Hill of Muchalls

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The Hill of Muchalls is a coastal mountainous landform situated approximately 1.4 kilometres west of the Bridge of Muchalls in Aberdeenshire, Scotland within the Mounth Range of the Grampian Mountains. [1] The peak elevation of this mountain is 120 metres above mean sea level. From Megray Hill there are expansive views to the North Sea facing east. The summit affords scenic vies of the historic harbour of Stonehaven. [2]

Contents

Geology and hydrology

The surface runoff and flank drainages of the Hill of Muchalls flow to the Burn of Muchalls, situated nearby to the north. Nearby similar landforms include Kempstone Hill, Garrison Hill, Craggie Cat and Curlethney Hill.

History

Neolithic traces of civilisation appear on the nearby Kempstone Hill in the form of standing stones. [3] This hill is near to the posited location for the noted Battle of Mons Graupius between the Romans and the indigenous Caledonians. [4] [5] The major Roman Camp of Raedykes is situated approximately four kilometres to the southwest. Proximate area historic structures of note include Muchalls Castle, Ury House and Rickarton House.

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Doonie Point is a rocky headland situated approximately 1.5 kilometres south of the village of Muchalls in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The clifftop of Doonie Point yields views to the north of Grim Brigs, Brown Jewel and the coast of Newtonhill. To the south are views of the Castle Rock of Muchalls and the rugged North Sea coastline toward Stonehaven. Notable historic structures in the vicinity of Doonie Point are the Chapel of St. Mary and St. Nathalan, Muchalls Castle and the Mill of Muchalls. This site is a recognised rock climbing venue. Doonie Point is catalogued within the marine rescue activities for this part of the coast of northeast Scotland.

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Limpet Burn is a watercourse in Aberdeenshire, Scotland whose discharge is deemed part of the North Sea coastal drainage. Prominent geographic features in the vicinity of Limpet Burn are Megray Hill and Kempstone Hill. Notable buildings in proximity to Limpet Burn are Ury House, Muchalls Castle and Chapel of St. Mary and St. Nathalan. Part of the watershed of Limpet Burn has been suggested by some as the site of the first recorded battle in the history of Scotland, the Battle of Mons Graupius.

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References

  1. United Kingdom Ordnance Survey Map Landranger 45, Stonehaven and Banchory, 1:50,000 scale
  2. Aberdeen Western Peripheral Route Environmental Assessment, Aberdeenshire Council (Megray characteristics) [ permanent dead link ]
  3. Ancient Scotland: Kempstone Hill
  4. Archibald Watt, Highways and Byways Round Stonehaven, Gourdas House Publishers, Aberdeen (1984)
  5. Hogan, C. Michael, History of Muchalls Castle, (2005)

57°0′37″N2°12′26″W / 57.01028°N 2.20722°W / 57.01028; -2.20722