Brae of Balinloan

Downs, Moorland in Perthshire

Scotland

Brae of Balinloan

Kirkmichael Village Stores On the main road. — Kirkmichael Village Stores Credit: Andrew Abbott

Brae of Balinloan is a picturesque area located in Perthshire, Scotland. Situated amidst the stunning backdrop of the Scottish Highlands, it is known for its beautiful downs and moorland landscapes.

The downs of Brae of Balinloan offer vast expanses of rolling hills and grassy fields. These downs are a haven for nature enthusiasts and provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. The area is home to a variety of wildlife, including hares, deer, and various bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and wildlife photographers.

Adjacent to the downs, the moorland of Brae of Balinloan offers a unique and rugged terrain. Covered in heather and scattered with rocky outcrops, the moorland provides a dramatic landscape, especially during the blooming season when the heather turns the hillsides into a vibrant purple hue.

The area attracts hikers and outdoor enthusiasts who enjoy exploring the network of trails that meander through the downs and moorland. These trails provide opportunities for both leisurely walks and more challenging hikes, catering to a range of fitness levels.

Brae of Balinloan is also known for its tranquility and peacefulness. Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, visitors can enjoy the solitude and serenity of the countryside while immersing themselves in the natural beauty that surrounds them.

Overall, Brae of Balinloan offers a tranquil escape in the heart of Perthshire, with its downs and moorland providing a stunning natural backdrop for outdoor activities and a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

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Brae of Balinloan Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.715837/-3.4775181 or Grid Reference NO0959. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Kirkmichael Village Stores

On the main road.

Andrew Abbott

View up Strathardle from Ballinluig

Mike Pennington

Easter Dounie, Strathardle

Mike Pennington

Highland cattle near Mains of Dounie, Strathardle

Mike Pennington

View over the valley of Dounie Burn, near Kirkmichael

Mike Pennington

Memorial near Kirkmichael

Mike Pennington

Inscription on memorial near Kirkmichael

Mike Pennington

Junction south of Kirkmichael

Mike Pennington

Roe deer near Kirkmichael

Roe deer are shy creatures, most active at dawn and dusk, and feed mainly on tree shoots and shrubs. The foxy-red summer coat thickens and darkens to grey-brown in autumn, but the white patch on the rump remains visible. These two bucks are resting near the boundary fence between a grass field and woodland.

Maigheach-gheal

Roe deer near Kirkmichael

The Roe Deer is a relatively small deer, with a body length of 95-135 cm, a shoulder height of 65-75 cm, and a weight of 15-30 kg. It has rather short, erect antlers and a reddish body with a grey face. Its hide is golden red in summer, darkening to brown or even black in winter, with lighter undersides and a white rump patch; the tail is very short and barely visible. Only the males have antlers. The first and second set of antlers are unbranched and short ( 5-12 cm), while older bucks in good conditions develop antlers up to 20-25 cm long with two or three, rarely even four, points. Unlike most cervids, roe deer begin regrowing antlers almost immediately after they are shed. The Roe Deer is primarily crepuscular, or primarily active during the twilight, very quick and graceful, lives in woods although it may venture into grasslands and sparse forests. It feeds mainly on grass, leaves, berries and young shoots. When alarmed, the Roe Deer will bark a sound much like a dog and flash out its white rump patch. Rump patches differ between the sexes, with the white rump patches heart-shaped on females and kidney-shaped on males. Males may also bark, make a low grunting noise or make a high pitched wolf-like whine when attracting mates during the breeding season, often luring multiple does into their territory. The Roe Deer spends most of its life alone, preferring to live solitary except when mating during the breeding season.

Maigheach-gheal

Roe deer near Kirkmichael

Roe deer (Capreolus capreolus) This small, graceful deer, reaching 28" at the shoulder, is the most attractive deer in Britain. It is delicately built and has an intelligent soft expression. The coat is foxy red from May to September but turn dark grey-brown with a white rump patch in winter. Roe deer are common in parts of England and widespread in Scotland, liking plantations and thickets which are sheltered and dry.

Maigheach-gheal

Memorial, Kirkmichael

The memorial stands on the junction of the A924 and the B950.

Maigheach-gheal

Memorial, Kirkmichael

For a wider view of the memorial NO0859 : Memorial, Kirkmichael

Maigheach-gheal

The Strathardle Hotel

Just to the south of Kirkmichael on the A924.

James Denham

Abandoned church, Kirkmichael

We were told locally that this fine old church had been used to store farm machinery after it was completely gutted (there is a large hole in the wall facing the road, blocked by a crude double door). Latterly, it was due to be turned into a dwelling but this seems to have foundered - the economic downturn?

Karl and Ali