Knock is a small town near Huntly in the northeast of Scotland’s Speyside whisky region. Two distinct themes sit side by side for trip planning: the history of Knockdhu Distillery and the archaeological landscape on Knock Hill. This gives both travellers interested in whisky history and those looking for a landscape and archaeology connection a specific place to start. The similar-sounding names are worth noting: Knock is the small town, Knockdhu is the Gaelic name for the Black Hill, and the stone circle is on Knock Hill.

Whisky history and the name Knockdhu

Knockdhu Distillery opened in 1894. Its name comes from the Black Hill, which is called “Knockdhu” in Gaelic. The distillery’s name therefore refers to a landscape feature; Knock itself is the small town near Huntly, not the name of the Black Hill. Knockdhu Distillery welcomes visitors from around the world. If you are planning a visit, check the specific visitor information in advance. The two facts offer different points of reference for the theme: 1894 places the opening in time, while “Knockdhu” points to the Black Hill.

The stone circle on Knock Hill

The stone circle on Knock Hill is on the lower, southeast-facing slope, at the edge of an area of Scots pine woodland and at 230 m OD. An archaeological description based on a site visit in 2001 locates it using these precise features. The details of the slope and its aspect describe the site more precisely than simply saying it is on the hill; the pine woodland and elevation add to its landscape context.

Walking and landscape on Knock Hill

There are opportunities for walking on Knock Hill. A 2016 landscape assessment describes the western part of the area around Knock Hill as rougher and more dominated by moorland. For travellers particularly interested in this type of landscape, the west is the more specifically identified section. The assessment describes one part of the area, not the hill as a whole.

For the Knock Hill & Little Knockbog route, the route information lists specific conditions: the route’s car park is closed to public use, the suggested starting point is heavily overgrown, and the route is unsuitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs. Check these trail conditions again before travelling. The specific information applies to this route and cannot be applied generally to all walking opportunities on Knock Hill.

The themes differ for comparison: at the distillery, the opening year and the origin of its name frame the cultural theme; on Knock Hill, the archaeological site and the character of the landscape take centre stage. This can help you decide whether to explore Knock through its whisky history or through its landscape and archaeology.

Discover more destinations: Dandalieth, Rafford, Hopeman, Portgordon, Burghead, Findochty, Findhorn, Alves.

For the wider travel overview: Moray.