Dumbrock Muir

Downs, Moorland in Stirlingshire

Scotland

Dumbrock Muir

Very old signpost on the A81 I'm sure no-one nowadays needs directions to the Glasgow Royal Exchange, and the only evidence I can find for Aberfoyle being spelled Aberfoil is on an 1863 map, so how old is this milepost?! Impressive.
Very old signpost on the A81 Credit: Stephen Sweeney

Dumbrock Muir is a vast expanse of downs and moorland located in the county of Stirlingshire, Scotland. Stretching across an area of approximately 300 acres, it is nestled amidst the picturesque landscapes of the Central Lowlands. The muir is situated to the northeast of the quaint village of Dumbrock and is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers.

The landscape of Dumbrock Muir is characterized by gently rolling hills covered in heather and grasses, interspersed with patches of shrubs and scattered trees. The moorland is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, including mosses, lichens, and wildflowers that bloom in vibrant colors during the warmer months. It also provides a habitat for various bird species, such as skylarks, buzzards, and kestrels, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching.

The muir is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty and enjoy panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The paths lead to several vantage points, offering breathtaking vistas of the nearby Trossachs National Park, the Ochil Hills, and the River Forth.

Dumbrock Muir is a tranquil haven away from the hustle and bustle of urban life, providing visitors with a peaceful and serene environment to unwind and reconnect with nature. It is also a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), recognizing its ecological importance and ensuring its preservation for future generations to appreciate and cherish.

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Dumbrock Muir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.976231/-4.3205101 or Grid Reference NS5578. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Very old signpost on the A81 I'm sure no-one nowadays needs directions to the Glasgow Royal Exchange, and the only evidence I can find for Aberfoyle being spelled Aberfoil is on an 1863 map, so how old is this milepost?! Impressive.
Very old signpost on the A81
I'm sure no-one nowadays needs directions to the Glasgow Royal Exchange, and the only evidence I can find for Aberfoyle being spelled Aberfoil is on an 1863 map, so how old is this milepost?! Impressive.
Campsie Dene Road From the town/country boundary, looking towards Campsie Dene House.
Campsie Dene Road
From the town/country boundary, looking towards Campsie Dene House.
A81 milepost An iron milepost, one of several on the road. If not local and travelling from the north, the Glasgow 12 takes a bit of believing. Here in Strathblane there is little evidence (other than the traffic) that the centre of a great city is only 19km distant.

Note the spelling - probably an alternative now lost, chosen for brevity over Aberfoyle.
A81 milepost
An iron milepost, one of several on the road. If not local and travelling from the north, the Glasgow 12 takes a bit of believing. Here in Strathblane there is little evidence (other than the traffic) that the centre of a great city is only 19km distant. Note the spelling - probably an alternative now lost, chosen for brevity over Aberfoyle.
Scarp above East Ballewan A section of Strathblane: Lush grassland on the floor, woodland and steep craggy basalt crags.
Scarp above East Ballewan
A section of Strathblane: Lush grassland on the floor, woodland and steep craggy basalt crags.
1856 valve house, Blane Valley One of five valve houses built as part of the Glasgow Corporation Water Works system to bring clean water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. This is one of the original three built in 1856, and another, built in 1932 stands close by. These buildings, together with an associated ventilation shaft, and walls, make up a group of buildings which are Category C listed [<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51146" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51146">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>].
1856 valve house, Blane Valley
One of five valve houses built as part of the Glasgow Corporation Water Works system to bring clean water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. This is one of the original three built in 1856, and another, built in 1932 stands close by. These buildings, together with an associated ventilation shaft, and walls, make up a group of buildings which are Category C listed [LinkExternal link].
Valve houses and ventilation shaft, Blane Valley On the left is one of the original 1856 valve houses from the Glasgow Corporation Water Works system which brought clean water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. On the right is one of the 1932 valve houses. Both were built to control the flow of water in the large water pipes which run mainly below the ground. In the background is one of the ventilation shafts, above one of the pipes, with its very distinctive domed covering. The three structures, together with surrounding walls are Category B listed [<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51146" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB51146">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>].
Valve houses and ventilation shaft, Blane Valley
On the left is one of the original 1856 valve houses from the Glasgow Corporation Water Works system which brought clean water from Loch Katrine to Glasgow. On the right is one of the 1932 valve houses. Both were built to control the flow of water in the large water pipes which run mainly below the ground. In the background is one of the ventilation shafts, above one of the pipes, with its very distinctive domed covering. The three structures, together with surrounding walls are Category B listed [LinkExternal link].
Campsie Dene Road Looking towards Dumgoyne (just visible between the trees) from beside the entrance to Campsie Dene, one of several large houses built beside the road.
Campsie Dene Road
Looking towards Dumgoyne (just visible between the trees) from beside the entrance to Campsie Dene, one of several large houses built beside the road.
Gate beside the track Overlooking the Blane Valley.
Gate beside the track
Overlooking the Blane Valley.
Track up the hill The track leads through the gate and then up towards the slopes of Slackdhu.
Track up the hill
The track leads through the gate and then up towards the slopes of Slackdhu.
Old Milepost by the A81, Strathblane Parish Glasgow curved cast plate by the A81, in parish of Strathblane (Stirling District), North of Blanefield, entrance to East Ballewan.
 
