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All the United Kingdom Scotland Wanlockhead Lowther Hill Radar Station
AO Edited

Lowther Hill Radar Station

Though it looks like a golf ball teed up for a hit, this hilltop station is actually used to monitor air traffic.

Wanlockhead, Scotland

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marionpoppylow
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Lowther Hill Radar Station   James T M Towill / CC BY 2.0
Lowther Hill Radar Station   James T M Towill / CC BY 2.0
Lowther Hill Radar Station   David Parker / Public Domain
Lowther Hill Radar Station   Andrew Bowden / CC BY-SA 2.0
Lowther Hill Radar Station from a distance   Manuel Osdoba / CC BY-SA 2.0
  marionpoppylow / Atlas Obscura User
  marionpoppylow / Atlas Obscura User
Radar station from Glenconnar Railway Halt   Dr Alan P Newman / Atlas Obscura User
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What appears to be a giant golf ball sitting atop Lowther Hill is actually a radar station used to detect air traffic. This site in the Southern Uplands is operated by the National Air Traffic Services, which is the U.K.'s main air navigation service provider. Whilst primarily a civilian operation for the U.K., all operations are fully integrated with military operations to ensure air safety in both controlled and uncontrolled airspace.

At 2,379 feet (725 meters), Lowther Hill is the second-highest summit in the group of Southern Upland hills. Lowther Hill is distinctive on account of the large radio station that sits on its summit, known colloquially as "the golf ball."  The radar equipment at Lowther Hill is enclosed within the familiar golf ball-style of radome to protect the radar antennae from adverse weather. Local folks may recall the day when the golf ball blew off with high winds and the collective sense of disorientation as they couldn't place the hills of home.

The most popular ascent to Lowther Hill begins from Wanlockhead, Scotland’s highest village at 1,531 feet. The stout-hearted can opt to take the Southern Upland Way, which reaches its highest point just below the summit. A private road, snakes up the hill and is the second highest paved road in Britain and provides easier access to the hills for walkers and cyclists.

Related Tags

Technology Instruments Of Science Airplanes Navigation

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The weather can be pretty extreme in winter so check local forecasts before heading out.

There is a bothy by the summit where you can rest your weary feet as you feast on a truly incredible view. 

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Added By

marionpoppylow

Edited By

Dr Alan P Newman, Michelle Cassidy

  • Dr Alan P Newman
  • Michelle Cassidy

Published

September 29, 2022

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  • https://www.nats.aero/news/advanced-new-radar-at-lowther-hill-to-enable-more-wind-energy-generation/
  • https://www.skiclub.lowtherhills.com/news/75-lowther-hill-golf-ball
Lowther Hill Radar Station
Southern Upland Way
Wanlockhead, Scotland, ML12 6XW
United Kingdom
55.377564, -3.753149
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