Blackcastle Hill

Hill, Mountain in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Blackcastle Hill

Borders Abbeys Way in Ashkirk Forest Credit: Martin Dawes

Blackcastle Hill is a prominent hill located in Roxburghshire, a historic county in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. Standing at an elevation of approximately 218 meters (715 feet), it is often referred to as a hill rather than a mountain due to its relatively modest height. Despite its size, Blackcastle Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The hill is characterized by its gentle slopes, which are primarily covered in grass and heather. The summit of Blackcastle Hill is adorned with a small cairn, providing a vantage point from which visitors can enjoy breathtaking vistas of the rolling hills and picturesque valleys that make up the beautiful Roxburghshire countryside. On clear days, it is even possible to catch glimpses of the distant Cheviot Hills to the south.

Blackcastle Hill is easily accessible via a well-maintained footpath that starts from the nearby village of Newcastleton. The path meanders through delightful woodlands and open fields, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility and natural beauty of the area. Along the way, walkers may encounter various wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, and rabbits.

With its accessibility, stunning views, and diverse wildlife, Blackcastle Hill provides a scenic and peaceful escape for outdoor enthusiasts looking to explore the natural wonders of Roxburghshire. Whether it is for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, this hill offers an enjoyable experience for visitors of all ages and abilities.

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Blackcastle Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.48585/-2.8227359 or Grid Reference NT4821. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Borders Abbeys Way in Ashkirk Forest

Martin Dawes

Pond and newly resurfaced forest track

Constant traffic, large stone carrying lorries

Martin Dawes

Borders Abbeys Way, Ashkirk Forest

Easy walking through this mature plantation.

Jim Barton

Pond by the forest track, Ashkirk Hill

On the Borders Abbeys Way before the descent to the Ale Water. The TV transmitter mast near the A7 is in view ahead.

Jim Barton

A small pond on Ashkirk Hill

Oliver Dixon

Border Abbeys Way on Ashkirk Hill

This path forms part of the Border Abbeys Way, a circular long-distance walking route in the Scottish Borders. A little snow still lingers in shady corners of the plantation.

Oliver Dixon

Ride, Ashkirk Hill

A well used path which is waymarked as part of the Border Abbeys Way. It is also popular with horse riders and with the common riding season upon us, there was plenty of evidence of recent use.

Richard Webb

Ride, Ashkirk Hill

A well used path which is waymarked as part of the Border Abbeys Way. It is also popular with horse riders and with the common riding season upon us, there was plenty of evidence of recent use.c

Richard Webb

Forest Ride

In Cross Plantation south of Roughside Hill.

Walter Baxter

A symbolic gravestone in Ashkirk Parish Churchyard

This 18th century stone, which is leaning forwards, displays the classic symbols of mortality with crossed femur bones, a horizontal hourglass and a death’s head skull. A winged soul at the top of the stone is a symbol of immortality representing the human spirit.

Walter Baxter

He was only 363 when he died

The inscription on this Crawford gravestone in Ashkirk Parish Churchyard is interesting and amusing because the 18th century mason has carved the age of Robert Crawford as 363 when he died. The inscription reads: HERE LYES JOHN CRAWFORD LATE TENNENT IN DRAYDIAN WHO DIED MAY 26 1744 AGID 78 Also Robert Crawford Son late tenant in Branksholme Town who died Sept 7 1767 Aged 363 years For a view of the other side of the stone, see NT4622 : A symbolic gravestone in Ashkirk Parish Churchyard.

Walter Baxter

By-passed section of road (A7) at Synton Mossend

Looking north-westward.

Peter Wood

Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket G4410

This can be found on the wall of the foundations of a demolished farm building at Ashkirktown. For more detail see : Link

Peter Wood

Ordnance Survey Cut Mark with Rivet

This can be found in the driveway to Dryden Stables. For more information see : Link

Peter Wood

Milestone Edinburgh 43 miles (re-positioned)

This milestone once stood beside the A7 at NT 475 230 but during re-alignment of the road was discarded. The owner of Dryden Stables found it in a ditch and re-positioned it on his driveway. A bit of history preserved.

Peter Wood

Quarry, Synton

8 years after NT4823 : Quarry, Synton

Richard Webb

The edge of Ashkirk

The village of Ashkirk is very spread out but does have a small concentrated group of houses near the junction with the A7. This picture was taken just on the edge of the village close to the Ale Water which is the stream / burn that runs through the village.

Malcolm Neal