Black Hill

Hill, Mountain in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Black Hill

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

Black Hill is a prominent peak located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Rising to an elevation of 637 meters (2,090 feet), it is part of the larger Cairngorms mountain range. The hill is situated near the village of Tarland, approximately 50 kilometers west of Aberdeen.

Black Hill is characterized by its distinctive dark appearance, which is caused by the abundance of heather covering its slopes. The hill offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with its summit providing a vantage point to admire the nearby mountain ranges, valleys, and woodland areas. On clear days, it is possible to see as far as the Grampian Mountains to the south, and even glimpses of the North Sea to the east.

Access to Black Hill is facilitated by several well-marked trails, making it a popular destination for walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The paths leading to the summit traverse through a variety of terrains, including moorland, bogs, and rocky sections. The hill is also home to diverse flora and fauna, including heather, wildflowers, and various bird species. Wildlife such as red deer and mountain hares can occasionally be spotted in the area.

Black Hill offers a sense of tranquility and solitude, with its remote location providing a peaceful retreat for those seeking to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life. It is a place where visitors can immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Scottish Highlands, while enjoying the physical challenge of ascending its slopes.

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Black Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.679315/-2.2466563 or Grid Reference NJ8565. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Castle Point and Pennan from Lion's Head

Alan Reid

Pennan Harbour

Alan Reid

Cullykhan Bay

Pennan Head beyond.

Alan Reid

Rainwashed cobbles and shingle, Pennan

Displaying a remarkable variety of colours and rock types. Of interest are the small number of unrounded rocks in amongst them.

Alan Murray-Rust

Pennan village, Aberdeenshire

Classic Scottish fishing village, built from the 18th century onwards. The whole village is listed as a B group listing in Buildings of Architectural or Historic Interest, with most of the buildings having individual Listings too.

Alan Murray-Rust

The bay at Pennan, with Black Hill

The rocky floor of the bay would have made this a tricky place to work boats from, but the local Conservation Area Appraisal states that in 1855 there were 15 drifters and 25 smaller boats in use, although the number had declined by the beginning of the 20th century due to the unsuitability for the larger steam drifters.

Alan Murray-Rust

Geology at Pennan

Red sandstone conglomerate with distinctive weathering patterns.

Alan Murray-Rust

Wild Day, Pennan

After days of northerly winds and a high tide the sea is battering the front at Pennan. The red phone box that featured in the film Local Hero can just be seen about to disappear behind the spray.

Adam Ward

Local Hero

The phone box that featured heavily in the film Local Hero. Although the film is set on the west coast of Scotland all the shots of the fictional village of Ferness were filmed on the lovely setting of Pennan on the north Aberdeenshire coast.

Adam Ward