Black Hill

About Black Hill

Rising above the Spittal of Glenmuick, this rounded Tump offers a quieter alternative to the busy paths of Lochnagar. Its heathery slopes provide a wild, peat-hilled character typical of the Mounth. Reaching 754m, it serves as a fine vantage point over the long trough of Loch Muick and the granite cliffs beyond.

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Did You Know?

• •The name is a straightforward English descriptor, likely referring to the dark appearance of the heather and peat hags that dominate its plateau, distinguishing it from the lighter, grassy slopes found in the lower glens.
• •Though often bypassed by those heading for the White Mounth Munros, the summit provides an exceptional perspective of the granite tors on Broad Cairn and the steep, dramatic drop into the southern end of Loch Muick.
• •This hill sits on the fringes of the Balmoral Estate; walkers frequently skirt its southern slopes when following the historic Capel Mounth, an ancient drove road and mountain pass connecting Deeside with Glen Clova.
• •The surrounding moorland is a significant habitat for Red Deer and Red Grouse, and the lack of a formal tourist path ensures the summit remains a far more solitary experience than the nearby royal trails.
• •Given there are scores of 'Black Hills' scattered across the Scottish Highlands, naming this one after its dark heather was a triumph of local pragmatism over creative flair.