Black Croft

Downs, Moorland in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Black Croft

Murdoch's Cave Having first tried to find this cave 14 years ago, I am very grateful to Mr Dabby McCreadie for showing me its exact location, which is about 200 metres further east from where I had been looking. In the intervening years the surrounding forestry plantation has been clear-felled and replanted, which makes the short walk from the track up to the cave extremely rough and very hard going. The entrance is partly concealed by thick undergrowth. The cave itself is fairly shallow, around 4 metres in length, with the roof angling down to meet the floor at the back and is just large enough for one or two people to lie down. Mr McCreadie told me that his research had suggested that the Murdoch after whom the cave is named was a notorious robber, and it is notable that the line of the Old Edinburgh Road (which was at one time the most direct route from the western part of Galloway to Edinburgh) runs through wild country less than 1½ miles to the south of this spot, so the cave may have been a useful base from which to prey on passing travellers. — Murdoch's Cave Credit: David Baird

Black Croft is a picturesque area located in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Known for its rugged beauty and stunning views, Black Croft is primarily composed of downs and moorland. The landscape is characterized by rolling hills, rocky outcrops, and expansive grasslands, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts.

The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including birds of prey, deer, and other native species. The moorland provides important habitat for these animals, as well as a unique ecosystem that supports a diverse range of plant life.

Visitors to Black Croft can enjoy peaceful walks, birdwatching, and photography opportunities. The expansive views of the surrounding countryside make it a perfect spot for a relaxing day out in nature. The area is also steeped in history, with ancient ruins and archaeological sites scattered throughout the landscape.

Overall, Black Croft is a hidden gem in Kirkcudbrightshire, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the Scottish countryside.

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Black Croft Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.993937/-4.4473449 or Grid Reference NX4369. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Murdoch's Cave

Having first tried to find this cave 14 years ago, I am very grateful to Mr Dabby McCreadie for showing me its exact location, which is about 200 metres further east from where I had been looking. In the intervening years the surrounding forestry plantation has been clear-felled and replanted, which makes the short walk from the track up to the cave extremely rough and very hard going. The entrance is partly concealed by thick undergrowth. The cave itself is fairly shallow, around 4 metres in length, with the roof angling down to meet the floor at the back and is just large enough for one or two people to lie down. Mr McCreadie told me that his research had suggested that the Murdoch after whom the cave is named was a notorious robber, and it is notable that the line of the Old Edinburgh Road (which was at one time the most direct route from the western part of Galloway to Edinburgh) runs through wild country less than 1½ miles to the south of this spot, so the cave may have been a useful base from which to prey on passing travellers.

David Baird

Murdoch's Cave - looking out

David Baird

Auchinleck Bridge

Mark McKie

Sheepfold at Glenshalloch

Mark McKie

Murdoch's Cave

Mark McKie

A Cairn on the Tors of Glenmalloch

Mark McKie

Forestry road .

Looking over to Cairnsmore of Fleet

Mark McKie

Glenshalloch House

Mark McKie

Autumn colours near Auchinleck

Cairnsmore in the distance, with its head hidden in the clouds.

David Baird

Murdoch's Cave, Glenshalloch Hill

I couldn't find an actual cave in this area, but one may exist underneath one of the huge boulders which have fallen from the cliff face above. It is probably named after Murdoch, the second son of the widow of Craigencallie near Clatteringshaws, who was granted the nearby estate of Cumloden by Robert the Bruce for his loyal service during the Wars of Independence. The name Glenshalloch is from the gaelic 'gleann sealg' - the hunting glen.

David Baird

Road to Auchinleck

View in the direction of Minnigaff.

Andy Farrington

Kirroughtree Forest

This track leads into the forest and forms one of the 7 Stanes Mountain Bike Trails. Link

Andy Farrington

Auchinleck Bridge

View of the bridge also part of the 7 Stanes Mountain Bike Trail. This is Way-marker 27, OS GR 448 707 left of picture. Link

Andy Farrington

Auchinleck Bridge

View of Penkiln Burn upstream.

Andy Farrington

Auchinleck Bridge

View of Penkiln Burn downstream.

Andy Farrington

Auchenleck

Track leading to the farm. Auchenleck Farm here is spelt with an 'e' but appears as Auchinleck on OS Mapping.

Andy Farrington

Forestry Track at Auchenleck

There are many routes and tracks through this forest including one I had planned in advance which crosses the Loch of Lowes Strand and the Old Edinburgh Road track down to the A712 road.

Andy Farrington