Braes of Birkenhills

Downs, Moorland in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Braes of Birkenhills

Old Steading Part of the old steading at East Pitdoulzie. — Old Steading Credit: Andrew Wood

Braes of Birkenhills is a picturesque area located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. Situated in the northeast of the country, this region is known for its stunning downs and moorland landscapes.

The Braes of Birkenhills offer visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. The downs, characterized by rolling hills and lush greenery, provide the perfect setting for outdoor activities such as hiking, picnicking, and wildlife spotting. The moorland, with its vast expanse of heather and rocky terrain, showcases the raw and untamed beauty of the Scottish countryside.

The area is rich in flora and fauna, with a variety of plant species, including vibrant wildflowers, scattered across the downs and moorland. Visitors can also expect to encounter a range of wildlife, such as red deer, Scottish wildcats, and various bird species, including buzzards and peregrine falcons.

Braes of Birkenhills offers stunning panoramic views, especially from elevated spots, allowing visitors to appreciate the natural beauty of Aberdeenshire. The area is often described as serene and peaceful, providing a much-needed escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

In addition to its natural attractions, Braes of Birkenhills is also home to several historical landmarks. The area boasts ancient stone circles and prehistoric remains, providing an intriguing insight into its rich and diverse past.

Overall, Braes of Birkenhills is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts, history buffs, and anyone seeking a tranquil retreat in the heart of Aberdeenshire.

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Braes of Birkenhills Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.500951/-2.4278284 or Grid Reference NJ7445. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old Steading

Part of the old steading at East Pitdoulzie.

Andrew Wood

Pitdoulzie Steading

A big barn door and low buildings alongside a muddy track at the largely disused East Pitdoulzie farm.

Andrew Wood

Auld Byre

The disused stalls of the byre at East Pitdoulzie.

Andrew Wood

East Pitdoulzie

The approach to the sad and neglected farm of East Pitdoulzie. The farmland is leased out and the corporate owners have little use for the old steading.

Andrew Wood

Auchterless railway station (site), Aberdeenshire

Opened in 1857 by the Banff Macduff & Turriff Junction Railway, later part of the Great North of Scotland Railway, on the line from Inveramsay to Macduff, this station closed to passengers in 1951 and completely in 1966. View east at the former forecourt. Behind the building was the platform, left for Turriff and Macduff, right for Fyvie and Inveramsay. The road sign also shows that the station was 3 miles from Auchterless.

Nigel Thompson

Birkenhills Farm

The roadside steading of Birkenhills Farm by the A947.

Andrew Wood

Birkenhills School

Seen across a field of barley this building no longer functions as a school but as a community centre.

Andrew Wood

Hedgerows by Lendrum

The hedge lined road between Lendrum and Birkenhills.

Andrew Wood

Logs, Crow Wood

Piles of logs on the edge of Crow Wood, Hatton Castle Estate.

Richard Webb

Northward on A947 road to site of Auchterless station at Mains of Towie

The station was on the ex-GNSR branch from Inveramsay - Macduff off the Aberdeen - Elgin main line. The station here and line were closed to passengers from 1/10/51; the line was closed to goods Turriff - Macduff from 1/8/61, Inveramsay - Turriff (through Auchterless) from 3/1/66.

Ben Brooksbank

Double Fence

This is rather curious. The gap is too narrow to be intended as a path - anyone trying to walk through it would very likely tear their clothing or themselves or both on the barbed wire. Is it a march where the owners of either side could not agree to share the cost and upkeep of the usual single fence?

Anne Burgess

Haymaking

Or perhaps silage-making. The grass in the nearer field has not long been cut, and that in the distant field is baled ready for collection.

Anne Burgess

Bales in Storage

Presumably this year's new bales, safely under cover where they won't get rained on, at Lescraigie.

Anne Burgess

New House near Woodend

The house on the left isn't on the 1:50,000 map, but it is on the large-scale online map. Woodend is among the trees at right.

Anne Burgess

New Houses

For a long time planning rules made it very difficult to build new in the countryside, but restrictions were relaxed some time ago and new houses, in groups and alone, are springing up all over the place. This cluster of houses is not named on the maps.

Anne Burgess

Ploughing at Birkenhills

According to the maps, the railway line used to run on an embankment through this field, which is in process of being ploughed, but all trace of the embankment has vanished.

Anne Burgess

Remains of Railway Bridge

Since NJ7445 : Remains of railway bridge at Birkenhills. and NJ7445 : Dismantled railway bridge, Birkenhills were taken 8 and 4½ years ago respectively, the south abutment of the railway bridge has been completely demolished, but the north abutment and the embankment to the north of it still survive,

Anne Burgess

Birkenhills School

The red sandstone building is no longer in use as a school, but there is a sign on the nearest door describing it as Birkenhills Community Centre. The place seems to be popular with moles.

Anne Burgess

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Braes of Birkenhills is located at Grid Ref: NJ7445 (Lat: 57.500951, Lng: -2.4278284)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East