countryside.

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Back Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.659471/-3.2310254 or Grid Reference NJ2663. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Barley, Innes

Another wide verge designed to improve visibility at a crossroads. It would have been taken from the field growing barley in the background.

Richard Webb

Barley, Nether Meft

Nether Meft is on the other side of the barley field.

Richard Webb

Field of barley

Barley, usually grown for malting is the big crop in this area, as with all of low lying land along the East of Scotland and northeastern England.

Richard Webb

Longhill Burn

Most watercourses in the low lying land behind the dunes have been turned into straight and deep drains. This one is infested with Himalayan Balsam, a rapidly spreading invasive weed.

Richard Webb

Roadside woodland

A small oakwood beside the B9103.

Richard Webb

River Lossie

Looking downstream from the bridge at Calcots.

Richard Webb

Innes House

Built between 1640 and 1651, Innes House is situated amidst 3000 acres of decideous and coniferous woodlands. The estate is well managed with spectacular gardens and a true feeling of yester days.

Des Colhoun

That's what I would call an Oak!

This Lucombe Oak was planted in the grounds of Innes House in 1744, a year prior to "The Forty Five" or the Jacobite Rebellion.

Des Colhoun

Old, old, Larch by Innes House

Planted in the early 18th Century this larch tree is awesome to behold with its cumbersome horizontal boughs and giant girth.

Des Colhoun

Walled in the garden for over 200 years!

What stories this Lucombe Oak could tell; planted during the Jacobite Rising of 1745 it has thrived in the grounds of Innes House ever since.

Des Colhoun

Innes House viewed from the avenue.

Des Colhoun

Gateway to Innes House

Des Colhoun

A Lucombe Oak by Innes House planted in 1744

This magnificent specimen was planted in 1744, the year before the Jacobite Rebellion.

Des Colhoun

The Lucombe Oak of Innes House

Des Colhoun

No ordinary tree

At a glance it's just another tree but how wrong you are! This is the Handkerchief or Pocket handkerchief tree or Dove tree which was once the Holy Grail of exotic flora. The Handkerchief tree (Davidiaceae involucrata) was first seen in China in 1868 and introduced to Europe in 1904.

Des Colhoun

From the far East; Where else?

The bark of the Handkerchief tree just oozes oriental mystique. Just look at the scaley dragon-like limbs or the dancing white bracts of the foliage which flutter in silky fluency during their brief earthly appearance. NJ2764 : Handkerchiefs aflutter....

Des Colhoun

Handkerchiefs aflutter....

The most striking feature of the Handkerchief Tree is its flowers, or more accurately, the bracts, or protective leaf, outside the flowers. The flowers themselves are small and purple but are literally overshadowed by two thin white bracts, one of which is twice the size of the other. These delicate bracts flutter in the breeze providing the tree with its common names, the Handkerchief Tree, the Pocket Handkerchief Tree or the Dove Tree. The leaves of Davidia involucrata are a vivid green and are heart-shaped with a fine point at the tip. The flowers emerge in May, followed by dark green fruit in the form of a hard nut, which turns purple when ripe.

Des Colhoun

The lure of the Orient

The tree can reach a height of 20m (65ft) in the wild but does not produce its signature flowers until it is about ten years old. The leaves of Davidia involucrata are a vivid green and are heart-shaped with a fine point at the tip. The flowers emerge in May, followed by dark green fruit in the form of a hard nut, which turns purple when ripe

Des Colhoun

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Back Hill is located at Grid Ref: NJ2663 (Lat: 57.659471, Lng: -3.2310254)

Unitary Authority: Moray

Police Authority: North East