Mòine a' Ghiubhais

Downs, Moorland in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Mòine a' Ghiubhais

The A939 looking towards the Lecht pass The pass at 644 metres is said to be the second highest paved road in Scotland after Cairnwell Pass (670 m) on the A93, and yes, there's a Wikipedia list: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_highest_roads_in_Scotland" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_highest_roads_in_Scotland">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> .
The A939 looking towards the Lecht pass Credit: Bill Harrison

Mòine a' Ghiubhais, also known as the Downs, is a vast expanse of moorland located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 500 hectares, it is a prominent natural feature of the region.

The landscape of Mòine a' Ghiubhais is characterized by rolling hills covered in heather and grass, interspersed with scattered birch and pine trees. The moorland is mostly flat, with occasional rocky outcrops adding texture to the terrain. The area is crisscrossed by numerous streams and small rivers, creating a network of waterways that enhance the beauty of the landscape.

Mòine a' Ghiubhais is home to a diverse range of fauna and flora. The heather-covered moorland provides a habitat for various species of birds, including golden plovers, skylarks, and curlews. The area also supports a population of red deer, which can often be spotted grazing on the hillsides.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Mòine a' Ghiubhais offers opportunities for activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. The expansive open space and unspoiled natural beauty make it a popular destination for nature lovers and those seeking tranquility and solitude.

Visitors to Mòine a' Ghiubhais should come prepared with appropriate clothing and footwear, as the weather on the moorland can be unpredictable, with strong winds and sudden changes in conditions. Additionally, it is important to respect the environment and follow any guidelines or restrictions put in place to preserve the delicate ecosystem of this unique moorland.

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Mòine a' Ghiubhais Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.182572/-3.23206 or Grid Reference NJ2510. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The A939 looking towards the Lecht pass The pass at 644 metres is said to be the second highest paved road in Scotland after Cairnwell Pass (670 m) on the A93, and yes, there's a Wikipedia list: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_highest_roads_in_Scotland" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_the_highest_roads_in_Scotland">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> .
The A939 looking towards the Lecht pass
The pass at 644 metres is said to be the second highest paved road in Scotland after Cairnwell Pass (670 m) on the A93, and yes, there's a Wikipedia list: LinkExternal link .
The Lecht Road Looking north from the Hill Of Allargue.
The road is all but deserted on this wintry Christmas Eve.
The Lecht Road
Looking north from the Hill Of Allargue. The road is all but deserted on this wintry Christmas Eve.
A939 Lecht Road
A939 Lecht Road
'Panorama' from the Lecht Road A large layby on the south side of the Lecht enjoys a fine view south-east. The glen in the middle distance is that of the prosaically named Milltown Burn, and in the far distance, on the skyline, is Mount Keen. Lochnagar is also visible on the skyline at right.
'Panorama' from the Lecht Road
A large layby on the south side of the Lecht enjoys a fine view south-east. The glen in the middle distance is that of the prosaically named Milltown Burn, and in the far distance, on the skyline, is Mount Keen. Lochnagar is also visible on the skyline at right.
View from the Lecht Road A large layby on the south side of the Lecht enjoys a fine view south-east. The glen in the middle distance is that of the prosaically named Milltown Burn, and in the far distance, on the skyline, is Mount Keen.
View from the Lecht Road
A large layby on the south side of the Lecht enjoys a fine view south-east. The glen in the middle distance is that of the prosaically named Milltown Burn, and in the far distance, on the skyline, is Mount Keen.
Over the hill to Tomintoul
Over the hill to Tomintoul
Lecht Road As the road disappears from view, it drops down to Cock Bridge.
Lecht Road
As the road disappears from view, it drops down to Cock Bridge.
A939 at 644m on Little Corr Riabhach Heading north towards Tomintoul.
A939 at 644m on Little Corr Riabhach
Heading north towards Tomintoul.
The Lecht Road from the Hill of Allargue The Cock Bridge to Tomintoul road climbs steeply to the ski centre at The Lecht.
The Lecht Road from the Hill of Allargue
The Cock Bridge to Tomintoul road climbs steeply to the ski centre at The Lecht.
The famous A939, Cock Bridge to Tomintoul Road In winter 'infamous' might be a better word. Though only the second highest road in the United Kingdom, it is regularly the first to be blocked by snow in an approaching winter. Here we are looking up the steep climb to the Lecht ski centre.
The famous A939, Cock Bridge to Tomintoul Road
In winter 'infamous' might be a better word. Though only the second highest road in the United Kingdom, it is regularly the first to be blocked by snow in an approaching winter. Here we are looking up the steep climb to the Lecht ski centre.
View south from Sgòr Damh on the A939 At the 644 metre point not far from the Lecht ski centre.
View south from Sgòr Damh on the A939
At the 644 metre point not far from the Lecht ski centre.
Rowan and Birch Close to the Milltown Burn, this planting of native species is well protected from the grazing sheep and presumably deer at times.
Rowan and Birch
Close to the Milltown Burn, this planting of native species is well protected from the grazing sheep and presumably deer at times.
Well fenced The substantial fence has prevented grazing animals getting at saplings. As a result there is natural woodland regeneration.
Well fenced
The substantial fence has prevented grazing animals getting at saplings. As a result there is natural woodland regeneration.
A939 Lecht Road This is the south side of the famous, or perhaps notorious, road from Cock Bridge to Tomintoul, usually the first to be closed by snow when winter sets in. Unlike the B976 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5960226">NO2799 : October Snow</a> it had had the benefit of a snowplough and the roadway was clear of snow.
A939 Lecht Road
This is the south side of the famous, or perhaps notorious, road from Cock Bridge to Tomintoul, usually the first to be closed by snow when winter sets in. Unlike the B976 NO2799 : October Snow it had had the benefit of a snowplough and the roadway was clear of snow.
The A939 looking south, downhill
The A939 looking south, downhill
Moorland track near to Old Moss Looking north-eastward.
Moorland track near to Old Moss
Looking north-eastward.
Lecht Road (A939) rising towards Sgòr Damh Looking northward.
Lecht Road (A939) rising towards Sgòr Damh
Looking northward.
The Lecht Road
The Lecht Road
Show me another place!

Mòine a' Ghiubhais is located at Grid Ref: NJ2510 (Lat: 57.182572, Lng: -3.23206)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///rationing.remainder.velocity. Near Ballater, Aberdeenshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.182572,-3.23206
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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