Black Hillocks

Hill, Mountain in Banffshire

Scotland

Black Hillocks

Mouse-ear Hawkweed Hawkweeds, Hawksbeards and Hawkbits all have dandelion-like flowers and are notoriously difficult to tell apart. This is the exception, instantly recognisable because its flowers are lemon-yellow, while all the others are more canary-yellow. — Mouse-ear Hawkweed Credit: Anne Burgess

Black Hillocks is a prominent hill located in Banffshire, Scotland. Situated in the picturesque countryside, it is part of the larger range known as the Grampian Mountains. Rising to an elevation of approximately 455 meters (1493 feet), Black Hillocks offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

The hill is characterized by its distinctive black color, which is a result of the abundance of dark-colored rocks, particularly basalt, that make up its composition. This unique feature adds to the allure of Black Hillocks, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The summit of Black Hillocks provides panoramic vistas of the rolling hills, lush green valleys, and meandering rivers that stretch across Banffshire. On a clear day, visitors can even catch glimpses of the North Sea in the distance.

The terrain of Black Hillocks is diverse, with heather-covered slopes, rocky outcrops, and gentle grassy areas. This diversity makes it an appealing destination for various outdoor activities, including hillwalking, birdwatching, and photography.

The hill is also home to a variety of wildlife, including red deer, mountain hares, and various species of birds. It is not uncommon to spot peregrine falcons, golden eagles, or kestrels soaring above the hillside.

Black Hillocks is easily accessible, with well-maintained paths and trails leading to the summit. Its proximity to nearby towns and villages, such as Aberchirder and Turriff, makes it a popular day trip destination for locals and tourists alike.

Overall, Black Hillocks provides a captivating blend of natural beauty, geological interest, and outdoor recreational opportunities, making it a must-visit location for anyone exploring the Banffshire region.

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Black Hillocks Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.66924/-2.4678619 or Grid Reference NJ7264. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mouse-ear Hawkweed

Hawkweeds, Hawksbeards and Hawkbits all have dandelion-like flowers and are notoriously difficult to tell apart. This is the exception, instantly recognisable because its flowers are lemon-yellow, while all the others are more canary-yellow.

Anne Burgess

Loch Craig

In the foreground is the sea wall of the Tarlair open-air swimming pool. Loch craig is the sea inlet offshore. The ship is Petronordic, port of registry Nassau, which is a shuttle tanker, gross tonnage 54865.

Anne Burgess

House Martin (Delichon urbica)

There are half a dozen nests under the roof of the pavilion at the Tarlair swimming pool. Note the bird sitting in this nest, presumably incubating eggs.

Anne Burgess

Tarlair Lido, 2022

The monochrome emphasises the current state of disrepair of the pavilion, but that is set to change, as funding has been secured and listed building consent given for its refurbishment starting in 2022. The Friends of Tarlair Link

are working towards making this a vibrant leisure destination once again. The Category A Listed facility deserves nothing less.

Alan Murray-Rust

Natural sloping slabs at Tarlair

At the entrance to the lido.

Alan Murray-Rust

The road to Tarlair

Looking towards Macduff. The building to the right of the road is the Well of Tarlair. It dates from c.1800. The chalybeate waters enjoyed considerable popularity for their medicinal and health giving properties in the NE during the 18th and 19th centuries.

Alan Murray-Rust

Threading the needle

View through the naatural arch known locally as the Needle's Eye

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido - the swimming pool

The lowest of the three pools. The terraces were restored in 2014, and restoration of the pavilion is due to commence in 2022.

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido, the three pools

Nearest, surrounded by the narrow wall was a paddling pool, the next area being a boating pool with the main swimming pool furthest away. The surrounds of the pools were restored in 2014. The complex Listed Category A.

Alan Murray-Rust

Tarlair Lido, view from the east

Compare with this view of the lido in its heyday Link

Restoration of the pavilion is due to start in 2022. Listed Category A.

Alan Murray-Rust

Rock fall at near Tarlair

Hobs

Macduff: a view over the harbour

Looking over the harbour from the grassy hilltop to the south, where an anchor is ... anchored, by the NJ7064 : Macduff: parish church.

Chris Downer

Macduff war memorial

An unusual and striking war memorial tower erected in 1920 and B-listed (LB37681): Link

Bill Harrison

View of Macduff harbour from Church Street

Bill Harrison

Macduff town hall, 17 Shore Street

The Scottish baronial town hall facing the harbour was designed by Aberdeen architects Pirie and Clyne in 1884 and is B-listed (LB37634): Link

. Next door is the former Clydesdale Bank and agent's house, also B-listed (LB37635): Link

Bill Harrison

Macduff harbour entrance and lighthouse

The lighthouse dates from 1903 (Canmore record 81477: Link

Bill Harrison

Macduff harbour

The harbour at Macduff, with its ocean-going trawlers, has a totally different feel to the gentrified Banff marina on the other side of the River Deveron estuary. Here we see the smartly turned out Shekinah (registered to INV = Inverness) and the Reliance II (BF = Banff) sandwiching a rather rusty visitor from afar; the Glen Alvah from BM = Brixham (Devon).

Bill Harrison