Dumbrock Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Stirlingshire

Scotland

Dumbrock Loch

Very old signpost on the A81 I'm sure no-one nowadays needs directions to the Glasgow Royal Exchange, and the only evidence I can find for Aberfoyle being spelled Aberfoil is on an 1863 map, so how old is this milepost?! Impressive.
Very old signpost on the A81 Credit: Stephen Sweeney

Dumbrock Loch is a picturesque freshwater loch located in Stirlingshire, Scotland. Nestled in the heart of the stunning Scottish countryside, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and visitors seeking tranquility and natural beauty.

Covering an area of approximately 20 hectares, Dumbrock Loch is surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, providing a stunning backdrop for outdoor activities and wildlife observation. The loch is fed by several small streams and springs, ensuring a constant supply of freshwater.

The water in Dumbrock Loch is remarkably clear, allowing visitors to catch glimpses of the diverse aquatic life that thrives within its depths. It is home to a variety of fish species, including perch, pike, and roach, making it a favorite spot for anglers.

The surrounding area is teeming with an abundance of bird species, making it a paradise for birdwatchers. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot golden eagles soaring overhead or catch a glimpse of elusive waterfowl such as mute swans and tufted ducks.

Dumbrock Loch also features a freshwater marsh, which acts as a vital habitat for numerous plant and animal species. The marsh is a haven for wetland plants, including reeds and water lilies, providing shelter and sustenance for a wide range of amphibians, insects, and birds.

For those seeking outdoor recreation, Dumbrock Loch offers opportunities for boating, kayaking, and canoeing. There are also walking trails that encircle the loch, allowing visitors to explore the surrounding nature at their own pace.

In conclusion, Dumbrock Loch in Stirlingshire is a captivating freshwater loch, offering serene beauty, diverse wildlife, and a range of recreational activities for visitors to enjoy.

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Dumbrock Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.97603/-4.3245051 or Grid Reference NS5578. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Very old signpost on the A81 I'm sure no-one nowadays needs directions to the Glasgow Royal Exchange, and the only evidence I can find for Aberfoyle being spelled Aberfoil is on an 1863 map, so how old is this milepost?! Impressive.
Very old signpost on the A81
I'm sure no-one nowadays needs directions to the Glasgow Royal Exchange, and the only evidence I can find for Aberfoyle being spelled Aberfoil is on an 1863 map, so how old is this milepost?! Impressive.
Campsie Dene Road From the town/country boundary, looking towards Campsie Dene House.
Campsie Dene Road
From the town/country boundary, looking towards Campsie Dene House.
A81 milepost An iron milepost, one of several on the road. If not local and travelling from the north, the Glasgow 12 takes a bit of believing. Here in Strathblane there is little evidence (other than the traffic) that the centre of a great city is only 19km distant.

Note the spelling - probably an alternative now lost, chosen for brevity over Aberfoyle.
A81 milepost
An iron milepost, one of several on the road. If not local and travelling from the north, the Glasgow 12 takes a bit of believing. Here in Strathblane there is little evidence (other than the traffic) that the centre of a great city is only 19km distant. Note the spelling - probably an alternative now lost, chosen for brevity over Aberfoyle.
Scarp above East Ballewan A section of Strathblane: Lush grassland on the floor, woodland and steep craggy basalt crags.
Scarp above East Ballewan
A section of Strathblane: Lush grassland on the floor, woodland and steep craggy basalt crags.
1856 valve house, Blane Valley One of five valve houses built as part of the Glasgow Corporation Water Works system to bring clean water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. This is one of the original three built in 1856, and another, built in 1932 stands close by. These buildings, together with an associated ventilation shaft, and walls, make up a group of buildings which are Category C listed [<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51146" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51146">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>].
1856 valve house, Blane Valley
One of five valve houses built as part of the Glasgow Corporation Water Works system to bring clean water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. This is one of the original three built in 1856, and another, built in 1932 stands close by. These buildings, together with an associated ventilation shaft, and walls, make up a group of buildings which are Category C listed [LinkExternal link].
Valve houses and ventilation shaft, Blane Valley On the left is one of the original 1856 valve houses from the Glasgow Corporation Water Works system which brought clean water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. On the right is one of the 1932 valve houses. Both were built to control the flow of water in the large water pipes which run mainly below the ground. In the background is one of the ventilation shafts, above one of the pipes, with its very distinctive domed covering. The three structures, together with surrounding walls are Category B listed [<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51146" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51146">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>].
Valve houses and ventilation shaft, Blane Valley
On the left is one of the original 1856 valve houses from the Glasgow Corporation Water Works system which brought clean water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. On the right is one of the 1932 valve houses. Both were built to control the flow of water in the large water pipes which run mainly below the ground. In the background is one of the ventilation shafts, above one of the pipes, with its very distinctive domed covering. The three structures, together with surrounding walls are Category B listed [LinkExternal link].
Campsie Dene Road Looking towards Dumgoyne (just visible between the trees) from beside the entrance to Campsie Dene, one of several large houses built beside the road.
Campsie Dene Road
Looking towards Dumgoyne (just visible between the trees) from beside the entrance to Campsie Dene, one of several large houses built beside the road.
Gate beside the track Overlooking the Blane Valley.
Gate beside the track
Overlooking the Blane Valley.
Old Milepost by the A81, Strathblane Parish Glasgow curved cast plate by the A81, in parish of Strathblane (Stirling District), North of Blanefield, entrance to East Ballewan.
 
Inscription reads:- : GLASGOW / ROYAL EXCHANGE / 12 / {pointing hand} / BALFRON / 7 / ABERFOIL / 14 / {pointing hand} :

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: ST_GWAF12.
Old Milepost by the A81, Strathblane Parish
Glasgow curved cast plate by the A81, in parish of Strathblane (Stirling District), North of Blanefield, entrance to East Ballewan. Inscription reads:- : GLASGOW / ROYAL EXCHANGE / 12 / {pointing hand} / BALFRON / 7 / ABERFOIL / 14 / {pointing hand} : Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: ST_GWAF12.
Blane Valley Railway
Blane Valley Railway
Blane Valley Railway
Blane Valley Railway
Fly Agaric In woodland just beside the old railway near Blanefield are these fine examples of Fly Agaric fungi. Looks like someone or something has taken a bite out of the largest one. In very small amounts this fungi is hallucinogenic but can occasionally be fatal, though very rare:-
<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/fungi-and-lichens/fly-agaric/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/fungi-and-lichens/fly-agaric/">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Fly Agaric
In woodland just beside the old railway near Blanefield are these fine examples of Fly Agaric fungi. Looks like someone or something has taken a bite out of the largest one. In very small amounts this fungi is hallucinogenic but can occasionally be fatal, though very rare:- LinkExternal link
Mugdock Hill Much land around big cities is occupied by horses..
Mugdock Hill
Much land around big cities is occupied by horses..
Kirkhouse Inn, Strathblane at the Campsie Fells
Kirkhouse Inn, Strathblane
at the Campsie Fells
Mugdock Castle, Mugdock Country Park, East Dunbartonshire Origins of this Graham Castle date back to late 14th century
Mugdock Castle, Mugdock Country Park, East Dunbartonshire
Origins of this Graham Castle date back to late 14th century
Craigallian Loch, near Carbeth, Stirlingshire On the left of the photo can be seen part of the West Highland Way long distance footpath. The separate hill in the background is Dumgoyne
Craigallian Loch, near Carbeth, Stirlingshire
On the left of the photo can be seen part of the West Highland Way long distance footpath. The separate hill in the background is Dumgoyne
West Highland Way in Craigallian Woods, Stirlingshire The post on the left of the picture has the stylised thistle which is the way-marker for this long-distance footpath.
West Highland Way in Craigallian Woods, Stirlingshire
The post on the left of the picture has the stylised thistle which is the way-marker for this long-distance footpath.
Strathblane Primary School Slackdhu in the background
Strathblane Primary School
Slackdhu in the background
Show me another place!

Dumbrock Loch is located at Grid Ref: NS5578 (Lat: 55.97603, Lng: -4.3245051)

Unitary Authority: Stirling

Police Authority: Forth Valley

What 3 Words

///feasts.events.arranger. Near Strathblane, Stirling

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.97603,-4.3245051
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 55.972705/-4.3241658
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 55.9740528/-4.328746
Barrier: hampshire_gate
Bicycle: yes
Foot: yes
Horse: yes
Lat/Long: 55.9726916/-4.3254642
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 55.973275/-4.328774
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 55.9768959/-4.329696
Barrier: kissing_gate
Foot: yes
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 55.9745861/-4.3320085
Give Way
Direction: forward
Lat/Long: 55.9730242/-4.3293187
Dumbrock Muir
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 55.9780878/-4.3227373
Man Made: monitoring_station
Monitoring Weather: yes
Source: survey
Lat/Long: 55.9732621/-4.3305723
Barrier: stile
Foot: yes
Lat/Long: 55.980018/-4.327524
Recycling
Mugdock Country Park Recycling Centre
Check Date: 2022-08-29
Recycling Cans: yes
Recycling Clothes: yes
Recycling Glass Bottles: yes
Recycling Paper: yes
Recycling Shoes: yes
Recycling Type: centre
Lat/Long: 55.972658/-4.3283848
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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