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Big Water of Fleet

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Big Water of Fleet

Across rough ground above the Big Water of Fleet The river mentioned above can just be seen in the middle distance to the right, whilst the ground nearer the camera position is boggy moorland on superficial glacial deposits. In the distance are the prominent Clints of Dromore, a line of Devonian age granite, younger, but harder than the surrounding rocks.
Across rough ground above the Big Water of Fleet Credit: Gordon Hatton

Big Water of Fleet is a freshwater lake located in the region of Kirkcudbrightshire in southwestern Scotland. Stretching over an area of approximately 1.5 square kilometers, it is one of the larger bodies of water in the area. The lake is situated within the boundaries of the Galloway Forest Park, a renowned nature reserve known for its diverse flora and fauna.

Surrounded by picturesque woodlands and rolling hills, Big Water of Fleet offers visitors a tranquil and scenic environment to explore. With its calm waters reflecting the surrounding landscape, the lake provides a peaceful setting for various recreational activities such as fishing, boating, and birdwatching.

The lake is particularly popular among anglers due to its abundance of freshwater fish, including trout, pike, and perch. Fishing permits can be obtained from local authorities, allowing visitors to enjoy a day on the water in pursuit of their favorite catch.

Big Water of Fleet is also a haven for bird enthusiasts, as it attracts a wide variety of bird species throughout the year. From common waterfowl like swans and ducks to rarer species such as ospreys and herons, the lake offers ample opportunities for birdwatching and photography.

In addition to its natural beauty, Big Water of Fleet plays a vital role in the local ecosystem as a freshwater marsh. This marshland provides a habitat for a diverse range of plant and animal species, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the region.

Overall, Big Water of Fleet is a stunning freshwater lake that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature while enjoying various recreational activities and observing the rich wildlife of the area.

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Big Water of Fleet Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.940037/-4.2376591 or Grid Reference NX5662. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Across rough ground above the Big Water of Fleet The river mentioned above can just be seen in the middle distance to the right, whilst the ground nearer the camera position is boggy moorland on superficial glacial deposits. In the distance are the prominent Clints of Dromore, a line of Devonian age granite, younger, but harder than the surrounding rocks.
Across rough ground above the Big Water of Fleet
The river mentioned above can just be seen in the middle distance to the right, whilst the ground nearer the camera position is boggy moorland on superficial glacial deposits. In the distance are the prominent Clints of Dromore, a line of Devonian age granite, younger, but harder than the surrounding rocks.
Grass cutting at Dromore This doesn't look like the usual lush grass that might be used for hay or silage making, but even these coarse grasses must come in useful.
Grass cutting at Dromore
This doesn't look like the usual lush grass that might be used for hay or silage making, but even these coarse grasses must come in useful.
Big Water of Fleet viaduct Compared to some Victorian era railway viaducts [eg Ribblehead] this is neither elegant nor attractive. Originally built in 1860 to carry the Glasgow and South Western Railway [later the Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Joint Railway] over the Big Water of Fleet and unused since the 1960s. Originally constructed from local granite with brick under each of the 20 arches, it appears to have had a history of structural problems. Repairs were carried out in 1912, but from 1927 until 1945 there was a policy of encasing each pillar in brickwork to give added support. The viaduct has been under threat of demolition more than once, but it would be a pity to see it go.
Big Water of Fleet viaduct
Compared to some Victorian era railway viaducts [eg Ribblehead] this is neither elegant nor attractive. Originally built in 1860 to carry the Glasgow and South Western Railway [later the Portpatrick and Wigtownshire Joint Railway] over the Big Water of Fleet and unused since the 1960s. Originally constructed from local granite with brick under each of the 20 arches, it appears to have had a history of structural problems. Repairs were carried out in 1912, but from 1927 until 1945 there was a policy of encasing each pillar in brickwork to give added support. The viaduct has been under threat of demolition more than once, but it would be a pity to see it go.
Trackbed of old railway near Dromore The trackbed of the former single track railway from Castle Douglas to Newton Stewart, seen here just west of the Big Water of Fleet viaduct.
Trackbed of old railway near Dromore
The trackbed of the former single track railway from Castle Douglas to Newton Stewart, seen here just west of the Big Water of Fleet viaduct.
Approaching the viaduct from the west The line of the old railway on the approach to the Big Water of Fleet viaduct. There's confusing information about access to the viaduct, some sources suggesting that it is fenced off with no access, but on this occasion there was no problem, or even warning notices.
Approaching the viaduct from the west
The line of the old railway on the approach to the Big Water of Fleet viaduct. There's confusing information about access to the viaduct, some sources suggesting that it is fenced off with no access, but on this occasion there was no problem, or even warning notices.
Big Water of Fleet viaduct As can be seen here, there was no problem with access to the viaduct in August 2022, and not even a warning sign. Despite some very variable, and not always accurate information regarding this structure, it does appear that the viaduct is 274m long and stands a maximum of 21m above the ground. Old rails have been used to brace the viaduct on either side along the top, down the sides of each arch and under each arch. All this as well as the brick casings to stop the whole lot crumbling. Was it poor quality granite, or difficult ground that caused problems in the past?
Big Water of Fleet viaduct
As can be seen here, there was no problem with access to the viaduct in August 2022, and not even a warning sign. Despite some very variable, and not always accurate information regarding this structure, it does appear that the viaduct is 274m long and stands a maximum of 21m above the ground. Old rails have been used to brace the viaduct on either side along the top, down the sides of each arch and under each arch. All this as well as the brick casings to stop the whole lot crumbling. Was it poor quality granite, or difficult ground that caused problems in the past?
Big Water of Fleet A rather grand name for a decidedly small river, one which could be easily paddled across without fear of being swept away. The view is from the old railway viaduct.
Big Water of Fleet
A rather grand name for a decidedly small river, one which could be easily paddled across without fear of being swept away. The view is from the old railway viaduct.
Ruins at Little Cullendoch These ruins of an old farmstead have been in a similar state for many years, as even the 1860OS map shows ruins here.
Ruins at Little Cullendoch
These ruins of an old farmstead have been in a similar state for many years, as even the 1860OS map shows ruins here.
East End of Big Water of Fleet Viaduct The viaduct which carried the Dumfries to Stranraer railway line over big Water of Fleet still has a sign marking its ownership by the British Railways Board
East End of Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
The viaduct which carried the Dumfries to Stranraer railway line over big Water of Fleet still has a sign marking its ownership by the British Railways Board
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct Viewed from the eastern slopes of the Clints of Dromore with the afforested Rig of Drumruck in the background.
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Viewed from the eastern slopes of the Clints of Dromore with the afforested Rig of Drumruck in the background.
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR sign Sign beside Dromore Farm Visitor Centre.
Cairnsmore of Fleet NNR sign
Sign beside Dromore Farm Visitor Centre.
Old railway line, Cairnsmore of Fleet Now a footpath, the track of the old railway line crosses a small bridge at this point. The Clints of Dromore are behind.
Old railway line, Cairnsmore of Fleet
Now a footpath, the track of the old railway line crosses a small bridge at this point. The Clints of Dromore are behind.
Old railway line, Cairnsmore of Fleet Now a footpath.
Old railway line, Cairnsmore of Fleet
Now a footpath.
Russon Burn With the Clints of Dromore in the background.
Russon Burn
With the Clints of Dromore in the background.
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
Big Water of Fleet Viaduct
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Big Water of Fleet is located at Grid Ref: NX5662 (Lat: 54.940037, Lng: -4.2376591)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///escape.comic.mirroring. Near Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway

Nearby Locations

Big Water of Fleet Pool Ness

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