Battle Hill

Hill, Mountain in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Battle Hill

Huntly Signal Box Just outside Huntly, beside the line to Aberdeen. — Huntly Signal Box Credit: Anne Burgess

Battle Hill is a prominent hill located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Rising to an elevation of around 260 meters (853 feet), it is situated in the eastern part of the county, near the town of Inverurie. The hill offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular destination for hikers, nature enthusiasts, and photographers.

From the summit of Battle Hill, visitors can enjoy sweeping vistas of the Aberdeenshire landscape, with rolling hills, verdant farmland, and scattered woodland stretching as far as the eye can see. On clear days, the views extend even further, encompassing the majestic peaks of the Grampian Mountains to the west.

The name "Battle Hill" is believed to have historical significance, as it is believed to be the site of a battle that took place in the area centuries ago. However, there is limited information available about this event, and it remains a matter of local folklore.

The hill itself is relatively accessible, with a well-maintained path leading to the top. The route is suitable for both experienced hikers and casual walkers, although proper footwear is recommended due to some uneven terrain. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the area, including heather, wildflowers, and various bird species.

In conclusion, Battle Hill in Aberdeenshire offers visitors the opportunity to experience the beauty of the Scottish countryside. With its stunning views, historical significance, and accessible hiking trails, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking a taste of Scotland's natural wonders.

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Battle Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.448429/-2.7626767 or Grid Reference NJ5440. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Huntly Signal Box

Just outside Huntly, beside the line to Aberdeen.

Anne Burgess

Huntly Castle

The main building from the south west. This was the third castle to be built on the site and dates from the late 15th century with remodelling in 1550 and further decorated in the early 17th century. Now a Scheduled Monument.

Alan Murray-Rust

Playing fields near Huntly Castle

Home to, among others, Huntly Rugby Football Club.

Alan Murray-Rust

Jake Forbes Close, Huntly

To the left, barely visible, a group of houses built around 1800, Listed Category C. On the right is 58 Bogie Street, dated 1793 although the looks are older and the Canmore entry indicates that title deeds date back to 1745/6. Listed Category B.

Alan Murray-Rust

Huntly Station â north end signals

The station remained entirely mechanically signalled in 2022, except that the north loop points are electrically operated. 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 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