Castle Brae

Downs, Moorland in Midlothian

Scotland

Castle Brae

River North Esk at Valleyfield, Penicuik Looking upstream where the river bends on its way alongside the housing development at Valleyfield, a former mill site. — River North Esk at Valleyfield, Penicuik Credit: Jim Barton

Castle Brae is a historic castle located in Midlothian, Scotland. Situated amidst the picturesque Downs and Moorland, the castle holds immense historical significance and offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Originally built in the 16th century, Castle Brae was primarily used as a fortified residence for noble families. The castle boasts a traditional Scottish architectural style, with its imposing stone walls, turrets, and battlements. Over the centuries, Castle Brae has undergone several renovations and additions, giving it a unique blend of both medieval and modern features.

The castle is surrounded by extensive grounds, which include beautifully landscaped gardens, lush green lawns, and dense woodlands. The grounds offer visitors ample opportunities for leisurely walks and picnics amidst nature.

The interior of Castle Brae is equally impressive, with its well-preserved period furnishings, grand halls, and ornate decorations. The castle also houses a museum that showcases various artifacts and historical items related to the region.

Castle Brae is a popular tourist attraction and is often used as a venue for special events and weddings. Its serene surroundings and stunning architecture provide a romantic and enchanting setting for any occasion.

Additionally, Castle Brae is located in close proximity to other notable landmarks such as the Pentland Hills and the historic town of Dalkeith, making it an ideal base for exploring the rich history and natural beauty of Midlothian.

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Castle Brae Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.822644/-3.2172138 or Grid Reference NT2359. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

River North Esk at Valleyfield, Penicuik

Looking upstream where the river bends on its way alongside the housing development at Valleyfield, a former mill site.

Jim Barton

Decorated space, path to Penicuik Estate

Brick steps and plant pots on the path by the North Esk from the A701 to Penicuik Estate grounds.

Jim Barton

Path by the North Esk, Penicuik

A path on the north side of the river to the surroundings of Penicuik House.

Jim Barton

River North Esk near Penicuik

The North Esk rises in the Pentland Hills above Carlops. It joins the South Esk, which starts life in the Lammermuir Hills, at Dalkeith.

Jim Barton

Bluebells in Serpentine Wood, Penicuik

Jim Barton

Farmland on Penicuik Estate

South Black Hill is in the background.

Jim Barton

Spear Gate Lodge, Penicuik Estate

A lodge house where one of the estate access roads meets the A766.

Jim Barton

Shopfront refurbishment, Penicuik High Street

The Penicuik Storehouse undergoing renovation as part of a programme to improve the appearance of shops in the town.

Jim Barton

Vaucluse Place, Penicuik

A block of flats in Jackson Street.

Jim Barton

A701 south of Penicuik

Steven Brown

Field, Penicuik Estate

The roadside conifers are long gone allowing a view of the folly.

Richard Webb

Pen-y-Coe Press, Penicuik

A long-established stationery and printing shop with an adjoining museum of papermaking in Bridge Street. In the early 19th century Penicuik became an important centre for papermaking, with mills along the River North Esk.

Jim Barton

Parkend, Penicuik

A striking corner terrace by the architect Thomas Pilkington c. 1860. He also designed the nearby Penicuik South Kirk and terraced cottages in the mill village of Walkerburn - see NT3537 : Millworkers' cottages, Walkerburn.

Jim Barton

Demolition and rebuilding, Penicuik

Old premises on Bridge Street are being demolished and construction appears to be the next step. The flag is flying from the Belgian Consulate on the corner with West Street - see also NT2359 : Belgian Consulate, Penicuik.

Jim Barton

Papermaking Museum, Penicuik

The museum is next door to the Pen-y-Coe Press on Bridge Street. It is currently open on Saturday afternoons or at other times by arrangement for groups and entry is free. See the museum's website at Link

Jim Barton

Making paper by hand (1)

Visitors to the Papermaking Museum at Penicuik have a chance to help make a sheet of paper. Pulp is caught on a rectangular mesh and carefully removed and transferred to the screw press to squeeze out the excess water.

Jim Barton

Making paper by hand (2)

The process of making a sheet of paper from pulp being demonstrated at the Papermaking Museum, Penicuik. The sheet is being separated from its carrying cloth and is ready for drying.

Jim Barton

Printing press demonstration

A small press being demonstrated at the Papermaking Museum, Penicuik. The gear wheel carries the makers name 'Josiah Wade Ltd Halifax Eng.' It can be powered by a belt drive or, as here, by the treadle. Cases carrying the type letters can be seen to the right.

Jim Barton

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Castle Brae is located at Grid Ref: NT2359 (Lat: 55.822644, Lng: -3.2172138)

Unitary Authority: Midlothian

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders