Blackford Hill facts for kids

Panoramic view of Edinburgh from Blackford Hill (click for larger image)

The Edinburgh Royal Observatory

Blackford Hill is a cool hill in Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland. It stands 164 meters (about 538 feet) tall. You can find it in the Blackford area, between Morningside and the Braid Hills.

Blackford Hill is part of a special place called the Hermitage of Braid and Blackford Hill Local Nature Reserve. This reserve is a huge area, covering about 60 hectares (that's like 150 football fields!). It's a fantastic spot for nature and outdoor fun.

Discovering Blackford Hill's Past

Ancient Forts and Early Life

Did you know people lived on Blackford Hill a very long time ago? There's an ancient hill fort right at the top! It's like a mini castle built for protection. You can also see the round shapes where old houses used to be. These old sites are protected as a Scheduled Ancient Monument. This means they are important historical places.

A Park for Everyone

Blackford Hill became a public park in 1884. The nearby Hermitage of Braid estate was given to Edinburgh in 1938. John McDougal, the last owner, wanted it to be "a Public Park or Recreation Ground." So, it's a place for everyone to enjoy! The City of Edinburgh Council looks after the park. They make sure it stays beautiful and safe for visitors.

Exploring Blackford Hill's Nature

Amazing Views and Outdoor Fun

Blackford Hill offers incredible views! You can see all of Edinburgh stretching out to the north. Look south, and you'll spot the Pentland Hills. It's a popular spot for walkers and runners. There are many well-used paths to explore. It's also a great place for other outdoor activities.

View of Arthur's Seat from Blackford Hill

Home to the Royal Observatory

Near the top of the hill, you'll find the Royal Observatory, Edinburgh. This is a famous place where scientists study space! The hilltop also has a police radio transmitter. Plus, there's a weather station that helps forecast the weather.

Green Spaces and Wildlife

Blackford Hill is a very important green area in Edinburgh. It's home to many different plants and animals. About half of the area is natural grassland. This makes it a key place for protecting nature.

Trees and Woodlands

There are about 12 hectares (30 acres) of old trees on the hill. Some new trees were also planted in the late 1990s. This was part of a project to create more community woodlands.

The Hill's Unique Geology

Volcanic Past

Blackford Hill was formed from ancient Devonian volcanic rocks. This makes it different from most other hills in Edinburgh. Many of Edinburgh's hills are made from different types of volcanic rock. Blackford Hill's geology is special, just like the nearby Braid Hills.

Agassiz Rock: Evidence of Ice

Close to the hill, there's a special spot called Agassiz Rock. It looks a bit like an old quarry. This place is super important for geology! It was the first place in Scotland where scientists found clear proof of glaciers moving across the land. A Swiss geologist named Louis Agassiz discovered this. Agassiz Rock is now a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Water Features Around the Hill

The Braid Burn

The Braid Burn is a small river that flows through the nature reserve. It's usually about 5 meters (16 feet) wide and 20 centimeters (8 inches) deep. But it can change a lot depending on the weather! This burn is about halfway along its journey. It starts in the Pentland Hills and ends at Portobello.

Blackford Pond

Blackford Pond is located north of Blackford Hill. It's a lovely spot that's very popular with families. You can often see ducks and other birds enjoying the water.