Barr Hill

Hill, Mountain in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Barr Hill

Stubble, Glanderstone A field between the B9002 and the Inverness to Aberdeen railway. — Stubble, Glanderstone Credit: Richard Webb

Barr Hill is a prominent hill located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Situated in the eastern part of the country, it forms part of the scenic landscape of this region. Rising to an elevation of approximately 1,240 feet (378 meters), Barr Hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

This hill is characterized by its distinctive shape, with a rounded summit and steep slopes. The terrain is mostly covered in heather, grasses, and scattered shrubs, providing a diverse habitat for local flora and fauna. The hill is also home to various bird species, such as grouse and peregrine falcons, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

Accessing Barr Hill is relatively easy as it is located near the town of Banchory, and there are several paths and trails leading to its summit. It is a favorite destination for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy the challenge of climbing its slopes. The ascent is moderately difficult, but the reward is the breathtaking vista from the top, offering sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, including the River Dee and the nearby Grampian Mountains.

Barr Hill also holds historical significance as it is believed to have been a site of Iron Age settlements, with remnants of ancient forts and earthworks still visible today. Archaeologists have discovered artifacts and evidence of human occupation from this time period.

Overall, Barr Hill is a picturesque and historically rich destination, offering visitors the opportunity to connect with nature, enjoy stunning views, and explore the region's ancient past.

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Barr Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.364423/-2.7052408 or Grid Reference NJ5730. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Stubble, Glanderstone

A field between the B9002 and the Inverness to Aberdeen railway.

Richard Webb

Minor road between Newton and Barr Hill

Looking north-westward.

Peter Wood

Fields near Wardhead

A short walk across the stubble to reach the square was rewarded by a view towards an unnamed plantation containing an indeterminate feature labelled Pirrke, and the gap, on the left, where The Shevock flows out from the hills.

Anne Burgess

The Quarry

The white house has been built in what is shown as a quarry on most maps, and a sign on the gate says it is called The Quarry.

Anne Burgess

Unmapped Burn

The ditch delineating this field doesn't appear at all on the maps.

Anne Burgess

Barr Hill

A colourful collection of machinery beside the minor road junction at Barr Hill.

Anne Burgess

Sheep at Weets

The gridline bisects this field near Weets Croft.

Anne Burgess

Field at Weets

New shoots are appearing from the roots of this year's crop, while the bales of straw await collection.

Anne Burgess

Wardhouse Home Farm

Built in about 1835-1842, either by Archibald Simpson or in the style of Archibald Simpson, for Pedro Carlos Gordon of Wardhouse and Kildrummy (1806-1857), son of John David Gordon of Kildrummy and Maria del Carmen Beigbeder Ducoin. According to Ian Shepherd's 'Aberdeenshire: Donside and Strathbogie - An Illustrated Architectural Guide' (2006), there was "Much Spanish influence evident in the great bullyard, set within a quadrangular courtyard, entered through an impressive pedimented gateway." The tower on the north side is a doocot, and the granary was used for entertainment; 90 people sat down to dinner at New Year 1873, and 190 couples came to the ensuing ball. The inside of the quadrangle seems to have been built up with later buildings.

Anne Burgess

Wardhouse Home Farm

The south and part of the west elevations of the large quadrangular Home Farm, built around 1840 and possibly designed by Archibald Simpson. Parts of it are still in use as housing, but the interior of the courtyard is derelict.

Anne Burgess

Wardhouse

Wardhouse must have been a magnificent house in its heyday. Ian Shepherd's 'Aberdeenshire: Donside and Strathbogie - An Illustrated Architectural Guide' says that it "readily surpasses" Haddo House. It was built in two stages, first in 1757 and then later in the 18th century, first for Arthur Gordon and then for Charles Edward Gordon. It was also called Gordon Hall and Arthur's Seat, the latter being not only a reference to its first owner's name, but also to the legendary King Arthur having had a castle at Dunnideer nearby. The architect is uncertain but may have been either John Douglas or John Adam. It was gutted in 1953. It was reported in 2004 that it was to be restored, but this has evidently never happened, and it is advertised for sale. See Link