Butterwhat Moss

Downs, Moorland in Dumfriesshire

Scotland

Butterwhat Moss

Almagill Hill Trig Point Flush Bracket S9835 Credit: thejackrustles

Butterwhat Moss is a picturesque area located in Dumfriesshire, Scotland. Situated amidst the tranquil Downs and Moorland, this region is known for its natural beauty and abundant wildlife. Spanning over a vast expanse of land, Butterwhat Moss offers a diverse landscape with rolling hills, heather-covered moors, and scattered wetlands.

The area is home to a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it a popular destination among nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. The wetlands provide a thriving habitat for numerous bird species, including ducks, geese, and waders. Visitors can witness stunning displays of migratory birds during different seasons.

The terrain of Butterwhat Moss is characterized by its peat bogs and heathland vegetation. The rich peat soil supports a unique ecosystem, with rare plant species such as sphagnum moss and cotton grass thriving in the damp conditions. This creates a beautiful tapestry of colors throughout the year.

The moorland surrounding Butterwhat Moss is interspersed with gorse bushes and scattered stands of trees, adding to the area's charm. Walking trails and footpaths crisscross the landscape, allowing visitors to explore and appreciate the natural wonders of the region.

Aside from its natural attractions, Butterwhat Moss is also steeped in history. The area has evidence of ancient settlements, with archaeological finds dating back thousands of years. It offers a glimpse into the past and the lives of the people who once inhabited the land.

Overall, Butterwhat Moss in Dumfriesshire, with its stunning scenery, diverse wildlife, and historical significance, is a hidden gem for those seeking a peaceful and immersive experience in nature.

Show me another place!

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

Butterwhat Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.052496/-3.4373747 or Grid Reference NY0874. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Almagill Hill Trig Point Flush Bracket S9835

thejackrustles

Section of Annadale Way on a dull rainy day

thejackrustles

Monument To Joe Graham

Link

Steep pyramidal monument (about 6m high), on summit of Almagill Hill and with 1896 bronze panel by J W Dods (signed and dated) set in S face. Rubble-built, bronze panel (hunting scene) in granite surround, inscribed panel below also granite.

thejackrustles

Old and new graffiti on Monument To Joe Graham

thejackrustles

Old and new graffiti on Monument To Joe Graham

thejackrustles

Mast and Trig Point Hetland Hill

thejackrustles

Hetland Hill Trig Point Flush Bracket S9833

thejackrustles

17th century stone at Little Dalton

This is the oldest stone in the graveyard, dated 1665, which is very early for Scottish graveyards. The inscription reads as follows: THIS IS THE BURIAL PL ACE OF THOMAS KER IN CLOSS IN THE PARISH OF LITL DALTON WHO DE PARTED THIS LIFE DEC EMBER THE 8TH 1665

Mary and Angus Hogg

A 17th century stone at Little Dalton

The oldest stone here is dated 1665 which is very early for Scottish graveyards. The strict attitudes of the Protestant Reformers had softened with time and gravestones started to appear from the early 1600s. The carved mortality symbols show a horizontal hour glass, a simple skull and crossed bones.

Mary and Angus Hogg

An 18th century stone at Little Dalton

This side shows the initials and date across the top “LK : 1743 : IC” with a simple skull and horizontal hour glass below. The other side was too worn to make out any information.

Mary and Angus Hogg

A broken stone at Little Dalton

This stone lies in two pieces against the kirk wall. Having been restored, it’s easy to read. The horizontal hour glass, the simple skull and the bones symbolise man’s earthly mortality. The visible inscription reads as follows: HEIR LYES THE CORPS OF WILL IAM CARRUTHERS SON TO WILLIAM CARRUTH ERS IN LITTLE DALTON WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE…

Mary and Angus Hogg

Symbolic stone at Little Dalton

The carving shows an open Holy Bible indicating the rise of a devout person to Heaven. The horizontal hour glass, skull and crossed bones symbolise man’s earthly mortality.

Mary and Angus Hogg

An 18th century table-stone at Little Dalton

Table-stones seem to have been popular at this site. The inscription is too worn to make much out but the dates are from the mid-18th century. The symbolic carvings of a simple skull and two vertical bones indicate man’s earthly mortality.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Inside Little Dalton Kirk nave

The table-stone marks the burial place of the Dr William Carruthers. The kirk's small aisle in shown in the background.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Inside Little Dalton Kirk

Viewed looking into the nave from the aisle. The table-stone marks the burial place of the Dr William Carruthers of Holmains.

Mary and Angus Hogg

At Little Dalton Kirkyard

The old church comprises a rectangular nave with a small aisle on the NNW wall. Dating back to the 13th century, the church was abandoned in 1633 with the graveyard continuing in use up to 1788. The graveyard, which is the burial ground of the Carruthers family of Holmains, lies to the SE of the church building and holds some interesting old stones. Most belong to the 18th century with one dated 1665. This is very early for Scottish graveyards as the Protestant Reformers had banned church burials and gravestones. Attitudes softened with time and gravestones started to appear from the early 1600s.

Mary and Angus Hogg