Ring Bog

Coastal Marsh, Saltings in Dunbartonshire

Scotland

Ring Bog

Trig pillar on Duncryne Hill Great views over Loch Lomond — Trig pillar on Duncryne Hill Credit: John Ferguson

Ring Bog is a coastal marsh located in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Situated along the western coast, it is known for its unique ecosystem and diverse wildlife. The bog is characterized by its saltings, which are low-lying areas that regularly experience tidal flooding.

Covering an area of approximately [insert size], Ring Bog is a significant natural site for both local and migratory bird species. It provides a crucial habitat for various waterfowl, waders, and seabirds, making it an important location for birdwatching enthusiasts. Some of the bird species commonly found here include redshank, oystercatcher, curlew, and teal.

The bog itself consists of a mixture of peat, mud, and sand, creating a marshy environment that is home to a variety of plant species. Salt-tolerant plants such as sea aster, sea lavender, and saltmarsh grasses thrive in the saltings. These plants play a vital role in stabilizing the soil and preventing erosion.

Ring Bog also serves as a feeding ground for several marine species due to the rich biodiversity of its coastal waters. Seals, otters, and various fish species can be spotted in the surrounding sea, adding to the area's overall ecological significance.

As a designated nature reserve, Ring Bog is protected to ensure the preservation of its fragile ecosystem. Visitors are encouraged to explore the area responsibly, keeping in mind the need to maintain the natural balance and minimize disturbances to the wildlife. Interpretive information boards and designated paths help visitors navigate the bog while minimizing their impact on the environment.

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Ring Bog Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.055799/-4.5170525 or Grid Reference NS4387. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Trig pillar on Duncryne Hill

Great views over Loch Lomond

John Ferguson

Track in Duncryne Wood, leading to Duncryne Hill

John Ferguson

A811, Gartocharn

Alpin Stewart

A811 entering Gartocharn

Alpin Stewart

Truss Bridge over River Endrick

Metal truss bridge over the River Endrick. September 2022 gates were open and bridge looked safe for pedestrians. Part of the South Drive of the Buchanan Estate. Private bridge built by Duke of Montrose, shown on OS Map Stirlingshire Sheet XX. Survey Date 1861. Adjacent to and north of Woodend Lodge which appears in the background.

Pete Marrison

Early 20th Century Water Tank

Brick built water tank. Approximately 3 metres x 2 metres x 1 metre high. It is no longer in use and overgrown with vegetation. The construction and associated broken metal pipework indicate that it was probably built in the 1920s. The foundation of the south wall appears to have been built on top of the remains of the north wall of the earlier St. Ronan's Well. It is situated approximately one metre north of the boundary fence which surrounds Mains Farm's grass fields.

Pete Marrison

St Ronan's Well

These are the remnants of St Ronan's Well. A depression approximately 700mm in dia and 200mm deep. It is filled with mud, leaves and discarded pieces of masonry. It is adjacent to and south of, the brick built water tank which apparently replaced the original well. Were it not for presence of the water tank, the position of St Ronan's well would be almost impossible to locate. It is located beneath the existing barbed wire fence. St Ronan would be disappointed.

Pete Marrison

Woodend Lodge

This Lodge is positioned on South Avenue on the bank of the River Endrick at the south side of the metal truss bridge. Several windows have been boarded up; it is no longer occupied, but not yet derelict. A derelict white van is permanently parked on South Avenue and performs the useful task of preventing four wheeled vehicles from attempting to cross the ageing bridge.

Pete Marrison

Endrick Water

Amongst the meanders at Kilmaronock.

Richard Webb

Endrick Water, Kilmaronock

View of Conic Hill.

Richard Webb

Sandy bank, Endrick Water

A short distance from the other side of a meander. The Endrick is a textbook mature river but with the factor of being a non tidal estuary. There is a good crop of oxbow lakes as well. Blink comparison with old photographs on the National Library of Scotland map site shows how mobile the river course is.

Richard Webb

Endrick Water

A wooded section with sharp bends. For ages Mains Farm was in view ahead due to the meanders.

Richard Webb

Woodend Bridge, River Endrick

The lowest crossing of the Endrick. Today the spiky gate on the Dunbartonshire bank was closed but I could not tell if it was locked or not.

Richard Webb

Woodend Bridge, River Endrick

The Stirlingshire bank. The gate on the other side was closed but I could not tell if it were locked or not.

Richard Webb

Endrick Water

Downstream of Woodend Lodge. The river is very wide here and almost at the same level as Loch Lomond.

Richard Webb

Willows, Endrick Water

Where there is no grazing, the banks of the Endrick are often covered in dense willow woodland. It will be interesting to see the changes when the beavers arrive - any time soon.

Richard Webb