Barhapple Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Barhapple Loch

Knock Moss This picture direction north across Derskelpin Moss shows the Mark of Luce Moss on the horizon beyond which is the A75. The journey to get to this grid square for a first geograph took seven hours, walking a circular route across the moors and hills and bagging another seven grid square firsts on the way. Heavy overnight rain made the walking difficult and treacherous at times.

My two walking partners and I crossed dozens of flooded burns and creeks, tore clothing on barbed fences and fell into a couple of burns for good measure (although I think it was the same one, Lannygore Burn, twice!). Not so much moor walking as bog trotting. The name Annabaglish, which was one of the forests we walked around, means &quot;the path across the bog&quot; and we now understand why.

It was a long hard slog to get here, but we did it and left the moors in the dark with happy faces, knowing that we had also bashed the NX25 hectad which has taken five and a half years to Geograph fully.

Credit for this achievement also goes to Brian and Billy, two experienced mountain climbers and hill walkers who accompanied me on this bog trot across the moors. — Knock Moss Credit: Andy Farrington

Barhapple Loch is a picturesque freshwater loch located in Wigtownshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 10 acres, it is nestled within a tranquil and verdant landscape, surrounded by rolling hills and dense woodlands. The loch is known for its exceptional natural beauty and its importance as a haven for wildlife.

The water of Barhapple Loch is crystal clear, reflecting the surrounding scenery like a mirror. The loch is fed by several small streams and springs, ensuring a constant flow of fresh water. The depth of the loch varies, with some areas being shallow and others reaching depths of up to 20 feet. Its shoreline is lined with reeds and aquatic plants, providing an ideal habitat for a diverse range of aquatic life.

Barhapple Loch is home to a wide array of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers. Visitors can spot common waterfowl such as mallards and coots, as well as rarer species like herons and grebes. The loch also attracts various migratory birds during the winter months.

The surrounding woodland and marshes offer a sanctuary for many small mammals and amphibians. Otters can occasionally be spotted playing in the water, while elusive water voles scurry along the banks. Dragonflies and damselflies flit above the water, adding a splash of color to the scene.

For nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility, Barhapple Loch is a hidden gem in the heart of Wigtownshire. Its serene atmosphere and diverse wildlife make it a delightful destination for fishing, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

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Barhapple Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.896694/-4.7150061 or Grid Reference NX2559. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Knock Moss

This picture direction north across Derskelpin Moss shows the Mark of Luce Moss on the horizon beyond which is the A75. The journey to get to this grid square for a first geograph took seven hours, walking a circular route across the moors and hills and bagging another seven grid square firsts on the way. Heavy overnight rain made the walking difficult and treacherous at times. My two walking partners and I crossed dozens of flooded burns and creeks, tore clothing on barbed fences and fell into a couple of burns for good measure (although I think it was the same one, Lannygore Burn, twice!). Not so much moor walking as bog trotting. The name Annabaglish, which was one of the forests we walked around, means "the path across the bog" and we now understand why. It was a long hard slog to get here, but we did it and left the moors in the dark with happy faces, knowing that we had also bashed the NX25 hectad which has taken five and a half years to Geograph fully. Credit for this achievement also goes to Brian and Billy, two experienced mountain climbers and hill walkers who accompanied me on this bog trot across the moors.

Andy Farrington

Road to Blairderry

David Baird

Cairntop to Barlae

This new section of the A75 between Barlae and Cairntop is about one and a half miles (depending on who you listen to), cost £6.5 million and opened on 15th October 2010 two months ahead of schedule. A new dual carriageway has been built alongside the old A75 to improve overtaking opportunities and safety.

Andy Farrington

Bridge of Barlae Burn

View of Barlae Burn which runs into Tarf Water about 150 yards from the bridge.

Andy Farrington

Approaching a dual carriageway on the A75

Ann Cook

The beginning of a dual carriageway on the A75

Ann Cook

Old Military Road

View across to Barlae Hill with transmitter mast and the Galloway Hills on the horizon.

Andy Farrington

Old Military Road

The track of the old road runs ahead with a new build gravel track to the right.

Andy Farrington

Old Military Road

At this point the old road runs pretty much along the side of the much more recently built A75 to the right of picture.

Andy Farrington

Track to Blairderry

View past Derhagie Hill left of picture to Blairderry Hill also left on the horizon with Blairderry Moss wood to the right.

Andy Farrington

Track to the A75

This track to Blairderry leads in this direction down to a new dualled section of the A75.

Andy Farrington

Cross roads

Straight ahead is the track to Blairderry and to the right and left is the old military road.

Andy Farrington

Name that road

Somewhere amongst this quagmire is an old military road, but I think I'll leave the search for another day.

Andy Farrington

The Lady Burn

The Lady Burn has its source in the raised peat bogs of Dergoals Moss and Grennan Moss. Here in its upper reaches, it is narrow enough to step across. I can remember as a boy watching sea-trout spawning not far from this spot.

David Baird

Dergoals Moss

Dergoals Moss is a lowland blanket bog which appears to be in very good condition, with no significant areas of invading scrub and continued light grazing by sheep. I visited during a very dry spell and was able to cross the bog without too much difficulty, although it was still quite squelchy in places. The two drumlins forming the horizon are Derniemore Hill (the long low ridge on the left) and Birrel Hill to the right. I originally intended to access this grid square from Birrel Hill but a bad tempered bull in that field meant a lengthy detour!

David Baird

Dergoals Moss

Showing some of the rich variety of plants found growing in lowland blanket bogs. On and around the hummock of sphagnum moss are sundews, heather, cross leaved heath, bog asphodel, bog cotton, bog myrtle, sedges, as well as different varieties of sphagnum.

David Baird