Hobbister Hill

Hill, Mountain in Orkney

Scotland

Hobbister Hill

Peat cutting This is an historic peat-bed on Veness (Orkney)
Some peat has recently been cut and removed; the small remaining pile dries in the wind and sun. Notice the tough, fissured, old bed and the recently worked, unweathered, face.
Peat should always be removed in an environmentally-friendly way if possible.
The ground should be reinstated as one progresses and the area left as clean as possible for the next year. See also <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2301223">HY3705 : Neat Workspace</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2301210">HY3705 : Peat stooks</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2301177">HY3705 : Cutting peat on Veness</a>
Anyone contemplating opening up old beds or considering cutting should be aware of the general impact - here <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peat#Environmental_and_ecological_issues" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peat#Environmental_and_ecological_issues">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> — Peat cutting Credit: Derek Mayes

Hobbister Hill, located on the Orkney Islands in Scotland, is a prominent landmark known for its distinctive shape and rich historical significance. Rising to a height of 279 meters (915 feet), it is one of the highest hills in Orkney. Situated near the village of Harray, Hobbister Hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the sparkling waters of the Loch of Harray and the nearby Orphir Hills.

The hill itself is a volcanic plug, formed millions of years ago during intense volcanic activity in the region. Composed mainly of basalt, it is characterized by steep slopes covered with heather, grasses, and scattered outcrops of rocks. The hill's unique shape, resembling a cone, makes it easily distinguishable from its surroundings.

Hobbister Hill has great cultural and historical significance. It is believed to have been used as a defensive fortification during the Iron Age, with remnants of ancient settlements and defensive ditches found on its slopes. The hill was also a site of Viking activity, serving as a lookout point and signaling station during their occupation of the Orkney Islands.

Today, Hobbister Hill attracts hikers and nature enthusiasts who enjoy its scenic beauty and tranquil environment. Several walking trails lead to the summit, offering a moderate challenge for visitors. The hill's commanding views make it a popular spot for photography, and its rich history adds to its appeal for those interested in archaeology and heritage tourism.

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Hobbister Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.941307/-3.0651 or Grid Reference HY3806. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Peat cutting

This is an historic peat-bed on Veness (Orkney) Some peat has recently been cut and removed; the small remaining pile dries in the wind and sun. Notice the tough, fissured, old bed and the recently worked, unweathered, face. Peat should always be removed in an environmentally-friendly way if possible. The ground should be reinstated as one progresses and the area left as clean as possible for the next year. See also HY3705 : Neat Workspace and HY3705 : Peat stooks and HY3705 : Cutting peat on Veness Anyone contemplating opening up old beds or considering cutting should be aware of the general impact - here Link

Derek Mayes

Peat Face

The Peat Extraction beds worked by the Highland Park Distillery Link

This very high peat bank has been cut, in one go, down to the underfloor of soil, sand and rock. Such cutting can only be done using a JCB type digger. It is quite destructive because it leaves little surface for reinstatement or repair. Recent work to repair the whole headland after years of such extraction seems to be successful owing to a joint management programme with the RSPB. See also here - HY3705 : Peat cutting

Derek Mayes

Peat Worker

Small stooks are built to catch the wind and sunshine. This is peat cutting on a near industrial scale and the finished peats are taken to the Highland Park Distillery and used in the drying furnace to add a 'smoky' flavour to the finished product, see here - Link

Once cleared, this drying area will remain open to the winds and rain, so erosion will take place. It will be a long time before the vegetation returns - see also NS9547 : Ryeflat Moss. In contrast see this HY3705 : Neat Workspace

Derek Mayes

Hobbister: alongside Waulkmill Bay

Looking along the northern edge of Waulkmill Bay into Scapa Flow.

Chris Downer

Kirbister: postbox № KW17 5

An Elizabeth II-reign postbox set into the perimeter wall of Kirbister Mill, on the A964. It is emptied at noon, daily except Sunday.

Chris Downer

Hobbister: the A964 heads for Orphir

Looking along this excellent part of the A-road network on Orkney, with the magnificent backdrop of the island of Hoy. A bus has just turned the corner at the bottom and can be seen (right) heading for Orphir and, eventually, Stromness.

Chris Downer