Birkhill

Settlement in Dumfriesshire

Scotland

Birkhill

A low flying Tornado GR4 I often used to wait on a hillside in the Selkirk to Moffat Valley for any low flying military aircraft that might come along on low flying sorties. This Tornado GR4 (ZA370/004) was passing the Tail Burn at the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfalls. Air crews referred to the very narrow part of the valley between Birkhill and the Grey Mare’s Tail as ‘Star Wars’. The Tornado was withdrawn in early 2019 after nearly 40 years of service with the RAF and I still miss them.
A low flying Tornado GR4 Credit: Walter Baxter

Birkhill is a charming rural village located in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Nestled in the beautiful countryside, it is surrounded by rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, offering a peaceful and idyllic setting for its residents and visitors alike.

The village is known for its strong sense of community, with a close-knit population that values its heritage and traditions. It is a place where neighbors look out for one another, fostering a warm and friendly atmosphere. The village is proud of its local amenities, including a village hall, a primary school, and a small but well-stocked convenience store.

Birkhill also boasts a rich history, with evidence of settlements dating back to ancient times. The area is home to several historic sites, including the ruins of Birkhill Castle, which was originally built in the 16th century. These remnants serve as a reminder of the village's past and provide a glimpse into its heritage.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to explore in Birkhill, as the village is surrounded by breathtaking natural beauty. The nearby countryside offers an array of walking and hiking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the stunning Scottish scenery. Additionally, the village is not far from the Solway Coast, offering opportunities for beach walks and wildlife spotting.

Overall, Birkhill is a tranquil and welcoming village that offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its strong community spirit, rich history, and stunning natural surroundings make it a truly special place to visit or call home.

