Castlehaugh Cheek

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Castlehaugh Cheek

Track by the Hope Burn Bundles of fence posts by the track on the way up by Hope Burn towards the plantations of Glentress Forest. — Track by the Hope Burn Credit: Jim Barton

Castlehaugh Cheek is a stunning freshwater marsh nestled in the picturesque region of Peeblesshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 50 acres, it offers a diverse range of aquatic habitats, including a lake, pool, pond, and freshwater marsh. Its natural beauty and rich biodiversity make it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and wildlife photographers.

The centerpiece of Castlehaugh Cheek is its serene lake, which spans an area of about 10 acres. The lake is known for its crystal-clear waters, reflecting the surrounding lush greenery. It provides a perfect habitat for a variety of water birds, including ducks, swans, and herons. The lake is a hub of activity during the breeding season, with numerous bird species building nests and rearing their young.

Adjacent to the lake is a smaller pool, which acts as a natural extension of the water body. This pool is an ideal spot for observing amphibians such as frogs and newts, as well as a wide array of aquatic plants.

Towards the eastern side of Castlehaugh Cheek, there is a small pond, brimming with life. This pond is home to a myriad of insects, including dragonflies and water beetles. It also provides a watering hole for small mammals like shrews and voles.

Lastly, Castlehaugh Cheek boasts a flourishing freshwater marsh, characterized by its lush vegetation and waterlogged soil. This marshland acts as a vital refuge for a range of plant and animal species, including reeds, rushes, and various water plants. It supports a diverse community of creatures, from frogs and toads to butterflies and dragonflies.

Overall, Castlehaugh Cheek is a captivating and ecologically significant site that showcases the beauty and diversity of freshwater habitats in Peeblesshire.

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Castlehaugh Cheek Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.638681/-3.1245376 or Grid Reference NT2938. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track by the Hope Burn

Bundles of fence posts by the track on the way up by Hope Burn towards the plantations of Glentress Forest.

Jim Barton

Bught Hill from Habs Cleuch Shank

Much of the land in the middle foreground will be planted by the Forestry Commission over the next few years. The white building in the valley is the Macdonald Cardrona Hotel.

Jim Barton

Footbridge and ford, Horsburgh Hope Burn.

Living at the end of this track might be the one valid reason for owning a SUV.

Chris Eilbeck

Track to Hope cottage

The cottage lies just over the rise. The eastern stretches of Glentress Forest clothe the hillsides at the head of this glen.

Jim Barton

End of the Strip

The butt of a shelterbelt rising up from the Hope.

Richard Webb

Farm track, Nether Horsburgh

Looking downhill along a trackway towards the new village of Cardrona on the floor of Tweeddale.

Richard Webb

Enclosure, Bught Hill

A circular earthbank on a spur, marked as an enclosure on the Ordnance Survey map.

Richard Webb

Horseburgh Hope

Looking downstream, away from Glentress Forest and into a mixed landscape of sheep grazing and shelter belts.

Richard Webb

Horseburgh Hope

Looking downstream towards where sheep had just been fed.

Richard Webb

Horsburgh Castle ruin with sheep pasture

Astrid H

Horsburgh Castle

Horsburgh Castle seen from the visitors centre on the opposite hillside. Sheep and hills a plenty.

Dennis simpson

MacDonalds Cardrona Hotel

This exclusive hotel, golf and country club has an idyllic location on the north bank of the river Tweed. A glimpse of the river can be seen to the left of the picture. Between the hotel and the river is the golf course and a row of golf buggies are parked adjacent to a large bunker in front of the hotel.

ronnie leask

The Hub Cafe, Glentress

Packed out as usual and sadly such a good, fair priced cafe as this just had to go. They were denied the chance to bid for the lease for the shiny new facility over the road and closed down by the Forestry Commission. Apparently this is normal practice once one of their facilities becomes popular, and I have seen a similar enterprise in the Forest of Dean go the same way. The bike shop closed today, so no more good value, and quick services for my bikes.

Richard Webb

The Hub - the last day

Having done so much for the success of the bike trails in Glentress Forest, today the shop was closed down by the Forestry Commission. They were not allowed to bid for the lease in the new all singing and all dancing centre across the road which we are expected to pay for (not a penny from me! - I'm parking elsewhere and riding in) and they are to be replaced by one of the big Edinburgh shops. A legend!

Richard Webb

Old railway bridge, Cardrona

The bridge over the Tweed, looking back to Cardrona and the site of the former station. The line is now a path and cycleway to Peebles. The golf course surrounds the nearby hotel and extends E along the riverside.

Jim Barton