Bankhead Pool

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Bankhead Pool

Summit of Cot-Town Hill Path takes you most of the way to summit but last few metres is through thick tree cover. A couple of stones marks summit
Summit of Cot-Town Hill Credit: Ralph Greig

Bankhead Pool is a picturesque freshwater marsh located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Spanning an area of approximately 2 hectares, it is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers alike. The pool is surrounded by lush greenery and offers a serene and tranquil atmosphere for visitors to enjoy.

The pool itself is a shallow body of water, with an average depth of around 1 meter. It is fed by a small stream that flows from the nearby hills, ensuring a constant supply of fresh water. The pool is home to a diverse range of aquatic plants, including water lilies, reeds, and rushes, which provide vital habitats for various species of birds, insects, and amphibians.

Bankhead Pool boasts an impressive array of birdlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Common sightings include mallards, moorhens, coots, and swans, while rarer species such as herons and kingfishers have also been spotted. The pool attracts migratory birds during the winter months, adding to its allure.

The pool is easily accessible to the public, with a well-maintained footpath encircling its perimeter. This allows visitors to explore the surrounding marshland and observe the wildlife from various vantage points. Additionally, there are several viewing platforms strategically placed around the pool to enhance the birdwatching experience.

Bankhead Pool is not only a haven for wildlife but also a valuable educational resource. Local schools and nature organizations frequently organize field trips to the pool, providing students with the opportunity to learn about the diverse ecosystem and the importance of preserving such habitats.

Overall, Bankhead Pool is a hidden gem in Aberdeenshire, offering a unique and enriching experience for both nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the midst of Scotland's stunning countryside.

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Bankhead Pool Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.239179/-2.4572298 or Grid Reference NJ7216. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Summit of Cot-Town Hill Path takes you most of the way to summit but last few metres is through thick tree cover. A couple of stones marks summit
Summit of Cot-Town Hill
Path takes you most of the way to summit but last few metres is through thick tree cover. A couple of stones marks summit
Cot-Town Hill As close to the big point as you can get using the walkers paths around this wooded hill area.
Cot-Town Hill
As close to the big point as you can get using the walkers paths around this wooded hill area.
Entrance to the fisherman's carpark
Entrance to the fisherman's carpark
Kemnay Quarry The quarry in mid June 2023 on a wall to wall blue sky day
Kemnay Quarry
The quarry in mid June 2023 on a wall to wall blue sky day
Kemnay Academy Secondary school in pretty countryside setting
Kemnay Academy
Secondary school in pretty countryside setting
Grassy meadow near Mill Farm Looking northwards over rough grassland from the road to Mill Farm.
Grassy meadow near Mill Farm
Looking northwards over rough grassland from the road to Mill Farm.
Glimpse of the River Don The River Don viewed from the road above to the north.
Glimpse of the River Don
The River Don viewed from the road above to the north.
Cot-town Triangulation Pillar The trig pillar in a clearing at the top of Cot-town Wood.
Cot-town Triangulation Pillar
The trig pillar in a clearing at the top of Cot-town Wood.
Copse in barley field Copse in a field of barley near Fetternear.
Copse in barley field
Copse in a field of barley near Fetternear.
Road closed and diversion Road closed heading west near Fetternear Hall.
Road closed and diversion
Road closed heading west near Fetternear Hall.
Green field near Overton Looking south over fields and distant Aberdeenshire, near Overton.
Green field near Overton
Looking south over fields and distant Aberdeenshire, near Overton.
James Mitchell Memorial In 1840ish travel to and from Kemnay to Aberdeen was by Stage-Coach called ‘The Banks of Don’ which travelled between Inverurie and Aberdeen.

To catch the Stage-Coach you had to walk the Four miles to get to the Inverurie – Aberdeen road. The road from Kemnay did not follow the route of today, but went from the Pleasure Park up past Leschangie rejoining the road of today at Cotton about two miles west of Kemnay. 

In these early days Parcels and Goods were delivered to Kemnay by a Local Carrier James Mitchell who could have been seen setting off early in the morning, winding his way round past Leschangie and slowly making his way up the Tyrebagger Hill on his way to Aberdeen.  He would make his way back later in the day laden with goods bound for Kemnay and the surrounding area.

James Mitchell could neither read nor write, but he had a good memory and with the careful placing of goods on his cart could deliver them in the most part without error.  He also delivered fresh water from a stream that used to run from the drinking fountain on the statue. Sadly it has now been disconnected.  James Mitchell was characteristically dressed in Cord Knee length Britches, Broad Blue Hat and Knee length Boots..

