Kirkhill Moss

Downs, Moorland in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Kirkhill Moss

Farmland, Greenbrae A double fence beside a field of oilseed rape. — Farmland, Greenbrae Credit: Richard Webb

Kirkhill Moss is a picturesque area located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. It is a downs and moorland region that stretches across approximately 200 acres of land. The moss is situated near the village of Kirkhill, which is known for its tranquil surroundings and stunning natural beauty.

The landscape of Kirkhill Moss is characterized by rolling hills and expansive stretches of open moorland. The area is covered in a variety of vegetation, including heather, grasses, and scattered shrubs. The diverse plant life provides a vibrant display of colors, particularly during the summer months when the heather blooms in rich purples and pinks.

The moss is home to a wide range of wildlife, making it a popular spot for nature enthusiasts and bird watchers. Visitors can spot various bird species, such as curlews, lapwings, and skylarks, which nest and feed in the area. The moss also provides a habitat for small mammals, including voles and rabbits, as well as reptiles and amphibians like adders and frogs.

The area is crisscrossed by walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the moss and its surroundings at their own pace. These trails provide breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and offer an opportunity to immerse oneself in nature. Additionally, the moss is a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), highlighting its ecological importance and significance.

In conclusion, Kirkhill Moss in Aberdeenshire is a captivating downs and moorland region, showcasing the natural beauty and biodiversity of the Scottish countryside. Its stunning landscape, diverse flora and fauna, and well-maintained trails make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful and immersive nature experience.

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Kirkhill Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.496008/-2.1184386 or Grid Reference NJ9345. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Farmland, Greenbrae

A double fence beside a field of oilseed rape.

Richard Webb

A strip wood

A shelter belt in an area of damp land. There are many drainage ditches here.

Richard Webb

North Greenbrae and Little Elrick

North Greenbrae and Little Elrick as seen from the Formartine and Buchan Way. The old railway fencing still seems to be in use.

Richard Webb

Young woodland

Young woodland beside the Formartine and Buchan Way. The powerline runs from Peterhead power station.

Richard Webb

Formartine and Buchan Way

The trackbed between Auchnagatt and Maud has been improved and is wider and easier to ride than much of the route south of Ellon. The young woodland is signed "The Grampian Forest".

Richard Webb

Formartine and Buchan Way, Den of Old Maud

The railway trackbed, now a well surfaced path (well this bit is, I have heard tales that it is not so great past Maud), runs beside a damp valley bottom.

Richard Webb

Strip of beeches

Beech trees at South Greenbrae, seen from the Formartine and Buchan Way.

Richard Webb

Formartine and Buchan Way

The old Fraserburgh / Peterhead to Dyce railway is now a cycle path. Here it crosses the access road to South Greenbrae.

Richard Webb

Formartine and Buchan Way

The former railway from Dyce to Maud and on to either Peterhead or Fraserburgh is now a footpath/cycle path. It has not been converted to a road and gives a more interesting but still easy alternative to the usual Sustrans conversions. It is also nearly 90km long.

Richard Webb

Formartine and Buchan Way

Richard Webb

The Grampian Forest

Newly planted woodland, south of Maud. The Grampian Forest was a government initiative to encourage woodland planting in the Northeast - Buchan does not have a lot of woodland,

Richard Webb

Formartine and Buchan Way

A cutting on the old railway to / from Peterhead and Fraserburgh. The former railway from Dyce to Maud and on to either Peterhead or Fraserburgh is now a footpath/cycle path. It has not been converted to a road and gives a more interesting but still easy alternative to the usual Sustrans conversions. It is also nearly 90km long.

Richard Webb

Roads and gates on a Windmill walk

Ralph Greig

Windmill walk meets the F&B Way

The Formartine and Buchan Way is a long-distance trail in Scotland, extending from Dyce north to Peterhead and Fraserburgh in the Buchan and Formartine districts of Aberdeenshire in Scotland. It follows the track of a former railway line, the Formartine and Buchan Railway, and is open to walkers, cyclists and horse riders.The railway closed in 1979 (Fraserburgh) and 1970 (Maud-Peterhead). The walkway opened in the early 1990s, and is managed by Aberdeenshire Council. It is listed as one of Scotland's Great Trails by NatureScot 64 km (40 mi) to Fraserburgh, plus 21 km (13 mi) spur to Peterhead.

Ralph Greig