Drumwalt Plantation

Wood, Forest in Wigtownshire

Scotland

Drumwalt Plantation

Loch Hempton One of many lochs and lochans on the Machar — Loch Hempton Credit: Jon Alexander

Drumwalt Plantation, located in Wigtownshire, Scotland, is a picturesque woodland area renowned for its natural beauty and rich history. Covering an area of approximately 2,000 acres, it is a haven for nature lovers, outdoor enthusiasts, and history buffs alike.

The plantation is predominantly composed of a diverse range of trees, including oak, beech, and pine, creating a dense and lush forest environment. Its dense foliage provides a habitat for various wildlife species, such as red squirrels, roe deer, and a wide array of bird species. The plantation's tranquil atmosphere and scenic beauty make it a popular spot for walking, hiking, and birdwatching.

Steeped in history, Drumwalt Plantation has a storied past that dates back centuries. It was originally part of the estate owned by the Murray family, who played a significant role in the region's history. The plantation's historic significance is further enhanced by the presence of several archaeological sites, including ancient burial mounds and stone circles, which offer glimpses into the area's ancient past.

Drumwalt Plantation is open to the public, with designated paths and trails allowing visitors to explore the area and discover its natural wonders. The plantation also offers educational programs and guided tours, allowing visitors to learn about the flora, fauna, and history of the region.

In summary, Drumwalt Plantation in Wigtownshire is a captivating woodland area that combines natural beauty with a fascinating history. Its diverse ecosystem and historical sites make it a must-visit destination for those seeking to immerse themselves in Scotland's natural and cultural heritage.

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Drumwalt Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.850469/-4.6412741 or Grid Reference NX3053. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch Hempton

One of many lochs and lochans on the Machar

Jon Alexander

Tufted Rock

In an otherwise windswept landscape the clump of gorse is managing to hang on to the top of the rock.

Jon Alexander

Tree-lined minor road heading in the direction of Mochrum Loch

Looking north-westward.

Peter Wood

Minor road beside Mochrum Loch passing through Heathery Ward Wood

Looking south-westward.

Peter Wood

Minor road crossing the Moor of Drumwalt

Looking north-westward.

Peter Wood

Rough moorland used for cattle and sheep grazing

Looking south-eastward towards Fell Loch

Peter Wood

Cormorant nesting colony, Castle Loch

Castle Loch and neighbouring Mochrum Loch between them have the largest freshwater breeding colony of cormorants in Scotland, known to have existed since at least 1663. This year there appear to be increased numbers of birds nesting in these colonies and there are several rocky islets occupied in each of the two lochs, of which this is the biggest. The occupied islands are almost completely bare of vegetation.

David Baird

Castle Island

Excavations on the island last century showed the ruins to be of a mediaeval manor house. There is speculation that prior to that it may have been a religious site. The island is completely encircled by a substantial stone wall, which can be clearly seen in the picture, and a submerged causeway connects it to the mainland.

David Baird

Challochglass Plantation

A shelterbelt planted originally to protect the farm of Challochglass from the worst of the wind.

David Baird

A decent surface again!

The road which left the tarmac at NX2654 and deteriorated so badly through the forest, at last becomes a decent track again. The tarmac starts again just this side of the camera.

Oliver Dixon

Challochglass Moor

Castle Loch can be glimpsed in the distance

Oliver Dixon

Castle Island, Castle Loch

The ruins on the island were excavated early last century and it was shown to be the remains of a fortified mediaeval manor house. A submerged causeway connects the island to the mainland.

David Baird

Castle Loch from the south

The dyke running towards the south shore of Castle Loch is the march between Drumblair and Challochglass.

David Baird

Roche moutonnÃ©e near Castle Loch

A glacial feature formed where protruding bedrock has been smoothed on its upstream side by ice flowing over it, but on the downstream side the ice has plucked stone away, leaving a steeper more broken face. The ice would have flowed over this rock from left to right.

David Baird

Darnarble

This is a long low drumlin on Drumwalt Moor. The name on the map, Darnarble (which is from the Gaelic dur an arbaill - the stream of the horse tail) probably refers to a burn shown running beside it, in reality no more than a drainage ditch.

David Baird

Castle Loch burn

This unnamed burn runs out of Castle Loch and into Mochrum Loch. Despite being choked with willow scrub it is very deep, making it difficult to cross.

David Baird

The road over Challochglass Moor

This track was once one of the main routes across the northern Machars, and can be traced running from Barlockhart near Glenluce to a crossing of the Bladnoch near Clugston.

David Baird

Castle Loch - cormorant breeding colony

Castle Loch and neighbouring Mochrum Loch between them have the largest freshwater breeding colony of cormorants in Scotland, known to have existed since at least 1663. This year there seem to be fewer pairs nesting in Castle Loch than previously - the colony used to take up two neighbouring islands but only this one is currently occupied.

David Baird

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Drumwalt Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NX3053 (Lat: 54.850469, Lng: -4.6412741)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway