Yorkston Moss

Downs, Moorland in Midlothian

Scotland

Yorkston Moss

Walk signpost, Gladhouse Reservoir The walk around the reservoir follows the shore on the west and north sides, but here takes to the minor road to Mauldslie and field tracks to Moorfoot to complete the circuit.
Walk signpost, Gladhouse Reservoir Credit: Jim Barton

Yorkston Moss is a picturesque area located in Midlothian, Scotland, known for its diverse landscape consisting of downs, moorland, and marshland. Situated in the southern part of the county, it covers a substantial area of approximately 500 acres.

The downs in Yorkston Moss are characterized by rolling hills and open grassy plains. These elevated areas provide stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and hikers. The downs are home to a variety of flora and fauna, including heather, gorse, and numerous species of birds.

The moorland in Yorkston Moss is a vast expanse of wet and boggy terrain, covered in heather, grasses, and mosses. This unique ecosystem supports a range of wildlife, such as deer, rabbits, and various bird species. The moorland is particularly beautiful during the flowering season when the vibrant colors of the heather create a stunning contrast against the green landscape.

The marshland in Yorkston Moss consists of wet, low-lying areas with an abundance of water-loving plants and reeds. It provides a crucial habitat for numerous species of insects, amphibians, and waterfowl. The marshland also plays a vital role in water filtration and flood control, contributing to the overall ecological balance of the region.

Overall, Yorkston Moss offers a diverse and captivating natural environment, with its downs, moorland, and marshland providing a rich tapestry of landscapes and a haven for a wide range of plant and animal life. It is a place of tranquility and beauty, attracting visitors who seek to immerse themselves in the wonders of nature.

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Yorkston Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.779166/-3.0762059 or Grid Reference NT3254. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Walk signpost, Gladhouse Reservoir The walk around the reservoir follows the shore on the west and north sides, but here takes to the minor road to Mauldslie and field tracks to Moorfoot to complete the circuit.
Walk signpost, Gladhouse Reservoir
The walk around the reservoir follows the shore on the west and north sides, but here takes to the minor road to Mauldslie and field tracks to Moorfoot to complete the circuit.
Blocked lay-by, Gladhouse Reservoir Parking around Gladhouse has been reduced over the years - this lay-by was on the public road to Mauldslie on the east side of the reservoir.
Blocked lay-by, Gladhouse Reservoir
Parking around Gladhouse has been reduced over the years - this lay-by was on the public road to Mauldslie on the east side of the reservoir.
Woodland near Gladhouse Reservoir
Woodland near Gladhouse Reservoir
Road near Gladhouse Reservoir
Road near Gladhouse Reservoir
Gladhouse Reservoir
Gladhouse Reservoir
Moorland to the North of Mauldslie
Moorland to the North of Mauldslie
Fence separating moorland from rough grazing to the North of Mauldslie
Fence separating moorland from rough grazing to the North of Mauldslie
Rough grazing to the North of Mauldslie The Moorfoot Hills in the background.
Rough grazing to the North of Mauldslie
The Moorfoot Hills in the background.
The Midlothian plain  Looking northwest from near Wull Muir, near the top of the Moorfoot Hills escarpment. With some funny weather over towards Dalkeith. Obviously a high humidity atmosphere - it was wet earlier and not far from wet when the photo was taken.
The Midlothian plain
Looking northwest from near Wull Muir, near the top of the Moorfoot Hills escarpment. With some funny weather over towards Dalkeith. Obviously a high humidity atmosphere - it was wet earlier and not far from wet when the photo was taken.
Minor road to Mauldslie, Gladhouse Reservoir The road crosses a short arm at the reservoir's NE corner. The Huntly Cot Hills with their distinctive patterned plantations form the background.

Gladhouse Reservoir was opened in 1879 as a water supply for Edinburgh; it now acts as intermediate storage for water en route from the Megget Reservoir - see the Esk Valley Trust website for more details on the Midlothian reservoirs: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.eskvalleytrust.org/gladhouse.html" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.eskvalleytrust.org/gladhouse.html">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>
Minor road to Mauldslie, Gladhouse Reservoir
The road crosses a short arm at the reservoir's NE corner. The Huntly Cot Hills with their distinctive patterned plantations form the background. Gladhouse Reservoir was opened in 1879 as a water supply for Edinburgh; it now acts as intermediate storage for water en route from the Megget Reservoir - see the Esk Valley Trust website for more details on the Midlothian reservoirs: LinkExternal link
Escarpment of the Moorfoot Hills Seen from the summit of the B7007.
Escarpment of the Moorfoot Hills
Seen from the summit of the B7007.
Sheep near Howburn A wet and windy day.
Sheep near Howburn
A wet and windy day.
Road to Gladhouse Reservoir Heavy rain and gales.
Road to Gladhouse Reservoir
Heavy rain and gales.
Road junction, Gladhouse Reservoir
Road junction, Gladhouse Reservoir
Quarry workings, Broad Law A road to an old quarry on the northern slopes of Broad Law on the Southern Uplands Boundary Fault.
Quarry workings, Broad Law
A road to an old quarry on the northern slopes of Broad Law on the Southern Uplands Boundary Fault.
Sheep on hillside near Gladhouse Reservoir
Sheep on hillside near Gladhouse Reservoir
Winding road near Howburn On the way from the Gladhouse Reservoir to Temple.
Winding road near Howburn
On the way from the Gladhouse Reservoir to Temple.
Country north of the Gladhouse Reservoir
Country north of the Gladhouse Reservoir
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Yorkston Moss is located at Grid Ref: NT3254 (Lat: 55.779166, Lng: -3.0762059)

Unitary Authority: Midlothian

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///midwinter.pitching.widest. Near Gorebridge, Midlothian

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