Muir of Williehead

Downs, Moorland in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Muir of Williehead

Lochan near Hill of Allt na Craige This lochan and another smaller one are the source of Blacksnake Burn.
Lochan near Hill of Allt na Craige Credit: Dorothy Carse

Muir of Williehead is a vast expanse of downs and moorland located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Spread across a sprawling area, this natural landscape is characterized by its undulating hills, heather-covered moors, and scattered clusters of trees. The Muir is situated in close proximity to the village of Williehead, from which it derives its name.

The terrain of Muir of Williehead is predominantly composed of peat, resulting in a unique flora and fauna. The moorland is adorned with vibrant purple heather, interspersed with patches of grasses and mosses, creating a visually stunning tapestry of colors. The heather also serves as a habitat for a variety of wildlife, including grouse, curlews, and merlins.

The rolling hills of the downs provide visitors with breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. On clear days, one can see the distant peaks of the Cairngorms National Park to the west. The Muir is also crisscrossed by several walking trails, enabling hikers to explore the area and appreciate its natural beauty up close.

Aside from its natural splendor, Muir of Williehead holds historical significance as well. The area is believed to have been inhabited since ancient times, with evidence of prehistoric settlements and stone circles found in the vicinity. These artifacts provide insight into the lives of the early inhabitants and attract archaeology enthusiasts from far and wide.

Overall, Muir of Williehead in Aberdeenshire offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and historical intrigue. It is an idyllic destination for nature lovers, hikers, and history buffs alike, providing a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of modern life.

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Muir of Williehead Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.269007/-3.1345234 or Grid Reference NJ3120. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Lochan near Hill of Allt na Craige This lochan and another smaller one are the source of Blacksnake Burn.
Lochan near Hill of Allt na Craige
This lochan and another smaller one are the source of Blacksnake Burn.
View from just off the track Short heather on the moor at this altitude
View from just off the track
Short heather on the moor at this altitude
View looking south from the track leading to Little Geal Charn Not too far to go now, and the going is easy.
View looking south from the track leading to Little Geal Charn
Not too far to go now, and the going is easy.
Eroded hill track, The Socach This section of Land Rover track has sunken into a boggy section of hillside.
Eroded hill track, The Socach
This section of Land Rover track has sunken into a boggy section of hillside.
Hill track on Tom an Totaich Tom an Totaich translates from Gaelic as 'Hillock of the Turves' (plural of turf).
Hill track on Tom an Totaich
Tom an Totaich translates from Gaelic as 'Hillock of the Turves' (plural of turf).
Nearing  the top of Little Geal Charn The small cairn is in the distance
Nearing the top of Little Geal Charn
The small cairn is in the distance
Small cairn on the summit  of Little Geal Charn And the corner of a new low fence
Small cairn on the summit of Little Geal Charn
And the corner of a new low fence
An old drainage ditch in the grassy moor Not an unusual sight - this one would have been dug out by spade.
An old drainage ditch in the grassy moor
Not an unusual sight - this one would have been dug out by spade.
Grassy moorland on slopes of Muir of Williehead Between Cacherlicyme Burn and Williehead's Burn
Grassy moorland on slopes of Muir of Williehead
Between Cacherlicyme Burn and Williehead's Burn
A track in the Ladder Hills Heading towards the top of Little Geal Charn, as yet not in view, about 1km away. The heather up here is short and is easy to walk on.
A track in the Ladder Hills
Heading towards the top of Little Geal Charn, as yet not in view, about 1km away. The heather up here is short and is easy to walk on.
A cairn on the slopes leading to Little Geal Charn On the way up from the N.E. this at first appears to be the summit, but it's not.
A cairn on the slopes leading to Little Geal Charn
On the way up from the N.E. this at first appears to be the summit, but it's not.
In deep peat hags, on moorland slopes N.E. of Geal Charn They were surprisingly dry, but it is often the case when they are very deep
In deep peat hags, on moorland slopes N.E. of Geal Charn
They were surprisingly dry, but it is often the case when they are very deep
Peat hags on the moor
Peat hags on the moor
Looking across to the junction of the burns which drain the moorland Dry walking on low heather, but there are peat hags to negotiate.
Looking across to the junction of the burns which drain the moorland
Dry walking on low heather, but there are peat hags to negotiate.
Looking across to the moorland above the deep-cut elbow of the Kymah Burn
Looking across to the moorland above the deep-cut elbow of the Kymah Burn
Heather moorland riddled with peat hags Depending on which direction that you are walking, they can be a nuisance to negotiate.
Heather moorland riddled with peat hags
Depending on which direction that you are walking, they can be a nuisance to negotiate.
Puzzle pic Why build a very substantial new low double fence in the back of beyond that ends suddenly. Are they going to come back and go off in another direction ?
Puzzle pic
Why build a very substantial new low double fence in the back of beyond that ends suddenly. Are they going to come back and go off in another direction ?
Sheep house, Ryntaing This is one of two ruined buildings on the hillside above Ryntaing identified by the RCAHMS as sheep houses or sheep cots.

<span class="nowrap"><a title="http://canmore.org.uk/site/126366/ryntaing-sheep-houses" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://canmore.org.uk/site/126366/ryntaing-sheep-houses">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>
Sheep house, Ryntaing
This is one of two ruined buildings on the hillside above Ryntaing identified by the RCAHMS as sheep houses or sheep cots. LinkExternal link
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Muir of Williehead is located at Grid Ref: NJ3120 (Lat: 57.269007, Lng: -3.1345234)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///yappy.amid.rezoning. Near Dufftown, Moray

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Muir of Williehead

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