Scotland
Blackwood Hill
447M
1467FT
About Blackwood Hill
Rising above the moorland near Muirkirk, this Southern Uplands summit offers a quiet, often boggy ascent characteristic of the region. As a Marilyn, its prominence provides clear, expansive views across the Douglas Valley towards the distinctive profile of Tinto and the sprawling windfarms that define this working landscape.
Key Statistics
Rank
491st Highest in Region
Parent Range
Southern Uplands
Prominence
?
189m
Nearest Town
Scottish Borders
Geology
Blackwood Hill is built from the Riccarton Group, a mix of muddy sandstone and hardened mud. These layers form the solid foundation beneath your feet.
Find It
OS Grid Reference
NY531961
Latitude
55.2577°N
Longitude
2.7383°W
Did You Know?
- •The name likely refers to the dark appearance of the heather or historical forestry on its slopes, using the common Scots descriptive 'black' for moorland terrain.
- •From the summit, the massive bulk of Tinto dominates the eastern skyline, while to the west, the historic peak of Cairn Table is clearly visible across the Douglas Valley.
- •The hill sits in an area at the forefront of Scottish renewable energy; nearby Hagshaw Hill was the site of the country’s first commercial wind farm, established in 1995.
- •The 'black' in the name may also serve as a fair warning regarding the colour of the peat hags you are likely to encounter while traversing the surrounding moss.