Drags Moss

Downs, Moorland in Caithness

Scotland

Drags Moss

Farmland south-east of the Hill of Olrig
Farmland south-east of the Hill of Olrig Credit: David Purchase

Drags Moss is a scenic peatland located in Caithness, Scotland. Situated amidst the picturesque countryside, this area is a perfect representation of the region's unique landscape. The moss covers an extensive area, encompassing both downs and moorland, and is characterized by its damp, boggy terrain.

The moss is dominated by a diverse range of plant species, including heather, cotton grass, and various types of mosses. These plants thrive in the nutrient-rich, waterlogged conditions, creating a vibrant and colorful display throughout the year. The area is also home to various wildlife species, such as birds, insects, and small mammals, which find shelter and sustenance within the moss's ecosystem.

Visitors to Drags Moss can explore the area through a network of well-maintained footpaths and boardwalks, allowing them to appreciate the unique beauty of this natural habitat while preserving its delicate balance. The moss provides a tranquil setting for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and photographers, who can capture the stunning vistas and capture the essence of the Scottish countryside.

Throughout the seasons, Drags Moss offers different experiences for visitors. In spring and summer, the landscape transforms into a sea of blooming heather and vibrant wildflowers, attracting a myriad of butterflies and bees. Autumn brings a breathtaking palette of red, orange, and gold as the foliage changes, creating a captivating spectacle. Even in winter, the moss retains its charm, with frost-covered grasses and a serene, snow-covered landscape.

Drags Moss is a remarkable natural treasure, showcasing the unique beauty of Caithness's downs and moorland. Its delicate ecosystem, rich flora, and abundant wildlife make it an enchanting destination for nature lovers and a testament to the region's natural heritage.

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Drags Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 58.572679/-3.3880891 or Grid Reference ND1965. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmland south-east of the Hill of Olrig
Farmland south-east of the Hill of Olrig
The old graveyard of St Trothan's church, Olrig The remains of the church are behind.
The old graveyard of St Trothan's church, Olrig
The remains of the church are behind.
Olrig Cemetery There are now three (large) sections to this cemetery. This is the most recent, but is already well used. I was impressed by the relative uniformity of the tombstones - a bit of a contrast to the oldest section, seen in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4554862">ND1867 : The old graveyard of St Trothan's church, Olrig</a>! I don't know whether this is a result of some church ordnance, or just the way in which people feel these days.
Olrig Cemetery
There are now three (large) sections to this cemetery. This is the most recent, but is already well used. I was impressed by the relative uniformity of the tombstones - a bit of a contrast to the oldest section, seen in ND1867 : The old graveyard of St Trothan's church, Olrig! I don't know whether this is a result of some church ordnance, or just the way in which people feel these days.
The drive to Olrig House The sign reads "Olrig House. Drive to house only", with the last word underlined.
The drive to Olrig House
The sign reads "Olrig House. Drive to house only", with the last word underlined.
Road (B876) at Lochside Looking northward.
Road (B876) at Lochside
Looking northward.
Ordnance Survey Cut Mark This mark can be fond on a stone post in a roadside wall at Lochside.
The recorded details give a height of 42.4556 metres above sea level,
For more detail see :<span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm179454" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm179454">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>
Ordnance Survey Cut Mark
This mark can be fond on a stone post in a roadside wall at Lochside. The recorded details give a height of 42.4556 metres above sea level, For more detail see :LinkExternal link
The vale of Burn of Durran
The vale of Burn of Durran
Millhill Bridge A view looking east along the B876 towards Millhill Bridge over the Burn of Garth.
Millhill Bridge
A view looking east along the B876 towards Millhill Bridge over the Burn of Garth.
Road for Greenland
Road for Greenland
Loch of Durran This marshy basin still holds pools of water and it floods in winter. It formerly held the Loch of Durran which was drained in the 19th century.
Loch of Durran
This marshy basin still holds pools of water and it floods in winter. It formerly held the Loch of Durran which was drained in the 19th century.
Lochside, Castletown Still called Lochside although the nearby Loch of Durran was drained in the 19th century.
Lochside, Castletown
Still called Lochside although the nearby Loch of Durran was drained in the 19th century.
Standing Stone Standing Stone near Lochside, Castletown.
Standing Stone
Standing Stone near Lochside, Castletown.
Fields near Wester Olrig
Fields near Wester Olrig
Disused airfield at Tain
Disused airfield at Tain
Road near the disused airfield at Tain
Road near the disused airfield at Tain
Farm track near Lochside
Farm track near Lochside
B876 towards Castletown
B876 towards Castletown
Woodland on the former Castletown airfield
Woodland on the former Castletown airfield
Show me another place!

Drags Moss is located at Grid Ref: ND1965 (Lat: 58.572679, Lng: -3.3880891)

Unitary Authority: Highland

Police Authority: Highlands and Islands

What 3 Words

///signature.smoke.direction. Near Thurso, Highland

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