Blackford Hill: Difference between revisions
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{{Short description|Hill in Edinburgh, Scotland}} |
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{{Use dmy dates|date=February 2017}} |
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{{Use British English|date=February 2017}} |
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{{Infobox mountain |
{{Infobox mountain |
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| name = Blackford hill |
| name = Blackford hill |
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| topo = [[Ordnance Survey|OS]] ''Landranger'' 66 |
| topo = [[Ordnance Survey|OS]] ''Landranger'' 66 |
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| easiest_route = Start at the arch near Kings Buildings and walk up past the observatory, or drive to the observatory car park. |
| easiest_route = Start at the arch near Kings Buildings and walk up past the observatory, or drive to the observatory car park. |
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| map = Scotland Edinburgh#Edinburgh#Scotland |
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}} |
}} |
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[[File:View from Blackford Hill (composite).jpg|thumb|Panoramic view of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill (click for larger image)]] |
[[File:View from Blackford Hill (composite).jpg|thumb|Panoramic view of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill (click for larger image)]] |
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==History== |
==History== |
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There is an ancient [[hill fort]] on the summit area of the hill, |
There is an ancient [[hill fort]] on the summit area of the hill which, along with the circular foundations of some nearby houses, is protected as a [[Scheduled Ancient Monument]].<ref name="plan"/><ref>{{Historic Environment Scotland|num=SM5818 |desc=Blackford Hill, fort and settlement |access-date=12 March 2019}}</ref> |
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Blackford Hill was bought by the Edinburgh Corporation in 1884, and the adjacent Hermitage of Braid estate was |
Blackford Hill was bought by the Edinburgh Corporation in 1884, and the adjacent Hermitage of Braid estate was given to the city of Edinburgh in 1938, by its final owner, John McDougal. The gift allowed the Hermitage to be used as "a Public Park or Recreation Ground for the benefit of the citizens." The [[City of Edinburgh Council]] retains ownership of the park and is primarily responsible for its maintenance. This is done primarily through the ranger service, with the assistance of other council teams such as Task Force and Forestry Unit.<ref name="plan">{{cite web |url=http://www.fohb.org/new/images/HOB%20MGT%20PLAN%20%20DRAFT%20201012.pdf |title=Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan |publisher=Friends of the Hermitage of Braid |accessdate=11 June 2013 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111202224151/http://www.fohb.org/new/images/HOB%20MGT%20PLAN%20%20DRAFT%20201012.pdf |archive-date=2 December 2011 |url-status=dead }}</ref> |
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==Geography== |
==Geography== |
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The hill has clear views over Edinburgh to the north, and the [[Pentland Hills]] to the south. It is popular with walkers, as it has many well established paths, as well as runners and other leisure users. There is a wide range of flora and fauna within a green belt area of Edinburgh, making it an important target for conservation.<ref name="plan"/> Around half of the area is unimproved grassland.<ref name="plan"/> |
The hill has clear views over Edinburgh to the north, and the [[Pentland Hills]] to the south. It is popular with walkers, as it has many well established paths, as well as runners and other leisure users. There is a wide range of flora and fauna within a green belt area of Edinburgh, making it an important target for conservation.<ref name="plan"/> Around half of the area is unimproved grassland.<ref name="plan"/> |
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[[File:View from Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh.jpg|thumb|View of Arthur's Seat from Blackford Hill, with the start of Danger Hill to the left.]] |
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The [[Royal Observatory, Edinburgh]] is located near the summit. The hilltop also features a police radio transmitter and a meteorological station. Craigmillar Park golf course is situated to the east of Blackford Hill, near the observatory, and the Midmar [[Allotment (gardening)|allotments]] and [[Blackford Pond, Edinburgh|Blackford Pond]] are adjacent to the hill on the north side. |
The [[Royal Observatory, Edinburgh]] is located near the summit. The hilltop also features a police radio transmitter and a meteorological station. Craigmillar Park golf course is situated to the east of Blackford Hill, near the observatory, and the Midmar [[Allotment (gardening)|allotments]] and [[Blackford Pond, Edinburgh|Blackford Pond]] are adjacent to the hill on the north side. |
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Midmar |
Midmar Paddock is adjacent to the hill. Owned by the A. J. Laing Trust,<ref name="plan"/> proposals to develop it have attracted controversy. |
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===Forestry=== |
===Forestry=== |
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There are around {{convert|12|ha}} of mature woodland on the hill, as well as some new trees on a reclaimed landfill mound planted in the late 1990s as part of the |
There are around {{convert|12|ha}} of mature woodland on the hill, as well as some new trees on a reclaimed landfill mound planted in the late 1990s as part of the Millennium Forest Community Woodland.<ref name="plan"/> |
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===Geology=== |
===Geology=== |
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===Braid Burn=== |
===Braid Burn=== |
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{{main|Braid Burn}} |
{{main|Braid Burn}} |
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The Braid Burn is the |
The Braid Burn is the principal watercourse, flowing for some {{convert|3|km}} through the nature reserve. It is a small river, typically around {{convert|5|m}} wide by {{convert|20|cm}} deep, although subject to significant variation. At this location it is approximately half way along its {{convert|32|km}} course from a spring in the [[Pentland Hills]], to its mouth at [[Portobello, Edinburgh|Portobello]]. There is a tunnel around {{convert|120|m}} long in the vicinity of the House.<ref name="plan"/> |
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=== Danger Hill === |
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Danger Hill is a grassy slope on Blackford Hill, known to be a popular site for [[List of ball games|ball games]]. A particular game named after the hill called the 'danger game' involves trying to stop a ball thrown by someone from rolling all the way down the hill. It is around 30 metres in height.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Algae World: Sellaphora: Blackford Pond, Edinburgh: map |url=https://websites.rbge.org.uk/algae/sellaphora/sellaphora_Blackford_Pond_location.html |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=websites.rbge.org.uk}}</ref> Its name came from the distinctly steep [[gradient]] of the slope making it challenging to climb up, especially in wet weather.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Blackford Hill {{!}} EdinburghGuide.com |url=https://edinburghguide.com/parks/blackford-hill |access-date=2024-08-23 |website=edinburghguide.com |language=EN}}</ref> |
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On 31st January 2024, when [[Hogmanay]] celebrations in Edinburgh were cancelled [[Stupidity|for no reason]], many crowds gathered on the slopes of Danger Hill to watch locals and tourists alike playing the Danger Game in icy conditions. |
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===Blackford Pond=== |
===Blackford Pond=== |
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{{Main|Blackford Pond}} |
{{Main|Blackford Pond}} |
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[[Blackford Pond, Edinburgh|Blackford Pond]] lies to the north of the hill, and is popular with families. |
[[Blackford Pond, Edinburgh|Blackford Pond]] lies to the north of the hill, and is popular with families. |
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==See also== |
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* [[Blackford Hill railway station]] |
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==External links== |
==External links== |
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* [http://www.roe.ac.uk/ The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh] |
* [http://www.roe.ac.uk/ The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh] |
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* [http://www.fohb.org/new Friends of the Hermitage and Braid] |
* [https://web.archive.org/web/20160306012819/http://www.fohb.org/new/ Friends of the Hermitage and Braid] |
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{{coord|55|55|N|3|12|W|display=title|region:GB_type:mountain_source:GNS-enwiki}} |
{{coord|55|55|N|3|12|W|display=title|region:GB_type:mountain_source:GNS-enwiki}} |
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{{Hills of Edinburgh}} |
{{Hills of Edinburgh}} |
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{{Parks and gardens in Edinburgh|state=collapsed}} |
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[[Category:Hills of Edinburgh]] |
[[Category:Hills of Edinburgh]] |
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[[Category: |
[[Category:Parks and commons in Edinburgh]] |
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[[Category:Scheduled monuments in Scotland]] |
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[[Category:Archaeological sites in Edinburgh]] |
[[Category:Archaeological sites in Edinburgh]] |
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Latest revision as of 09:23, 4 January 2025
| Blackford hill | |
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 164 m (538 ft) |
| Prominence | 63 m (207 ft)  |
| Isolation | 0.82 km (0.51 mi) |
| Geography | |
| Location | Edinburgh, Scotland |
| Topo map | OS Landranger 66 |
| Climbing | |
| Easiest route | Start at the arch near Kings Buildings and walk up past the observatory, or drive to the observatory car park. |
.jpg)
Blackford Hill 164 metres (538 ft) is a hill in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. It is in the area of Blackford, between Morningside, and the Braid Hills. Together with the Hermitage of Braid, it comprises the 60.3 hectares (149 acres) Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve, within which lies Hermitage House.[1]
History
[edit]There is an ancient hill fort on the summit area of the hill which, along with the circular foundations of some nearby houses, is protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument.[1][2]
Blackford Hill was bought by the Edinburgh Corporation in 1884, and the adjacent Hermitage of Braid estate was given to the city of Edinburgh in 1938, by its final owner, John McDougal. The gift allowed the Hermitage to be used as "a Public Park or Recreation Ground for the benefit of the citizens." The City of Edinburgh Council retains ownership of the park and is primarily responsible for its maintenance. This is done primarily through the ranger service, with the assistance of other council teams such as Task Force and Forestry Unit.[1]
Geography
[edit]The hill has clear views over Edinburgh to the north, and the Pentland Hills to the south. It is popular with walkers, as it has many well established paths, as well as runners and other leisure users. There is a wide range of flora and fauna within a green belt area of Edinburgh, making it an important target for conservation.[1] Around half of the area is unimproved grassland.[1]
The Royal Observatory, Edinburgh is located near the summit. The hilltop also features a police radio transmitter and a meteorological station. Craigmillar Park golf course is situated to the east of Blackford Hill, near the observatory, and the Midmar allotments and Blackford Pond are adjacent to the hill on the north side.
Midmar Paddock is adjacent to the hill. Owned by the A. J. Laing Trust,[1] proposals to develop it have attracted controversy.
Forestry
[edit]There are around 12 hectares (30 acres) of mature woodland on the hill, as well as some new trees on a reclaimed landfill mound planted in the late 1990s as part of the Millennium Forest Community Woodland.[1]
Geology
[edit]Blackford Hill is formed from Lower Devonian volcanic rocks, lying between Upper Devonian sandstone, the northernmost extent of those found in the Pentland Hills to the South. Geologically the hill is different from the Carboniferous volcanic plugs and intrusions which form the remainder of Edinburgh's hills, with the exception of the nearby Braid Hills.
Of geological and historical interest is Agassiz Rock, a quarry-like feature, situated close to the hill, which was the first evidence of the action of glaciers to be found in Scotland, recognised by the Swiss geologist Louis Agassiz.[3] It is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.[1]
Braid Burn
[edit]The Braid Burn is the principal watercourse, flowing for some 3 kilometres (1.9 mi) through the nature reserve. It is a small river, typically around 5 metres (16 ft) wide by 20 centimetres (7.9 in) deep, although subject to significant variation. At this location it is approximately half way along its 32 kilometres (20 mi) course from a spring in the Pentland Hills, to its mouth at Portobello. There is a tunnel around 120 metres (390 ft) long in the vicinity of the House.[1]
Danger Hill
[edit]Danger Hill is a grassy slope on Blackford Hill, known to be a popular site for ball games. A particular game named after the hill called the 'danger game' involves trying to stop a ball thrown by someone from rolling all the way down the hill. It is around 30 metres in height.[4] Its name came from the distinctly steep gradient of the slope making it challenging to climb up, especially in wet weather.[5]
On 31st January 2024, when Hogmanay celebrations in Edinburgh were cancelled for no reason, many crowds gathered on the slopes of Danger Hill to watch locals and tourists alike playing the Danger Game in icy conditions.
Blackford Pond
[edit]Blackford Pond lies to the north of the hill, and is popular with families.
See also
[edit]External links
[edit]55°55′N 3°12′W / 55.917°N 3.200°W
References
[edit]- ^ a b c d e f g h i "Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve Management Plan" (PDF). Friends of the Hermitage of Braid. Archived from the original (PDF) on 2 December 2011. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Blackford Hill, fort and settlement (SM5818)". Retrieved 12 March 2019.
- ^ "Blackford Hill". Gazetteer for Scotland. Retrieved 11 June 2013.
- ^ "Algae World: Sellaphora: Blackford Pond, Edinburgh: map". websites.rbge.org.uk. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
- ^ "Blackford Hill | EdinburghGuide.com". edinburghguide.com. Retrieved 23 August 2024.
