An afternoon walk-cum-climb in the Sidlaw hills, just north of Dundee and the river Tay.
I started out mid-afternoon from the car park at Balkello Community Woodland, on a unusually warm, sunny March day. So early in the year the trees have yet to gain their leaves. Here is a picture of branches against a beautiful blue sky. Note the Moon in the centre - a surprisingly good view with my trusty Canon Ixus.
March sky near Dundee |
After a hands-and-knees scramble straight up the hillside I am near the top (well, on flatter ground!). The patch of sand in the distance is Barry Buddon.
Looking ESE towards Barry Buddon. |
There are also great views of the Sidlaws marching west towards Perth. The rows of hills were created by faults as the Tay grabben formed and long blocks of rock slipped downwards as the region was bent upwards along what is now the Tay valley. The houses in the picture are part of a new housing estate in the village of Auchterhouse.
Looking west along the Sidlaws. |
Shortly after, and somewhat higher, I zoomed the camera to photograph a distant mountain towards the west. It looks interesting - but I don't know its name! Schiehallion?
Mystery Mountain |
There seemed to be a few small groups of deer on the hillside. Or maybe the same three deer were following me?
Oh deer! |
Auchterhouse Hill has a hill fort (apparently). I confess it was difficult to be sure the structure was there, amongst the trees. From the windy top there is a good view of the highest Sidlaw, Craigowl hill with its communication masts.
Craigowl Hill from Auchterhouse Hill |
There is also a good view of Dundee from the top. The Law, either an extinct volcano or part of a sill, is visible in the middle of the city (just left of the cenbtre of the image). To its right, the tall chimney is Cox's stack, part of an old jute mill. On the right is the wooded Balgay Hill, which is the site of the Mills Observatory.
Dundee from Auchterhouse Hill |
Having been back to the top of Auchterhouse hill again yesterday, I have to recommend the site as the best view in Tayside. Specatcular views in all directions!
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