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Birkhill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.430334/-3.2633936 or Grid Reference NT2015. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A low flying Tornado GR4 I often used to wait on a hillside in the Selkirk to Moffat Valley for any low flying military aircraft that might come along on low flying sorties. This Tornado GR4 (ZA370/004) was passing the Tail Burn at the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfalls. Air crews referred to the very narrow part of the valley between Birkhill and the Grey Mare’s Tail as ‘Star Wars’. The Tornado was withdrawn in early 2019 after nearly 40 years of service with the RAF and I still miss them.
A low flying Tornado GR4
I often used to wait on a hillside in the Selkirk to Moffat Valley for any low flying military aircraft that might come along on low flying sorties. This Tornado GR4 (ZA370/004) was passing the Tail Burn at the Grey Mare’s Tail Waterfalls. Air crews referred to the very narrow part of the valley between Birkhill and the Grey Mare’s Tail as ‘Star Wars’. The Tornado was withdrawn in early 2019 after nearly 40 years of service with the RAF and I still miss them.
A footbridge over the Tail Burn The bridge provides access from the Grey Mare’s Tail main car park to the hillside path that leads to Loch Skene.
A footbridge over the Tail Burn
The bridge provides access from the Grey Mare’s Tail main car park to the hillside path that leads to Loch Skene.
A bridge over the Tail Burn The bridge provides access from the Grey Mare’s Tail main car park to the hillside path leading to Loch Skene.
A bridge over the Tail Burn
The bridge provides access from the Grey Mare’s Tail main car park to the hillside path leading to Loch Skene.
Dodging a sheep on the A708 Motorists have to be aware of sheep wandering on to the road between Riskinhope and the Grey Mare’s Tail car park.
Dodging a sheep on the A708
Motorists have to be aware of sheep wandering on to the road between Riskinhope and the Grey Mare’s Tail car park.
A sheep on the A708 Sheep wandering on to the road between Riskinhope and the Grey Mare’s Tail car park is a common sight. This sheep was licking the tarmac.
A sheep on the A708
Sheep wandering on to the road between Riskinhope and the Grey Mare’s Tail car park is a common sight. This sheep was licking the tarmac.
Walkers descending the Loch Skene path below Deacon Snout A well maintained path leads from the Grey Mare’s Tail car park to Loch Skene.
Walkers descending the Loch Skene path below Deacon Snout
A well maintained path leads from the Grey Mare’s Tail car park to Loch Skene.
Moffat Water The upper reaches of Moffat Dale in the heather season.
Moffat Water
The upper reaches of Moffat Dale in the heather season.
Strang Cleuch One of several steep burns and ravines flowing into the depths of Moffat Dale.
Strang Cleuch
One of several steep burns and ravines flowing into the depths of Moffat Dale.
A winding road in Moffat Dale This is the narrowest part in the Selkirk to Moffat Valley where the A708 winds its way up from the Grey Mare’s Tail car park to Birkhill. Motorists need to be on the alert for sheep wandering on the road.
A winding road in Moffat Dale
This is the narrowest part in the Selkirk to Moffat Valley where the A708 winds its way up from the Grey Mare’s Tail car park to Birkhill. Motorists need to be on the alert for sheep wandering on the road.
Rough grazing on the west side of Dob’s Linn These hills in the Selkirk to Moffat Valley are grazed by sheep. Paper Hill is in the central distance with the whitewashed buildings at Birkhill on the far right. It was a pleasant afternoon to be out while waiting to see if any RAF low flying aircraft would pass by. My only success was three single Tucano training aircraft from this position. This was the first aircraft <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5019110">NT1915 : An RAF Tucano in the Moffat Valley</a>.
Rough grazing on the west side of Dob’s Linn
These hills in the Selkirk to Moffat Valley are grazed by sheep. Paper Hill is in the central distance with the whitewashed buildings at Birkhill on the far right. It was a pleasant afternoon to be out while waiting to see if any RAF low flying aircraft would pass by. My only success was three single Tucano training aircraft from this position. This was the first aircraft NT1915 : An RAF Tucano in the Moffat Valley.
An RAF Tucano in the Moffat Valley The Turboprop Tucano is a 2-seat aircraft used by the RAF for training student fast-jet pilots. This was my position on the hill on the west side of Dob’s Lin near Birkhill <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5019104">NT1915 : Rough grazing on the west side of Dob’s Linn</a>.
An RAF Tucano in the Moffat Valley
The Turboprop Tucano is a 2-seat aircraft used by the RAF for training student fast-jet pilots. This was my position on the hill on the west side of Dob’s Lin near Birkhill NT1915 : Rough grazing on the west side of Dob’s Linn.
A special tail Hercules in the Moffat Valley 47 Squadron of the RAF has celebrated its centenary with a special tail C-130 Hercules painted in 100th anniversary colours. This was viewed from Trowgrain Middle.
A special tail Hercules in the Moffat Valley
47 Squadron of the RAF has celebrated its centenary with a special tail C-130 Hercules painted in 100th anniversary colours. This was viewed from Trowgrain Middle.
A special tail Hercules in the Moffat Valley A Hercules C-130 from RAF Brize Norton has been painted to commemorate 50 years in service of the Hercules aircraft. This was viewed from Trowgrain Middle.
A special tail Hercules in the Moffat Valley
A Hercules C-130 from RAF Brize Norton has been painted to commemorate 50 years in service of the Hercules aircraft. This was viewed from Trowgrain Middle.
A sheepfold in the Moffat Valley The sheepfold is on the northwest side of the A708 near Dob’s Linn.
A sheepfold in the Moffat Valley
The sheepfold is on the northwest side of the A708 near Dob’s Linn.
Bridge over Moffat Water
Bridge over Moffat Water
Sheep on the A708
Sheep on the A708
A708 in the Moffat Valley
A708 in the Moffat Valley
Viewpoint for the Grey Mare's Tail A viewpoint built from drystone walls recalling the circular sheepfolds common in Southern Scotland, with National Trust for Scotland information boards. A path climbs the right-hand slope to Loch Skene, all of which is within the NTS property here.
Viewpoint for the Grey Mare's Tail
A viewpoint built from drystone walls recalling the circular sheepfolds common in Southern Scotland, with National Trust for Scotland information boards. A path climbs the right-hand slope to Loch Skene, all of which is within the NTS property here.
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Birkhill is located at Grid Ref: NT2015 (Lat: 55.430334, Lng: -3.2633936)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///verifying.anchors.strays. Near Ettrick, Scottish Borders

Related Wikis

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.430334,-3.2633936
Dob's Linn Waterfall
Fixme: position approximate
Waterway: waterfall
Lat/Long: 55.4299114/-3.2705623
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.433941/-3.2596382
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.4334477/-3.2604209
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.4329725/-3.2609053
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.4324804/-3.2614193
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.4319691/-3.2618339
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.431435/-3.2622634
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.4309165/-3.262606
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.4303716/-3.2629297
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.4300955/-3.2632449
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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