Blackford Hill

Blackford Hill is one of Edinburgh's "seven hills," situated 2 miles to the South of the city centre. Near the top of the 164m (539 ft) hill you can see the green domed Royal Observatory, which houses a university astronomy research group, an establishment of a UK Research Council and a Visitor Centre. The Observatory's star-gazers moved from Calton Hill in 1896 due to light pollution in the city centre spoiling the view of the night sky. Although Blackford Hill itself is relatively exposed and shorn of forest cover, mature broad-leaved woodland can be found in the adjacent Hermitage of Braid and skirting the foot of the hill. Gorse bushes and long grass cover the hill top and sides. Fabulous views over Edinburgh. Usually quite a few dogs to play with!