Battlehill Wood is just five minutes walk from Huntly Station. It has a 1.5 mile (2.3km) trail loop around a forested hill and lots of smaller paths to explore through a variety of woodland types.
Rudy found Battlehill an excellent place for a good dog walk, the outer edge walking loop was easy to follow and there was plenty opportunity to explore off paths too. The mixed variety of the woodland was interesting, the views were good and the hill was very quiet & peaceful.
Although we didn’t see any wildlife due to making far too much noise walking through the autumn leaves Rudy definitely caught some good interesting scents to exercise his brain along the walk as well as his legs.
The hill is heavily wooded with a mix of woodland types ranging from mature broadleaf trees, native wood, and a large old sitka spruce plantation on the north side where we sat and listened to the sounds of the forest.
Rudy at Battlehill
The top of the hill is surrounded by a deer fence to protect native wood replanting done by the community and this area made for a great safe space for Rudy to run around off-lead. It was also where we found the ideal picnic bench to enjoy our picnic snacks & a view.
Rudy at his picnic bench on Battlehill.
Battle Hill was named for a battle that never was! The closest evidence of fighting is the Battle of Slioch, a very small civil war skirmish which took place in 1307 during the First War of Scottish Independence. However, there are local stories that the foot of the hill is where 16th Century witch-hunters sent from Edinburgh were prevented from entering Huntly town by it’s residents. We’ve decided this battle of wits is a fine alternative origin for the name Battlehill!
View to the East.
Battlehill Wood is accessible for many. The main loop is on earth & gravel paths with only gentle & moderate slopes. The step-free route from Huntly station may involve a short detour depending on which platform is required. There’s also a small car parking area at the foot of the hill. The nearest toilet facilities are part-time opening at the train station.