Ward Hill
| Ward Hill | |||
| Orkney | |||
|---|---|---|---|
 Ward Hili, from the north, with Sandy Loch | |||
| Hoy | |||
| Summit: | 1,578 feet HY228022 58°54’1"N, 3°20’30"W | ||
Ward Hill, on the island of Hoy, is the highest hill in Orkney. It lies at the north of the island, between Moaness and Rackwick.
The hill forms a curved ridge, reminiscent of a 'J' in shape. The lower slopes are covered in heather and grass, though the top of the ridge is covered in small stones with bare sandy soil.
The highest summit is towards the northern end, and is crowned by a trig point. The ridge is well separated from the other hills of Hoy, and indeed both the other grand hills on the island have high topographic prominence.
Ward Hill is separated from Cuilags by the Glens of Kinnaird, and from Knap of Trowieglen by the glen carrying the road between Moaness and Rackwick, in which lies the Dwarfie Stane.
Ascent
Ward Hill may be climbed from a variety of starting points. The northern side, directly above Hoy Village is steep and craggy, and thus presents the least appealing ascent route.
Botany
On Ward Hill was first discovered the Orkney Notchwort, Anastrepta orcadensis, a liverwort found in the United States, Canada, and widely in Europe. It was first discovered on Ward Hill by William Jackson Hooker in 1808.[1][2]
References
- ↑ "Bryology (mosses, liverworts and hornworts)" Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. Retrieved 15 May 2008.
- ↑ "West Highland Mosses And Problems They Suggest" (January 1907) Annals Of Scottish Natural History 61 p. 46. Edinburgh. Retrieved 11 June 2008.