The Memorial was erected in 1936 at the West end of Kemnay on the B993 Kintore to Tillyfourie (Alford) road.
James Mitchell Memorial
In 1840ish travel to and from Kemnay to Aberdeen was by Stage-Coach called ‘The Banks of Don’ which travelled between Inverurie and Aberdeen. To catch the Stage-Coach you had to walk the Four miles to get to the Inverurie – Aberdeen road. The road from Kemnay did not follow the route of today, but went from the Pleasure Park up past Leschangie rejoining the road of today at Cotton about two miles west of Kemnay. In these early days Parcels and Goods were delivered to Kemnay by a Local Carrier James Mitchell who could have been seen setting off early in the morning, winding his way round past Leschangie and slowly making his way up the Tyrebagger Hill on his way to Aberdeen. He would make his way back later in the day laden with goods bound for Kemnay and the surrounding area. James Mitchell could neither read nor write, but he had a good memory and with the careful placing of goods on his cart could deliver them in the most part without error. He also delivered fresh water from a stream that used to run from the drinking fountain on the statue. Sadly it has now been disconnected. James Mitchell was characteristically dressed in Cord Knee length Britches, Broad Blue Hat and Knee length Boots.. The Memorial was erected in 1936 at the West end of Kemnay on the B993 Kintore to Tillyfourie (Alford) road.
St Anne's Scottish Episcopal Church, Kendal Road, Kemnay A simple, even austere building dating from 1938.  Its stone came from Kemnay Quarry, just one kilometre away.
St Anne's Scottish Episcopal Church, Kendal Road, Kemnay
A simple, even austere building dating from 1938. Its stone came from Kemnay Quarry, just one kilometre away.
Bound for glory? (Bogbeth Park, Kemnay) Kemnay FC (black and white shirts) play Banchory FC (purple) in the first round of the Scottish Youth FA Cup (under 17s section) on 14 September 2013.  Kemnay won 4-3. Can you spot the ball?
Bound for glory? (Bogbeth Park, Kemnay)
Kemnay FC (black and white shirts) play Banchory FC (purple) in the first round of the Scottish Youth FA Cup (under 17s section) on 14 September 2013. Kemnay won 4-3. Can you spot the ball?
This way to paradise? Looking down Paradise Road, Kemnay.  Several roads in the village have been deemed one-way streets.
This way to paradise?
Looking down Paradise Road, Kemnay. Several roads in the village have been deemed one-way streets.
The Burnett Arms Hotel, Kemnay The Burnetts have been major landowners in Kemnay since 1688: for the history of the Kemnay branch of the family, see: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.burnett.uk.com/kemnay.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.burnett.uk.com/kemnay.htm">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>
The Burnett Arms Hotel, Kemnay
The Burnetts have been major landowners in Kemnay since 1688: for the history of the Kemnay branch of the family, see: LinkExternal link
Kemnay Pharmacy and Post Office, High Street, Kemnay
Kemnay Pharmacy and Post Office, High Street, Kemnay
Kemnay Primary School
Kemnay Primary School
Show me another place!

Bankhead Pool is located at Grid Ref: NJ7216 (Lat: 57.239179, Lng: -2.4572298)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///shaped.rash.upstarts. Near Kemnay, Aberdeenshire

Related Wikis

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Kemnay Academy

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.239179,-2.4572298
Turning Circle
Lat/Long: 57.2401932/-2.4511814
Fetternear Steen
Artist Name: James Winnett
Artwork Subject: Fetternear Steen
Artwork Type: stone
Fixme: *
Tourism: artwork
Lat/Long: 57.24085/-2.4569917
River Don Steen
Artist Name: James Winnett
Artwork Subject: River Don Steen
Artwork Type: stone
Fixme: *
Tourism: artwork
Lat/Long: 57.2402917/-2.4549361
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2431819/-2.4540921
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2427608/-2.4532206
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2424188/-2.4525043
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.2421644/-2.4513844
Bus Stop
Alehousewells
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 630031961
Naptan Bearing: N
Naptan CommonName: Alehousewells
Naptan Indicator: opp
Naptan Landmark: Alehousewells
Naptan NaptanCode: 23624769
Naptan Street: Bremner Way
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: 23624769
Lat/Long: 57.2390402/-2.4528639
Bus Stop
Minto Circle
Bus: yes
Naptan AtcoCode: 630031951
Naptan Bearing: NW
Naptan CommonName: Minto Circle
Naptan Indicator: opp
Naptan Landmark: Minto Circle
Naptan NaptanCode: 23624786
Naptan Street: Bremner Way
Naptan Verified: no
Public Transport: platform
Ref: 23624786
Lat/Long: 57.2376269/-2.4499094
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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