Spy Hillock

Hill, Mountain in Kincardineshire

Scotland

Spy Hillock

Approaching Knock Hill from the east Approaching Knock Hill from the east along the path leading up from East Mondynes beside the A90. — Approaching Knock Hill from the east Credit: Andrew McMahon

Spy Hillock is a prominent hill located in Kincardineshire, Scotland. Situated in the northeastern part of the county, it forms part of the rolling landscape of the area. Spy Hillock stands at an elevation of approximately 202 meters (663 feet), making it a notable feature in the region.

The hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with its sloping sides covered in grass and patches of heather. Its location provides an excellent vantage point for observing the nearby towns and villages, as well as the expansive North Sea coastline.

Spy Hillock is easily accessible, with several walking trails leading to its summit. These paths vary in difficulty, accommodating both casual strollers and more experienced hikers. The hill's relatively moderate height makes it a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking a rewarding climb without the challenges of a higher peak.

Flora and fauna are abundant in the area surrounding Spy Hillock. The hill is home to a diverse range of plant species, including wildflowers, shrubs, and grasses. Various bird species, such as skylarks and meadow pipits, can be spotted soaring above the hill, adding to its natural charm.

Overall, Spy Hillock is a picturesque and easily accessible hill, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of Kincardineshire. Whether it's a leisurely walk or a challenging hike, the hill provides a worthwhile experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Spy Hillock Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.900755/-2.4047679 or Grid Reference NO7578. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Approaching Knock Hill from the east

Approaching Knock Hill from the east along the path leading up from East Mondynes beside the A90.

Andrew McMahon

View from the slope of Knock Hill towards the south-west

Looking south-west over Castleton Farm in the middle distance towards Hill of Garvock in the left distance. The route of the A90 dual-carriageway from Aberdeen to Dundee goes from left to right in the middle distance along the low land.

Andrew McMahon

Top of Knock Hill looking south-east

Knock Hill is only 218 metres high but is a fine viewpoint to all directions on a clear day.

Andrew McMahon

Dilapidated quonset hut

Ruined quonset hut near the old Fordoun Airfield at Balfeith.

Scott Cormie

Milestone on the old A94

Stonehaven/Laurencekirk milestone on the spur of the B966 near Castleton, formerly the A94.

Scott Cormie

Play area at Castleton

Playground adjacent to Castleton Farm Shop.

Scott Cormie

Cushnie Farm Cottages

Cottages at the entrance drive to Cushnie, viewed from the south-east.

Scott Cormie

Scarecrow at Bankhead

Rudimentary scarecrow in a field to the east of Bankhead.

Scott Cormie

A90 The A90 road is a major north to south highway in eastern Scotland, starting in Edinburgh and running for 146 miles up the majority of the east coast to end in Fraserburgh (although immediately north of the Forth it has been replaced by the similarly numbered M90).

A90

The A90 road is a major north to south highway in eastern Scotland, starting in Edinburgh and running for 146 miles up the majority of the east coast to end in Fraserburgh (although immediately north of the Forth it has been replaced by the similarly numbered M90).

N Chadwick

Mill of Kair

N Chadwick

Track to Mill of Kair

The track curves between arable fields, some with crops already green. The bright yellow strip in the distance is one of several daffodil plantations in the Mearns.

Anne Burgess

Abbeyton

A typical solid red sandstone farmhouse and outbuildings with a verdant foreground.

Anne Burgess

Danish Scurvy-grass (Cochlearia danica)

This is a non-native halophyte, that is, it's one of about 2% of plants that actually like salt. It particularly likes the central reservations of dual carriageways and the edges of roads that are treated with salt in the winter, and in spring it gives a pale lilac colour to endless miles of otherwise boring gravel.

Anne Burgess

Mill of Kair

The farm buildings at Mill of Kair are almost hidden by the trees that surround them.

Anne Burgess

Stop the Monster Pylons

All along the A90 there are signs like this protesting about plans by Scottish and Southern Electricity to upgrade the power line between Kintore and Tealing. The new pylons will be much larger and more intrusive than the ones that already exist, and the communities that will be affected are putting up a fight against them. It would be good to think that they can win, and prevent the pylons being built, but the difficulty is that the pylons will have to go somewhere, whether we like it or not, if the country's power supply is to become fully renewable and zero-carbon.

Anne Burgess

Dandelion (Taraxacum)

Some 250 species of Dandelion occur in Britain and Ireland, and telling them from one another takes considerable expertise, which I do not possess. I can see that this particular plant has leaves that are much more jagged and deeply cut than the ones I encounter in my garden, but I would not venture to say which species it is.

Anne Burgess