Brown Hill

Hill, Mountain in Banffshire

Scotland

Brown Hill

Castle Point and Pennan from Lion's Head Credit: Alan Reid

Brown Hill is a prominent hill located in the county of Banffshire, in the northeastern region of Scotland. With a summit reaching 462 meters (1,516 feet) above sea level, it is considered a significant landmark in the area. The hill is situated near the coastal town of Portsoy, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and the North Sea.

Covered by lush green vegetation, Brown Hill is characterized by its gently sloping sides, making it accessible to hikers and nature enthusiasts. The hill is part of the larger Brown Hill and Corskie Hill Nature Reserve, which encompasses a diverse range of habitats, including open moorland, woodlands, and heathland. This biodiversity hotspot attracts a wide variety of bird species, making it a popular spot for birdwatchers.

The summit of Brown Hill provides panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape, including the Moray Firth and the Grampian Mountains in the distance. On a clear day, visitors can even catch a glimpse of the rugged coastline and nearby towns. The hill offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, with peaceful walking trails allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace.

Brown Hill holds historical significance as well, with traces of ancient settlements and archaeological sites found in its vicinity. The hill's history dates back centuries, and it is believed to have been an important landmark for local communities in the past.

Overall, Brown Hill in Banffshire offers a captivating blend of natural beauty, rich biodiversity, and historical significance, making it a must-visit destination for outdoor enthusiasts and those seeking a serene escape in the heart of Scotland.

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Brown Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.693183/-2.3005958 or Grid Reference NJ8267. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Castle Point and Pennan from Lion's Head

Alan Reid

Cullykhan Bay

Pennan Head beyond.

Alan Reid

Wheatear on Whins

There were several of these perching on the fence posts and whins. Strictly speaking they are Northern Wheatear (Oenanthe oenanthe), and the Oxford English Dictionary confirms that name was originally derived from 'white arse' from the conspicuous white rump that is seen when the bird is in flight. However the OED does not confirm the story that the name was bowdlerised by prudish Victorians; as early as 1653 one J Taylor noted that "The name of Wheat ears, on them is ycleap'd, Because they come when wheat is yearly reap'd."

Anne Burgess

Yellowhammer (Emberiza citronella)

Quite a common bird of fields and rough ground, sometimes also venturing into gardens. Its song is very distinctive, said to sound like 'A little bit of bread and no CHEESE'.

Anne Burgess

St Mark's Fly (Bibio marci)?

Apparently they tend to emerge around 25 April, which is St Mark's Day. There were large numbers of them, all clinging to grass and other vegetation, perhaps because it was too cold for them to be flying. Thanks to Richard Sutcliffe for confirming the ID and telling me that's it's a male because it has large eyes.

Anne Burgess

Sea Camption (Silene uniflora)

One of many clumps of Sea Camption on the top of the cliffs.

Anne Burgess

Northern Gannet (Morus bassanus)

Formerly known as Sula bassana, the Solan Goose. Taken with a zoom lens from far enough away not to disturb the bird.

Anne Burgess

Nesting Gannets

Gannets first nested at Troup Head in 1988, and since then the colony has grown to over 2000 pairs. I note with interest that the RSPB no longer says it is the only mainland Gannet colony in Scotland - it is now, it seems, the largest Gannet colony in Scotland.

Anne Burgess

Gannet Wars

We watched for several minutes while the two upper Gannets squabbled, pecking at one another and occasionally locking beaks in a tussle, presumably over whose nest site this is. The third bird looked on but took no part in the action.

Anne Burgess

Nesting gannet, Troup Head

The nature of the cliff top means that it is possible to get remarkably close to the birds without either putting oneself in danger or upsetting the birds.

Alan Murray-Rust

Portrait of a gannet, Troup Head

The nature of the cliff top means that it is possible to get remarkably close to the birds without either putting oneself in danger or upsetting the birds.

Alan Murray-Rust

Ravels Den

A deep-cut dene leading down to Downie Bay, probably the result of meltwater erosion at the end of the Ice Age.

Alan Murray-Rust

Wheatears on a fence

Alongside the footpath to Troup Head.

Alan Murray-Rust

Wheatears on whin

Alongside the footpath to Troup Head. (I would call this gorse, but whin is the native word!)

Alan Murray-Rust

Landslip in Ravels Den

A deep-cut dene leading down to Downie Bay, probably the result of meltwater erosion at the end of the Ice Age. The slip shows the friable rock forming the upper stratum at this point.

Alan Murray-Rust