Inscription reads:- : GLASGOW / ROYAL EXCHANGE / 12 / {pointing hand} / BALFRON / 7 / ABERFOIL / 14 / {pointing hand} :

Surveyed

Milestone Society National ID: ST_GWAF12.
Old Milepost by the A81, Strathblane Parish
Glasgow curved cast plate by the A81, in parish of Strathblane (Stirling District), North of Blanefield, entrance to East Ballewan. Inscription reads:- : GLASGOW / ROYAL EXCHANGE / 12 / {pointing hand} / BALFRON / 7 / ABERFOIL / 14 / {pointing hand} : Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: ST_GWAF12.
Blane Valley Railway
Blane Valley Railway
Blane Valley Railway
Blane Valley Railway
Fly Agaric In woodland just beside the old railway near Blanefield are these fine examples of Fly Agaric fungi. Looks like someone or something has taken a bite out of the largest one. In very small amounts this fungi is hallucinogenic but can occasionally be fatal, though very rare:-
<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/fungi-and-lichens/fly-agaric/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.woodlandtrust.org.uk/trees-woods-and-wildlife/fungi-and-lichens/fly-agaric/">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>
Fly Agaric
In woodland just beside the old railway near Blanefield are these fine examples of Fly Agaric fungi. Looks like someone or something has taken a bite out of the largest one. In very small amounts this fungi is hallucinogenic but can occasionally be fatal, though very rare:- LinkExternal link
Mugdock Hill Much land around big cities is occupied by horses..
Mugdock Hill
Much land around big cities is occupied by horses..
Kirkhouse Inn, Strathblane at the Campsie Fells
Kirkhouse Inn, Strathblane
at the Campsie Fells
Mugdock Castle, Mugdock Country Park, East Dunbartonshire Origins of this Graham Castle date back to late 14th century
Mugdock Castle, Mugdock Country Park, East Dunbartonshire
Origins of this Graham Castle date back to late 14th century
Craigallian Loch, near Carbeth, Stirlingshire On the left of the photo can be seen part of the West Highland Way long distance footpath. The separate hill in the background is Dumgoyne
Craigallian Loch, near Carbeth, Stirlingshire
On the left of the photo can be seen part of the West Highland Way long distance footpath. The separate hill in the background is Dumgoyne
West Highland Way in Craigallian Woods, Stirlingshire The post on the left of the picture has the stylised thistle which is the way-marker for this long-distance footpath.
West Highland Way in Craigallian Woods, Stirlingshire
The post on the left of the picture has the stylised thistle which is the way-marker for this long-distance footpath.
Show me another place!

Dumbrock Muir is located at Grid Ref: NS5578 (Lat: 55.976231, Lng: -4.3205101)

Unitary Authority: Stirling

Police Authority: Forth Valley

What 3 Words

///conjured.thin.clef. Near Strathblane, Stirling

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Blanefield railway station

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Blanefield

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Strathblane

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.976231,-4.3205101
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 55.972705/-4.3241658
Barrier: hampshire_gate
Bicycle: yes
Foot: yes
Horse: yes
Lat/Long: 55.9726916/-4.3254642
Dumbrock Muir
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 55.9780878/-4.3227373
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.9790544/-4.3147493
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.9782888/-4.3147368
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.977304/-4.3147368
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.9766615/-4.3147472
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.9759557/-4.314743
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.9752651/-4.3147347
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.9746847/-4.3147389
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.9736846/-4.3147368
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.9731135/-4.3147389
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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