Ba' Hill

Hill, Mountain in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Ba' Hill

Muck Spreading The tractor is towing a machine that is spreading muck, presumably manure, on the field. — Muck Spreading Credit: Anne Burgess

Ba' Hill is a prominent hill located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of approximately 480 meters (1,575 feet), it is a notable landmark in the local area. The hill is situated about 5 miles southeast of the town of Fraserburgh, near the village of Strichen.

Ba' Hill is characterized by its distinctive shape and rugged terrain. It features a steep and rocky slope, covered with heather and grasses, which provides an ideal habitat for various species of wildlife and plants. The hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the North Sea coastline, nearby farmland, and the Grampian Mountains in the distance.

The hill is also of historical significance, as it is believed to have been used for defensive purposes during medieval times. There are remnants of an ancient fortification, possibly dating back to the Iron Age, at the summit of Ba' Hill. Archaeological excavations have revealed evidence of human occupation in the area, including pottery fragments and stone tools.

Ba' Hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers, who enjoy the challenging ascent and the rewarding vistas at the top. The hill is accessible by foot, with several trails leading to the summit. It is recommended to wear appropriate footwear and be prepared for changing weather conditions, as the hill can be exposed to strong winds and rain.

Overall, Ba' Hill is a captivating natural landmark with both historical and recreational significance, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of Aberdeenshire's countryside.

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Ba' Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.427414/-2.7736634 or Grid Reference NJ5337. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Muck Spreading

The tractor is towing a machine that is spreading muck, presumably manure, on the field.

Anne Burgess

Den Burn

The Den burn flows down the far side of this field. The house above it, Braeview, is just in the next square, and to the right is the wind farm at Newtongarry.

Anne Burgess

Fields at Bothwellseat

Low winter light catches a few bales left in the far field.

Anne Burgess

Scots Pines on the Skyline

The line of pines is too narrow to provide much in the way of shelter from the wind in this exposed area.

Anne Burgess

Huntly Signal Box

Just outside Huntly, beside the line to Aberdeen.

Anne Burgess

Huntly Station â south end signals and signal box

The station remained entirely mechanically signalled in 2022. A feature that probably dates from the singling of the line – it was formerly double track – is that both tracks through the station are signalled for use in both directions, unusual with mechanical signalling.

Alan Murray-Rust

Huntly Station â former goods shed

Typical Great North of Scotland Railway building using the traditional stonework using rectangular blocks with small infill strips.

Alan Murray-Rust

Huntly Station â looking towards Inverness

Modern station building on the far platform.

Alan Murray-Rust

Huntly signal box and home signals

The station area signalling is almost entirely still mechanical. See also Link For a limited installation, there is a good deal of interest, with the bracketed signal post, shunting dolly (signal), twin speed restriction signs and a milepost outside the box. The box is not listed but does have an entry in the Aberdeenshire Historical Environment Record, which dates it to the late 19th century. This refers to it as a 'gate box', i.e. not controlling the passage of trains between sections, being subordinate to a full section box at the station, but the latter has since disappeared, and the box has full signal box status again.

Alan Murray-Rust

Huntly signal box (detail) and milepost

Close up of the point rodding and signal wires at a traditional mechanical signal box, by 2022 becoming increasingly rare. The milepost indicates a distance of 40 ½ miles from the start of the line at Aberdeen. Many railway companies indicated the quarter miles by dots or bars as being easier to spot from a moving train than numeric fractions.

Alan Murray-Rust