King's Hillock

Hill, Mountain in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

King's Hillock

Clatt Kirk Listed Category B, it dates in its current state from 1799, although it incorporates earlier material, including a lintel dated 1778. An original church foundation on the site can be dated back to 612AD. — Clatt Kirk Credit: Alan Murray-Rust

King's Hillock is a prominent hill located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of approximately 313 meters (1,027 feet), it is considered one of the noteworthy landmarks in the region. The hill is situated about 5 kilometers (3 miles) northeast of the town of Netherley, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

Covered in lush green vegetation, King's Hillock is characterized by its gently sloping sides and a rounded summit. Its terrain is predominantly composed of grassy slopes, which are ideal for walking and hiking enthusiasts. The hill provides a pleasant and accessible outdoor recreational area for locals and visitors alike.

From the summit of King's Hillock, on a clear day, one can enjoy panoramic vistas of the Aberdeenshire countryside, including rolling hills, picturesque farmland, and nearby coastal areas. The hill's strategic location also allows for panoramic views of the North Sea, as well as the neighboring towns and villages.

Due to its natural beauty and accessibility, King's Hillock attracts a variety of wildlife and is a popular spot for birdwatching. Visitors may encounter various bird species such as buzzards, kestrels, and larks, along with other small mammals like rabbits and foxes.

Overall, King's Hillock is a scenic and tranquil destination that offers a wonderful opportunity to connect with nature and enjoy breathtaking views of Aberdeenshire's picturesque landscape. Whether it be for a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, this hill provides a memorable experience for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers.

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King's Hillock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.333169/-2.7610667 or Grid Reference NJ5427. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Clatt Kirk

Listed Category B, it dates in its current state from 1799, although it incorporates earlier material, including a lintel dated 1778. An original church foundation on the site can be dated back to 612AD.

Alan Murray-Rust

Minor road towards Clatt

Steven Brown

Minor road past Mains of Seggieden

Steven Brown

Minor road towards Rhynie

Steven Brown

Minor road towards Rhynie

Steven Brown

Gadie Burn

The little Gadie Burn runs to the north and east of the mountain of Bennachie. John Strachan sings Where the Gadie Rins O gin I were where Gadie rins, where Gadie rins, where Gadie rins, O gin I were where Gadie rins, at the back o Bennachie. O I never there come back again, come back again, come back again, O, I should ne’er come back again, yer Lowland lads tae see. I never hid but twa rieht lads, but twa rieht lads, but twa rieht lads, I never hid but twa rieht lads that dearly loved me. The teen was killed in Lowrin Fair, in Lowrin Fair, in Lowrin Fair, The teen was killed in Lowrin Fair and the tither was drooned in Dee. Hid they gien my lovie man for man, man for man, man for man, Hid they gien my lovie man for man, or yet’s the man for three. He widna lyin so low the day, so low the day, so low the day, He widna lyin so low the day at the fit o yonder tree. [Spoken:] Good enough.

Ralph Greig

Tofthills Farm

Ralph Greig

Main road of Clatt

Ralph Greig

Old and new buildings, Clatt

Alex McGregor

Ardlair Field

A cultivated field by Ardlair.

Andrew Wood

Road junction by Ford

Approached from Suie hill.

Stanley Howe

Kennethmont

Tap o' Noth in the background.

Richard Webb

Site of Bankhead Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

As you can see, no trace of the stone circle is visible now, though the map at Link

shows where it was. It was cleared in 1866, and the stones used to build a dyke which has itself now disappeared. The recumbent is said to be still visible elsewhere on the farm, but I could not find anyone to ask for information or directions. NJ5226 : Site of Bankhead Recumbent Stone Circle (2) is the view in the opposite direction. See Link

for more details. It is one of three RSCs of which no trace is now visible on the ground, but where there is sufficient evidence to show that there was at one time a recumbent setting, the others being NJ7520 : Site of Ardtannes Cottages Recumbent Stone Circle and NJ4642 : Site of Hill of Milleath Recumbent Stone Circle.

Anne Burgess

Rough Ground

Searching for evidence of the Bankhead recumbent stone circle, I wondered if some of the stones might have ended up here, in a rampart round this patch of rough ground, but there were so many stones of varying sizes that it would have been impossible to decide which, if any, were from the circle. The six-inch map published in 1870 shows it as an extension of a block of conifer plantation which has since vanished, but there is no indication of a building or antiquity here.

Anne Burgess

Site of Bankhead Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

This is looking in the opposite direction from NJ5226 : Site of Bankhead Recumbent Stone Circle (1). As you can see, no trace of the stone circle is visible now, though the map at Link

for more details. In the distance is Tap o' Noth in NJ4829.

Anne Burgess

Mosshead and Towie

The farm at left is Mosshead, and to the right is Upper Towie. Lower Towie is just off to the right. Not to be confused with any of the nuemrous other Towies in other parishes; this Towie is in the parish of Clatt.

Anne Burgess

Standing Stones

The two standing stones at Ardlair almost appear to line up the stone circle in the distance, but that may be coincidental. It has been suggested that the two standing stones are the remains of a circle. See Link

for further information. Curiously, the Canmore description says they are aligned north and south, but the map and GPS readings belie this, suggesting they are almost east and west in relation to one another.

Anne Burgess