Balgown Moss

Downs, Moorland in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Balgown Moss

Cairnbowie Farm Cairnbowie Farm on the Rhins of Galloway
Cairnbowie Farm Credit: Bill Allen

Balgown Moss is a captivating expanse of downs and moorland located in Wigtownshire, Scotland. Spread over a vast area, it forms an integral part of the Galloway Hills, offering a picturesque and serene landscape for visitors to explore.

The moss is characterized by its undulating terrain, adorned with heather, grasses, and wildflowers, creating a colorful and vibrant environment. The area is interspersed with small pools and peat bogs, which add to its unique charm and provide a habitat for various wildlife species.

The moss is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, with species such as curlews, lapwings, and hen harriers commonly sighted. Bird watchers find the moss particularly appealing due to the presence of these rare and protected species. Additionally, the moss serves as an important breeding ground for several species of dragonflies and damselflies, enhancing its ecological significance.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Balgown Moss offers numerous walking trails that cater to all levels of fitness and experience. Visitors can embark on leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes, immersing themselves in the natural beauty of the surroundings. The moss also provides an excellent setting for photography, with its panoramic views and ever-changing light.

To preserve the fragile ecosystem of Balgown Moss, it is important that visitors adhere to designated paths and respect the area's wildlife and vegetation. The moss is a protected site, ensuring its conservation for generations to come.

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Balgown Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.973793/-5.1105421 or Grid Reference NX0168. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Cairnbowie Farm Cairnbowie Farm on the Rhins of Galloway
Cairnbowie Farm
Cairnbowie Farm on the Rhins of Galloway
Drumdow, The Rhins
Drumdow, The Rhins
Marian Hill Monument, The Rhins
Marian Hill Monument, The Rhins
Junction of  the B738 and an unclassified road From this junction it is 3 miles to Corsewall lighthouse and the hotel.
Junction of the B738 and an unclassified road
From this junction it is 3 miles to Corsewall lighthouse and the hotel.
Bridge over the Kirminoch Burn
Bridge over the Kirminoch Burn
The Marian Hill Monument A plaque on the monument names Marian Hill with the date 1802.  It's not clear if there was another date on the plaque.  It's a fine monument, with a clear uncluttered shape, built on an excellent viewpoint. There are two theories about Marian.  One says that she was a member of the Ross family, while the other claims that she was a local girl who was killed by a bull.  For more information, see <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://guide.visitscotland.com/vs/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,SIG57484Svs,curr,GBP,season,at1,selectedEntry,home/home.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://guide.visitscotland.com/vs/guide/5,en,SCH1/objectId,SIG57484Svs,curr,GBP,season,at1,selectedEntry,home/home.html">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 Marian Hill Monument
A plaque on the monument names Marian Hill with the date 1802. It's not clear if there was another date on the plaque. It's a fine monument, with a clear uncluttered shape, built on an excellent viewpoint. There are two theories about Marian. One says that she was a member of the Ross family, while the other claims that she was a local girl who was killed by a bull. For more information, see LinkExternal link
View to Balsarroch Looking towards Balsarroch, hidden among the trees on the right, from the Marian Tower on Craigengerroch Hill.  Viewed in February with the land in winter colours.
View to Balsarroch
Looking towards Balsarroch, hidden among the trees on the right, from the Marian Tower on Craigengerroch Hill. Viewed in February with the land in winter colours.
Drumdow From The Marian Tower One of the fine views from the Marian Tower, looking towards Drumdow Farm.
Drumdow From The Marian Tower
One of the fine views from the Marian Tower, looking towards Drumdow Farm.
From The Marian Tower Looking across rolling farmland from the Marian Tower, with Balsarroch hidden away among the trees on the left.  Only the foreground of this shot lies inside the square.
From The Marian Tower
Looking across rolling farmland from the Marian Tower, with Balsarroch hidden away among the trees on the left. Only the foreground of this shot lies inside the square.
Cows grazing below the Marian Tower The tower is only about 200 years old, but nobody seems to know why it's there. For a closer view and more information, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1708623">NW9968 : The Marian Hill Monument</a> .
Cows grazing below the Marian Tower
The tower is only about 200 years old, but nobody seems to know why it's there. For a closer view and more information, see NW9968 : The Marian Hill Monument .
Track to Bankswell Looking down to a large area of gorse scrub below Ervie Hill.
Track to Bankswell
Looking down to a large area of gorse scrub below Ervie Hill.
The entrance to Cairnbowie
The entrance to Cairnbowie
The road passing Cairnbowie Marian Tower can be seen on the far hill.
The road passing Cairnbowie
Marian Tower can be seen on the far hill.
Cairnbowie farmhouse, barn and garden
Cairnbowie farmhouse, barn and garden
Junction with the B738 The Marian Tower can be seen on the far hill.
Junction with the B738
The Marian Tower can be seen on the far hill.
Gates at Mid Ervie The gates, and the rough ground in front of them, are beside the B738.
Gates at Mid Ervie
The gates, and the rough ground in front of them, are beside the B738.
B738 between Mid Ervie and High Ervie
B738 between Mid Ervie and High Ervie
Road to Leswalt
Road to Leswalt
Show me another place!

Balgown Moss is located at Grid Ref: NX0168 (Lat: 54.973793, Lng: -5.1105421)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///bandage.cleans.impulsive. Near Cairnryan, Dumfries & Galloway

Nearby Locations

Balgown Moss Loch Connell

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