Torr of Boblainy

This building was the main accommodation block for the sawmill. It was the only building still standing, though parts of it were falling down. As of August 2012, this building has been demolished, see NH4940 : Teanacoil Sawmill demolished

This is the old track leading to Teanacoil Sawmill. The bridge was falling into disrepair, and fenced off with a "Danger Keep Out" sign. The main beams of the bridge still seem pretty solid, so it was possible to carefully walk across. The bridge has since been rebuilt and repaired, see NH4940 : Bridge over the Black Burn

This caravan has been here for a number of years, and it is now in rather poor condition. It would be rather difficult to remove it now, as much of the surrounding area is overgrown with bushes and trees.

A number of trees in this area have sticky yellow bands around them - they are for monitoring for Pine-tree lappet moths (Dendrolimus pini). When the caterpillars of this moth crawl down the trees, they will get stuck on the yellow bands. Pine-tree lappet moths are usually found in Eastern Europe and Russia, but in 2009 a number of them were found breeding in Boblainy Forest. The moths feed on Scots pine, and can cause severe damage and death to the trees. The Forestry Commission are monitoring the moths, to find out how many there are and how to deal with them. They have also restricted timber movement from forests in the area, to limit the spread of the moth. See the Forestry Commission pages for more details: Link and Link

This was the site of the last remaining building of Teanacoil Sawmill. It was in poor condition, and probably rather dangerous. It has now all been demolished, leaving just the concrete floor and a pile of rubble. For the building six months ago, see NH4940 : Teanacoil Sawmill

All that remains of this building is a pair of brick chimneys. They are now rather well hidden amongst the trees. I don't know what this building was used for.

This is the route to the site of Teanacoil Sawmill. The track has been recently cleared and improved, and this bridge has been repaired or rebuilt. The bridge was in rather poor condition, with holes in the decking, see NH4940 : Old bridge over the Black Burn On the right is a sign saying "Path 1km, Country Walk", though I'm not sure if it actually leads anywhere. Across the bridge on the left is a pile of sawdust.

Stacks of timber alongside the track, on a grey evening.

Much of the surrounding area has been felled recently, but the smaller trees alongside the track have been left.

A view north towards Ben Wyvis. The cleared area in the foreground is now getting covered by bracken and gorse. A similar view last year. NH4937 : Bench with a view, Boblainy Forest

Looking back down the hill. Conifer trees alongside the track, including spruce and pine.

Looking down the hill. Some tall pine trees alongside the track.

Looks like this area was felled a few years ago. A few birch trees left standing.

The edge of a large area of cleared forest. The ground is covered by brash.

A large area of cleared forest, the ground is covered by brash.

Trees blocking the main track through Boblainy Forest, probably felled in the recent strong winds. A Forestry Commission marker post is visible in the centre, behind a fallen tree. It is possible to avoid this obstruction by following the track off to the left, which goes the long way around this triangular junction. The footprints show a few people have done this recently.

This track was upgraded last year, with this gate added. The gate is usually locked, but there is space around the sides for pedestrians or cyclists. There is a sign warning of "Timber Operations Ahead", but there didn't seem to be much happening today. Some houses and fields near Femnock and Boblainy are visible in the distance.