Moss of Craik

Downs, Moorland in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Moss of Craik

Ruined croft on the Moss of Tolophin
Ruined croft on the Moss of Tolophin Credit: Peter Moore

Moss of Craik is a vast expanse of moorland located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 5 square kilometers, it is situated in the parish of Auchindoir and Kearn, about 18 kilometers southwest of the town of Alford. Moss of Craik is known for its unique and diverse ecosystem, rich in flora and fauna.

The moorland consists of undulating terrain, characterized by numerous small lochs, peat bogs, and heathland vegetation. It is home to a variety of plant species, including heather, sphagnum moss, cotton grass, and bilberry. These plants thrive in the acidic and waterlogged conditions of the moorland.

The wildlife in Moss of Craik is equally impressive. The area is frequented by many bird species, such as curlews, lapwings, red grouse, and golden plovers. Visitors may also spot mammals like red deer, mountain hares, and numerous species of bats. Additionally, the moorland is home to a diverse range of insects, including dragonflies, butterflies, and moths.

Moss of Craik is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. There are several walking trails and viewpoints that offer breathtaking panoramas of the surrounding countryside. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility of the moorland and experience the beauty of the Scottish Highlands.

Although remote and secluded, Moss of Craik is easily accessible by car, with parking facilities available nearby. It is a truly remarkable natural landscape that showcases the unique beauty of Aberdeenshire's downs and moorlands.

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Moss of Craik Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.322286/-2.9373587 or Grid Reference NJ4326. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ruined croft on the Moss of Tolophin
Ruined croft on the Moss of Tolophin
Ruin at Whitehillock
Ruin at Whitehillock
Summit of Meikle Cairn
Summit of Meikle Cairn
Ruin of Whitehillock farm A ruined farmhouse and water mill beside the Burn of Craig.  Canmore reference 106033: <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/106033/whitehillock" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/106033/whitehillock">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> .
Ruin of Whitehillock farm
A ruined farmhouse and water mill beside the Burn of Craig. Canmore reference 106033: LinkExternal link .
View down the valley of the Burn of Craig Tap o'Noth (elev. 563 m) looms in the background.
View down the valley of the Burn of Craig
Tap o'Noth (elev. 563 m) looms in the background.
Road (B9002) at Broom Stripe Looking north-westward.
Road (B9002) at Broom Stripe
Looking north-westward.
Road (B9002) near Whitehillock Looking westward.
Road (B9002) near Whitehillock
Looking westward.
Road (B9002) at Innesbrae Looking eastward.
Road (B9002) at Innesbrae
Looking eastward.
Moorland track near Broomhill heading towards Silverford Bridge Looking south-eastward.
Moorland track near Broomhill heading towards Silverford Bridge
Looking south-eastward.
Farm track to Elrick Looking south-eastward.
Farm track to Elrick
Looking south-eastward.
Road (B9002) near Elrick about to join the A941 Looking north-westward.
Road (B9002) near Elrick about to join the A941
Looking north-westward.
Ordnance Survey Flush Bracket 11888 This bracket can be found on the wall of a building at Elrick. The benchmark height is recorded as being 403.962 metres above sea level.
For more detail see : <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm21899" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://www.bench-marks.org.uk/bm21899">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 Flush Bracket 11888
This bracket can be found on the wall of a building at Elrick. The benchmark height is recorded as being 403.962 metres above sea level. For more detail see : LinkExternal link
Moorland south of A941 The foreground moorland descends towards the delightfully named Burn of Slug.
Meikle Cairn is the nearer left hand hill with The Buck being partly misted and more distant.
Moorland south of A941
The foreground moorland descends towards the delightfully named Burn of Slug. Meikle Cairn is the nearer left hand hill with The Buck being partly misted and more distant.
Grass Field before Blackmiddens Grassland leading down to the red roofed ruin of Blackmiddens.
Grass Field before Blackmiddens
Grassland leading down to the red roofed ruin of Blackmiddens.
Clashindarroch Trail 9 The entrance to forest trail 9 at Clashindarroch, used for a ski trail in winter and footpath in summer.
Clashindarroch Trail 9
The entrance to forest trail 9 at Clashindarroch, used for a ski trail in winter and footpath in summer.
Forest Trail 10 Amenity trail 10 in Clashindarroch.
Forest Trail 10
Amenity trail 10 in Clashindarroch.
B9002 at Elrick Remnant snowdrifts from the last storm.
B9002 at Elrick
Remnant snowdrifts from the last storm.
Rough pasture at Silverford A disused farmstead.
Rough pasture at Silverford
A disused farmstead.
Show me another place!

Moss of Craik is located at Grid Ref: NJ4326 (Lat: 57.322286, Lng: -2.9373587)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///caps.disbanded.corn. Near Huntly, Aberdeenshire

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.322286,-2.9373587
White Hill of Bogs
Ele: 408
Natural: peak
Lat/Long: 57.323969/-2.9305103
Whitehill
Place: locality
Lat/Long: 57.325132/-2.9404206
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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