Hilltop Plantation

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Hilltop Plantation

Lilliesleaf Parish Church The first church on this site was said to be built in 1110 and replaced in 1430. The present church was built in 1771 and extended in 1883 and 1910 with the addition of a bell tower. This photo was taken at 11.50 on Christmas Day. — Lilliesleaf Parish Church Credit: Walter Baxter

Hilltop Plantation is a picturesque woodland located in Roxburghshire, a historic county in the Scottish Borders region. Stretching across a vast area, the plantation is characterized by its diverse range of tree species and stunning natural beauty.

The plantation is primarily composed of native trees such as oak, birch, and beech, which form a dense canopy overhead. This creates a tranquil and shady atmosphere, perfect for leisurely walks and nature enthusiasts. The forest floor is adorned with a rich carpet of wildflowers, adding bursts of color to the landscape.

Hilltop Plantation is home to a variety of wildlife, including red squirrels, roe deer, and numerous bird species. Nature lovers can often spot these creatures amidst the woodland, making it a popular destination for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

The plantation offers a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its enchanting surroundings at their own pace. These trails cater to all fitness levels and provide ample opportunities to admire the breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Additionally, Hilltop Plantation features a visitor center, where visitors can learn more about the local flora and fauna. The center provides educational displays and interactive exhibits, offering an insight into the plantation's ecological significance and the conservation efforts undertaken to preserve its natural habitat.

Overall, Hilltop Plantation is a true gem within Roxburghshire, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature.

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Hilltop Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.523027/-2.7331002 or Grid Reference NT5325. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lilliesleaf Parish Church

The first church on this site was said to be built in 1110 and replaced in 1430. The present church was built in 1771 and extended in 1883 and 1910 with the addition of a bell tower. This photo was taken at 11.50 on Christmas Day.

Walter Baxter

Lilliesleaf Churchyard

This view of the southeast part of the churchyard was taken from the entrance to the Riddell burial aisle.

Walter Baxter

A symbolic gravestone at Lilliesleaf Churchyard

The head of the winged soul on this lichen-covered portrait headstone is missing.

Walter Baxter

The Generalâs Tower at Riddell

This 25m high observation tower, surrounded by trees, was built in memory of the Sprot family on a medieval motte and bailey in 1885 by A. Herbertson & Son for Major-General John Sprot. An internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase in one corner leads to a caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway. For a long distance autumnal view, see NT5224 : The General's Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

Sheep at Riddell

This winter feeding station is by a farm track.

Walter Baxter

The caphouse on the Generalâs Tower at Riddell

The caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway can be accessed by an internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase. For a wider view of the 25m high tower, see NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

A crest above the entrance door to the generalâs Tower

The crest features a heron, three fish and a boar’s head. The initials J. S. stand for Major-General John Sprot who commissioned the tower. For a view of the tower, see NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

Mixed farmland at Lilliesleaf

The fields were viewed from the B6400 opposite Lilliesleaf Parish Church.

Walter Baxter

An old Riddell milepost

The milepost is in the southeast edge of a strip wood by a farm track. For some historical information, see NT5225 : Old milepost.

Walter Baxter

Hedge trimming on the Riddell Estate

Walter Baxter

Riddell Mill

This is the site of a former watermill.

Walter Baxter

A farm track on the Riddell Estate

The ground was saturated after periods of heavy rain.

Walter Baxter

A gravestone detail at Lilliesleaf

This is the top part of an 18th century wall monument gravestone in an enclosure at Lilliesleaf Parish Churchyard. The portrait figure represents the deceased holding a book to show religious devotion, while the menacing figure on the left is a symbol of mortality, a crown-wearing skeleton, the King of Terrors, holding an hourglass and a dart. It was difficult to make anything out on the inscription below. There is an almost identical stone at Roberton Cemetery NT4314 : A gravestone detail at Roberton.

Walter Baxter

Sewage treatment plant, Lilliesleaf

Near the east end of the village on the lane down to the Ale Water.

Jim Barton

Ale Water at Lilliesleaf

Looking upstream from the Jubilee footbridge.

Jim Barton

Jubilee Bridge, Lilliesleaf

The bridge carries a path over the Ale Water with access westwards to a field track to Riddell or eastwards to meet the B6453 road to Midlem.

Jim Barton

Field track to Riddell

A track through farmland to the estate at Riddell. Compare with NT5325 : Field track, Lilliesleaf taken here on my previous visit in the soggy July of 2012.

Jim Barton

Ominous sky over Lilliesleaf

A heavy shower is falling somewhere to the south in unsettled weather with little wind. I encountered a flooded minor road near Bowden on the drive home a few hours later.

Jim Barton

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Hilltop Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NT5325 (Lat: 55.523027, Lng: -2.7331002)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders