Blackford Hill
| Blackford hill | |
|---|---|
| Highest point | |
| Elevation | 164 m (538 ft) |
| 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. |
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.
There is an ancient hill fort on the summit area of the hill, making it a Scheduled Ancient Monument.
Blackford Hill was bought by the Edinburgh Corporation in 1884, and the adjacent Hermitage of Braid estate was gifted 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.
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. Around half of the area is unimproved grassland.
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 proposals to develop it have attracted controversy.
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