Shillingland Moor

Downs, Moorland in Dumfriesshire

Scotland

Shillingland Moor

Lochurr Lane viewed from Craigenvey Bridge Looking towards Shillingland
Lochurr Lane viewed from Craigenvey Bridge Credit: Leslie Barrie

Shillingland Moor is a picturesque nature reserve located in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 300 hectares, it is characterized by its vast expanse of rolling downs and moorland. The moor is situated in a remote and tranquil setting, making it a haven for nature enthusiasts and wildlife lovers.

The landscape of Shillingland Moor is diverse and varied, ranging from heather-covered slopes to open grasslands. The terrain is gently undulating, providing visitors with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. Its unique combination of wet and dry habitats supports a rich array of flora and fauna.

The moorland is home to numerous species of birds, including the iconic red grouse, curlew, and lapwing. The heather-clad slopes attract a variety of insects, such as butterflies and bees. Rare plants like bog rosemary and cotton grass can also be found in the wetter areas of the reserve.

Visitors to Shillingland Moor can explore its well-maintained footpaths and enjoy peaceful walks amidst the natural beauty. The reserve offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, providing a chance to immerse oneself in the serenity of the Scottish countryside.

Managed by the local conservation authority, Shillingland Moor is an important site for the preservation and protection of natural habitats. It serves as a valuable educational resource, providing opportunities for research and environmental studies.

In conclusion, Shillingland Moor is a stunning nature reserve in Dumfriesshire, offering visitors the chance to experience the beauty and tranquility of a Scottish moorland. With its diverse range of habitats and abundant wildlife, it is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Shillingland Moor Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.14783/-3.9121349 or Grid Reference NX7885. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lochurr Lane viewed from Craigenvey Bridge Looking towards Shillingland
Lochurr Lane viewed from Craigenvey Bridge
Looking towards Shillingland
Shillingsland A roofless ruin at the time this photograph was taken, the building has subsequently been renovated [<a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/486178" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/486178">Link</a>].
Shillingsland
A roofless ruin at the time this photograph was taken, the building has subsequently been renovated [Link].
Shillingland A roofless ruin at the time this photograph was taken, the building has subsequently been renovated [<a title="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/486178" href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/486178">Link</a>].
Shillingland
A roofless ruin at the time this photograph was taken, the building has subsequently been renovated [Link].
Road between Sundaywell and Nether Craigenputtock Looking south-westward.
Road between Sundaywell and Nether Craigenputtock
Looking south-westward.
Minor road near Shillingland A very quiet road in rural Dumfriesshire.
Minor road near Shillingland
A very quiet road in rural Dumfriesshire.
The summit of Bogrie Hill A jumble of fences and drystane dykes at the summit of this small hill in Dumfriesshire.
The summit of Bogrie Hill
A jumble of fences and drystane dykes at the summit of this small hill in Dumfriesshire.
Cats Craig, Bogrie Hill A small rock outcrop on Shillingland Muir.
Cats Craig, Bogrie Hill
A small rock outcrop on Shillingland Muir.
Enclosures at Doddiesliggat The site of a cotter house at the time of the mid-19th Century Ordnance Survey, the name deriving from 'liggat'- a Scots word for a gate hung so as to close itself and confine livestock.  The track up to the farm at Shillingland is named Doddies Brae.

The hill in the background is Castramon Hill.
Enclosures at Doddiesliggat
The site of a cotter house at the time of the mid-19th Century Ordnance Survey, the name deriving from 'liggat'- a Scots word for a gate hung so as to close itself and confine livestock. The track up to the farm at Shillingland is named Doddies Brae. The hill in the background is Castramon Hill.
Small cairn on Shillingland Muir A tiny pile of stones, shown on the map, and presumably placed here as a navigational aid.
Small cairn on Shillingland Muir
A tiny pile of stones, shown on the map, and presumably placed here as a navigational aid.
Castramon Hill The name suggests a fort up there.  A very scenic area around Craigenputtock.
Castramon Hill
The name suggests a fort up there. A very scenic area around Craigenputtock.
Castramon Hill summit Drystane Wall which leads to Castramon Hill summit.
Castramon Hill summit
Drystane Wall which leads to Castramon Hill summit.
Edge of Loch Urr The edge of Loch Urr.
Edge of Loch Urr
The edge of Loch Urr.
Castramon Hill summit The high point on Castramon Hill at 358m.
Castramon Hill summit
The high point on Castramon Hill at 358m.
Shillingland The impressive sign for Shillingford sheep farm.
Shillingland
The impressive sign for Shillingford sheep farm.
Native woodland near Craigenvey A small area of native woodland near Craigenvey farm.
Native woodland near Craigenvey
A small area of native woodland near Craigenvey farm.
Bracken competing with the sheep Sheep do not eat bracken, so it devalues the grazing
Bracken competing with the sheep
Sheep do not eat bracken, so it devalues the grazing
Private track to Shillingland
Private track to Shillingland
Poor grazing on the moorland
Poor grazing on the moorland
Show me another place!

Shillingland Moor is located at Grid Ref: NX7885 (Lat: 55.14783, Lng: -3.9121349)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

What 3 Words

///livid.cashiers.trembles. Near Thornhill, Dumfries & Galloway

Related Wikis

Craigenputtock

Craigenputtock (usually spelled by the Carlyles as Craigenputtoch) is an estate in Scotland where Thomas Carlyle lived from 1828 to 1834. He wrote several...

Kirkland railway station

Kirkland railway station (NX810897) was one of the minor stations on the Cairn Valley Light Railway branch, from Dumfries. It served the rural area around...

Moniaive railway station

Moniaive railway station is the closed station terminus of the Cairn Valley Light Railway (CVR) branch, from Dumfries. It served the rural area of Moniaive...

Dumfries and Galloway

Dumfries and Galloway (Scots: Dumfries an Gallowa; Scottish Gaelic: Dùn Phrìs is Gall-Ghaidhealaibh) is one of the 32 unitary council areas of Scotland...

Crawfordton House

Crawfordton House is a category B listed 19th-century country house, situated close to Moniaive in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. It was operated as Crawfordton...

Cademuir International School

Cademuir International School was a specialist school at Moniaive in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. The school, founded by Robert Mulvey in 1990, was...

Moniaive

Moniaive ( 'monny-IVE'; Scottish Gaelic: Am Moine Naomh, "The Holy Moor") is a village in the Parish of Glencairn, in Dumfries and Galloway, southwest...

Glencairn, Dumfries and Galloway

Glencairn is an ecclesiastical and civil parish in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland. == Location == According to John Bartholomew's 1887 Gazetteer of the...

Have you been to Shillingland Moor?

Leave your review of Shillingland Moor below (or comments, questions and feedback).