Edinburgh Outdoors26 Touko 2025

The Geology of Blackford Hill, Glen and Hermitage

I joined the always interesting, Angus Miller of GeoWalks for another exploration of Edinburgh's geology. We headed up to Blackford Hill and into the Hermitage to discover how our hills were formed by volcanic activity and then shaped through glaciation. Many of us walk around our local greenspace without knowing where to spot fascinating glimpses of how the city was formed millions of years ago.

We started out by Agassiz Rock, a SSSI and site of glaciation discovery; explored the Hermitage ravine which was formed by a dramatic flood of glacial meltwater; and then discovered the layers of different rock that form Blackford Hill after multiple volcanic eruptions. Check out the links below to find the spots we visited and discover more about this brilliant history for yourself.

Agassiz Rock is in Blackford Glen: HERE

You can read more about it on the Edinburgh Geological Society website: HERE

The "Scout Bridge" is where the glens merge: HERE

The Hermitage can be accessed from either Braid Road, Morningside or Blackford Glen Road, Liberton (on foot once you enter the reserve from the entrance points): HERE

Blackford Hill has great views of the city: HERE

The wall with the different rocks along its top: HERE

The site of the three layers of volcanic rock is beside the Duck Pond: HERE

And if you want to know more about Angus Miller and GeoWalks: https://geowalks.scot/

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