Red Craig

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Morayshire

Scotland

Red Craig

Forestry entrance, Knockmore Credit: Steven Brown

Red Craig is a stunning natural feature located in Morayshire, Scotland. It is a freshwater marsh that encompasses a lake, pool, and pond, offering a diverse habitat for various flora and fauna species. With an area of approximately 10 acres, Red Craig is a significant ecological site within the region.

The marshy area is characterized by its wetland vegetation, including reeds, sedges, and rushes, which thrive in the nutrient-rich soil. These plants provide a perfect breeding ground for a plethora of bird species, including ducks, geese, and wading birds. The lake, pool, and pond within Red Craig attract a wide range of water birds throughout the year, making it a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts.

In addition to its avian inhabitants, Red Craig is also home to an assortment of mammals, including water voles and otters, which thrive in the marshland environment. The marsh acts as a vital source of food and shelter for these creatures, contributing to the overall biodiversity of the area.

Moreover, Red Craig has become a recreational destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography, while also appreciating the tranquil beauty of the marsh. The site is easily accessible, with well-maintained paths and observation points, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural wonders that Red Craig has to offer.

Overall, Red Craig in Morayshire is a cherished natural habitat that showcases the beauty and diversity of freshwater marshland ecosystems. It serves as an important haven for numerous species of birds and mammals, while also providing a picturesque setting for outdoor activities and nature exploration.

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Red Craig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.501418/-3.179457 or Grid Reference NJ2946. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Forestry entrance, Knockmore

Steven Brown

Wester Gauldwell House

An 18th century house with a relatively recent extension making it look lop-sided.

Anne Burgess

Harvesting at Wester Gauldwell

A combine harvester cutting the barley south of Parkneuk.

Anne Burgess

New Pond

This is shown on some of the maps as a boggy area fed by Meg Proctor's Well to the north-east. The owners have dug it out to form two ponds with the intention of attracting wildlife.

Anne Burgess

Field Gates

It looks as if one of the gates has met with a mishap, and neither gate has been much used recently.

Anne Burgess

Lay-by off the A95

Part of the old road.

Richard Sutcliffe

Wester Gauldwell

Seen from a lay-by off the A95.

Richard Sutcliffe

B9102/A941 junction

The B road climbs hard away from the Spey, soon passing the Macallan distillery.

Richard Webb

Craigellachie Bridge

The southern approach to Craigellachie Bridge, designed by Thomas Telford and completed in 1814. Autumn colours are showing on the steep ground beyond.

Adam Ward

Sinuous Railing

The iron railing alongside the road on the left bank downstream from Craigellachie Bridge is still intact and seems to be in good condition.

Anne Burgess

Craigellachie Bridge

Designed by Thomas Telford, cast at Plas Kynaston in Wales, and erected in 1814. The bridge is a Category A listed building. See Link

and note that despite what the maps say its correct name is Craigellachie Bridge.

Anne Burgess

Hawk....

There is a large number of plants with dandelion-like flowers: Hawkweeds, Hawkbits and Hawksbeards. It requires greater expertise than mine to tell most of them apart.

Anne Burgess

The 'new' Spey bridge at Craigellachie

Built to replace Telford's cast iron bridge, it is itself now 50 years old.

Alan Murray-Rust

Plaques on Telford's Bridge, Craigellachie

Moved from the arch when the bridge was restored in 1964.

Alan Murray-Rust

Almost nowhere to go

The immediate more than 90 degree turn at the northern end of the bridge was no problem in the days of horse drawn vehicles, but very restrictive to modern vehicles.

Alan Murray-Rust

Bench mark, Craigellachie Old Bridge

This bench mark was used during the First Primary Levelling, Scotland (1844-60). It was included on the Fochabers to Bridge of Don line as "No. 22. Bolt in East face of round tower, at North End of Craig Ellachie Bridge ; 1.74 ft. above surface. (p300)" at 277.105 feet above Liverpool datum. See Link for location

Alan Murray-Rust

The old road, Craigellachie Old Bridge

Difficult to imagine this as an important A road as late as 1972, particularly with the dangers from rocks falling from the cliff. At this point also the road turned immediately at more than 90 degrees onto the bridge - a difficult manoeuvre for a standard bus or lorry of the mid/late 20th century. Now simply a footpath and cycleway.

Alan Murray-Rust