Birch Braes

Downs, Moorland in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Birch Braes

White Hill Looking towards the hill from just outside the steading at Mains of Carnousie. — White Hill Credit: Anne Burgess

Birch Braes is a picturesque area located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Situated amidst the enchanting Downs and Moorland, this region is known for its breathtaking natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The area is characterized by rolling hills covered in a lush carpet of vibrant green grass, interspersed with patches of heather and gorse. Birch trees, after which the region is named, are scattered across the landscape, adding to its charm. The tranquil and serene atmosphere of Birch Braes makes it an ideal destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The Downs in Birch Braes offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with its undulating hillsides stretching far into the distance. The Moorland, on the other hand, is a vast expanse of open land, covered in heather and home to a variety of bird species including grouse and curlews. Visitors can enjoy long walks or hikes, immersing themselves in the unspoiled beauty of this natural haven.

The area is also rich in history, with several ancient landmarks and archaeological sites dotting the landscape. The remnants of stone circles and burial mounds, dating back thousands of years, serve as a testament to the region's intriguing past.

Birch Braes, Aberdeenshire, truly offers a glimpse into the untouched beauty of the Scottish countryside. Its Downs and Moorland provide a haven for those seeking solace in nature, with its stunning vistas, diverse flora and fauna, and a rich historical heritage.

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Birch Braes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.533962/-2.5403802 or Grid Reference NJ6749. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

White Hill

Looking towards the hill from just outside the steading at Mains of Carnousie.

Anne Burgess

Mains of Carnousie

The steading here is exceptionally fine, built in a square with arches to north and south. This is the decorative tower above the south arch. Sadly, the whole steading appears to be disused.

Anne Burgess

Carnousie Castle

Nigel Tranter, describing Carnousie in 1970, lamented the fact that the building was abandoned and had deteriorated sadly, part of it being used as a piggery. Since then it has been fully restored as an inhabited house, though the screen of trees makes it difficult to appreciate its features. It was probably built by Walter Ogilvy of Carnousie, because he sold his newly constructed fortalice in 1583 to his brother Ogilvy of Dunlugas. It was subsequently sold to the Gordons of Park. It is a Z-plan, with a circular tower to the north-west of the main block and a square tower to the south-east.

Anne Burgess

Mains of Carnousie

The steading here is exceptionally fine, built in a square with arches to north and south, the latter crowned with an elaborate tower. The south elevation is largely obscured by a modern lean-to for storing straw, but the east elevation gives an idea of how it originally appeared.

Anne Burgess

Mains of Carnousie

From here you can see the square of the original steading, with the roofs of additional buildings inside the square and a motley collection of modern structures outside it.

Anne Burgess

Cottages near White Hill

One cottage in good repair, the other reduced to just its walls.

Anne Burgess

Williamson's Machinery Centre

This is part of a family-run enterprise which also has a garden centre, a pedal go-cart track, a tearoom and a huge indoor soft play area for children. It's not exactly on the beaten track, but is well patronised by those in the know.

Anne Burgess

Silverstripe

An old building at Silverstripe is in process of renovation.

Anne Burgess

Kirklands of Forglen

The 1:50,000 map shows an ancient church down a track off the B9025. Lured by this, I found myself in the car park beside Forglen Kirkyard, where there is this view towards what I am sure must originally have been the manse, now renamed Kirklands. I do not know what type of wood the logs are, but my brother, who knows about wood, says they are probably elm.

Anne Burgess

Forglen Cemetery

The old kirkayrd has been extended towards the river bank, providing plenty of space for future burials.

Anne Burgess

Cottage near Ribrae

There are men working on the roof of this cottage beside the minor road to Meikle Ribrae. The straw in the foreground is probably protecting a crop of carrots from frost or animals.

Anne Burgess

Little Ribrae

From beside the minor road at Meikle Ribrae. Beyond Little Ribrae is some sort of industrial enterprise, the full scale of which has not yet reached the maps.

Anne Burgess

Meikle Ribrae

The farm buildings at Meikle Ribrae house large numbers of pigs, and the absence of any fences round about suggests that they are permanently kept inside.

Anne Burgess

Near Meikle Ribrae

Looking up across recently ploughed land to the shelter belt on the crest of the hill.

Anne Burgess

Gates at Laithers

A double gate into a field beside the road to Mains of Laithers.

Anne Burgess

Cottages near Mains of Laithers

A pair of whitewashed cottages beside the road to Mains of Laithers.

Anne Burgess

Looking towards Hill of Laithers

The standing stone part way up the field is in the next square.

Anne Burgess

Milnbank

I had hoped to get down to the corner of the field, but as you can see the ground is very wet and boggy, so I had to make do with a view through the trees.

Anne Burgess

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Birch Braes is located at Grid Ref: NJ6749 (Lat: 57.533962, Lng: -2.5403802)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East