Tower Hill

Hill, Mountain in Banffshire

Scotland

Tower Hill

Field at North Redhill A field at North Redhill, just off the old road leading to Fourmanhill and Bognie. — Field at North Redhill Credit: Anne Burgess

Tower Hill is a prominent hill located in the county of Banffshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of 234 meters (768 feet), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline.

Situated near the coastal town of Portsoy, Tower Hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, hikers, and nature lovers. The hill is characterized by its gentle slopes and lush greenery, providing a picturesque setting for leisurely walks and picnics.

The highlight of Tower Hill is undoubtedly the historic ruins of Findlater Castle, which perch dramatically on the edge of the cliff. Findlater Castle dates back to the 12th century and was once a mighty stronghold of the Ogilvies. While only fragments of the castle remain, they are a significant reminder of the region's rich history and architectural heritage. Visitors can explore the ruins and imagine the castle's former grandeur while taking in the breathtaking views of the North Sea.

The surrounding area of Tower Hill is also home to diverse flora and fauna, making it an ideal spot for wildlife observation. Birdwatchers can spot various species, including seabirds and raptors, while wildflowers dot the landscape during the spring and summer months.

Tower Hill, Banffshire, offers a delightful blend of natural beauty, historical significance, and recreational opportunities. Whether one seeks a peaceful stroll, a glimpse into the past, or simply a moment of tranquility amidst stunning scenery, Tower Hill provides an unforgettable experience for all who visit.

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Tower Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.513781/-2.7021788 or Grid Reference NJ5847. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Field at North Redhill

A field at North Redhill, just off the old road leading to Fourmanhill and Bognie.

Anne Burgess

Frost in the Ruts

The almost inevitable water-filled ruts at the field entrance were frozen over. This heralded some excellent dry walking over ground that will be muddy when the frost lifts.

Anne Burgess

Care of Kinnoir

Picking a subject point here is a bit arbitrary. The prominent peak on the skyline is Tap o' Noth. To its right, with some wisps of white cloud rising off it, is The Buck, and the slightly nearer low ridge extending to the right again is Clashmach Hill. Lower, and forested, is the Bin of Huntly. To the left of Tap o' Noth, lower down, is Kinnoir Wood. The low-lying ground is the Carse of Kinnoir, and the row of grey sheds is at Rivestone.

Anne Burgess

Old Road

The 1940s one-inch Ordnance Survey map Link

shows this as a public road, but the Seventh Series (1959) shows it as a track. It links Rothiemay and Bognie by a far more direct route than any now available to motor traffic. The low hill in the distance is the Balloch, near Keith.

Anne Burgess

Exposed Trees

Standing on a ridge and exposed to evey wind direction, it's not surprising that one of these trees has succumbed to the effets of a recent gale. The prominent hill at right is Knock Hill.

Anne Burgess

Roadside Whins

This view will be ever better in a few weeks when the whins (gorse) are in flower.

Anne Burgess

Mayen and the River Deveron

In the middle distance is Mayen, which is almost surrounded by a meander of the River Deveron, which turns from flowing south-eastwards to flowing northwards in just a couple of miles. The glen of the Deveron between Rothiemay and Turriff is an excellent example of incised meanders, where the twisting course of an ancient river has been preserved as the river has cut down into the underlying bedrock. The bedrock here is mainly pelite and psammite, formed by metamorphosis of mudstones and sandstones deposited in a deep sea environment between 500 and 1000 million years ago.

Anne Burgess

River Deveron

Anne Burgess

Misshapen Larches

These two larches beside the old road from Rothiemay to Bognie appear to have suffered from growing in a spot very exposed to winter gales. The prominent hill is Knock Hill.

Anne Burgess

End of a Yowe

It looks as if this yowe (ewe to you) has climbed into the tank, been unable to climb out, and has drowned.

Anne Burgess

Mayen and the River Deveron

Anne Burgess

River Deveron

Anne Burgess

An Obstruction

The road here is obstructed by trees felled by one of the recent gales. Fortunately it was not difficult to pick our way through it.

Anne Burgess

Fourmanhill Croft

In the 19th century there were two or three crofts here, but only this cottage remains.

Anne Burgess

Hungry Sheep?

Normally, when I come across a flock of sheep while out walking, they all turn tail, and all I manage to photograph is feeling backsides. This flock, however, came galloping towards us as soon as we hove into sight, and stood and watched us. I can't think they were really hungry, because there seem to be bales of fodder in the field, so I suppose they were just bored and taking an interest in anything out of the ordinary, like the rare sight of passers-by.

Anne Burgess

River Deveron

Anne Burgess

River Deveron

The glen of the Deveron between Rothiemay and Turriff is an excellent example of incised meanders, where the twisting course of an ancient river has been preserved as the river has cut down into the underlying bedrock. The bedrock here is mainly pelite and psammite, formed by metamorphosis of mudstones and sandstones deposited in a deep sea environment between 500 and 1000 million years ago. We were slightly hesitant because we were following a published walk description directing us straight across a field, and we were concerned about disturbing cattle, but the old maps confirm that there was a proper road here for a long time. We saw no cattle or other livestock, otherwise we would have gone round the edge of the field instead of straight across. Under the 'Right to Roam' (Land Reform (Scotland) Act 2003) we are of course entitled to walk across a field, even if it contains livestock, but I don't relish the idea of trying to explain the law to a belligerent bull or angry cow.

Anne Burgess