Ledrishmore Wood

Wood, Forest in Dunbartonshire

Scotland

Ledrishmore Wood

Old milestone & old milepost On the A811 north from Alexandria and Dumbarton and opposite the Gowk Inn, now a house, are these two mile markers. The upper red sandstone set in the wall bordering Auchenlinnhe House is like the stone in Drymen opposite the Buchanan Arms at <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NS47438834">NS47438834</a>. The metal plate is one of the posts erected at the turn of the 19/20C. The Dunbarton 6 and 8 plates were still in place a few years ago. — Old milestone & old milepost Credit: Willy Findlay

Ledrishmore Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The wood is predominantly composed of diverse tree species, including oak, birch, and pine, creating a vibrant and serene environment.

The woodland is home to a rich variety of wildlife, making it a haven for birdwatchers and nature photographers. Visitors can spot a range of bird species, such as woodpeckers, jays, and owls, as well as small mammals like squirrels and rabbits. The tranquil atmosphere and lush vegetation provide an ideal habitat for these creatures.

Ledrishmore Wood offers several well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty. The paths wind through the woodland, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Along the way, visitors may come across charming clearings and enchanting streams, creating a truly immersive experience.

The wood is also renowned for its historical significance. It is believed to have been part of the ancient Caledonian Forest that once covered much of Scotland. This adds an extra layer of fascination for those interested in the region's heritage.

Accessibility to Ledrishmore Wood is convenient, with ample parking facilities and well-marked entrances. The wood is open to the public year-round, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, who seek a peaceful retreat in nature. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, birdwatching, or simply enjoying the tranquility, Ledrishmore Wood offers a delightful experience for all.

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Ledrishmore Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.025535/-4.5676935 or Grid Reference NS4084. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old milestone & old milepost

On the A811 north from Alexandria and Dumbarton and opposite the Gowk Inn, now a house, are these two mile markers. The upper red sandstone set in the wall bordering Auchenlinnhe House is like the stone in Drymen opposite the Buchanan Arms at NS47438834. The metal plate is one of the posts erected at the turn of the 19/20C. The Dunbarton 6 and 8 plates were still in place a few years ago.

Willy Findlay

Old milestone

This shows the left-hand side of the red sandstone milestone set in the wall surrounding Auchenlinnhe House. The top of the newer metal milepost can just be seen. 27 is the mileage from Stirling. MS is shown on the 1776 Taylor & Skinner map and this is the route of the Old Military Road built between 1765-97 by Major William Caufeild.

Willy Findlay

Old milestone

The right-hand face of the red sandstone milestone in the wall surrounding Auchenlinnhe House. The inscribed 7 is the mileage to Dumbarton.

Willy Findlay

Old Kirk

About a mile north east of Balloch, an old black and white signpost indicates “BALLAGAN AND OLD KIRK”. It is now a struggle to reach Old Kirk even on foot. It is the site of a now derelict farm. Nearby, old maps show “Site of Chapel” where burial remains were once found.

Pete Marrison

Arable field

N Chadwick

John Muir Way

The John Muir Way is a 215-kilometre continuous long-distance route in southern Scotland, running from Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute in the west to Dunbar, East Lothian in the east. It is named in honour of the Scottish conservationist John Muir, who was born in Dunbar in 1838 and became a founder of the United States National Park Service. The route provides a coast-to-coast route across Scotland, linking Muir's birthplace with Scotland's first national park, Loch Lomond and The Trossachs, and Helensburgh, from where he left Scotland for the United States. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick

Pastureland

N Chadwick

Balloch Highland Games in front of the Castle

This shows Balloch Castle Country Park, which was the old venue for the Balloch Highland Games before they moved into the smaller Moss 'o Balloch Park. Whilst the band in the foreground performed, other groups tuned up their instruments and practised on the wide grass slope in front of Balloch Castle. (Entrance was free!) Run Rig (1991) and Oasis (1996) both held sell-out concerts at this same glorious venue beside the banks of Loch Lomond.

Pete Marrison

The end of Mollanbowie Farm

The area occupied by the current Mollanbowie housing estate (built by John Lawrence) had always been farmland until the late 1950’s. John McNeil’s farm once stood at the bend half way up Mollanbowie Road in the space now occupied by 25 Mollanbowie Rd. The last traces of the farm were removed in 2002 with the Byre being the last to be demolished.

Pete Marrison

REM Concert aftermath

The American rock group REM and 40,000 fans, descended on Balloch Saturday 18th June 2005. They played at Balloch Castle Country Park (on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond). Their song list included favourites “The One I Love”, “Everybody Hurts”, “Losing My Religion” and “Man on the Moon”. The band broke up in 2011. This was the deep litter scene at 8.30am the next morning after the one-night concert. The slopes were fortunately clear again by late afternoon. Runrig had previously played here in 1991 to a crowd of 50,000 and Oasis to 80,000 fans in 1996,

Pete Marrison

Mollanbowie Road Storm

On Monday 23 May 2011, shortly after midday, winds of up to 100 mph swept across parts of Scotland. At one stage 50,000 homes were without electricity; felled power lines and trees blocked train tracks and major roads. Ferry operator CalMac cancelled more than half of its services. Sadly there was also one fatality. At the top of Mollanbowie Road a massive oak tree uprooted and hit a passing van driven by a young family man. Link

Link

Pete Marrison

Balloch Castle Country Park

Balloch Country Park is a 200-acre country park on the southern tip of Loch Lomond. It was recognised as a country park in 1980, and it is the only country park in the Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park. Balloch Country Park features nature trails, guided walks, a walled garden, and picnic lawns with views of the Loch. It was originally developed in the early 19th century by John Buchanan, a partner in the Glasgow and Ship Bank, and the gardens were significantly improved by the Dennistoun-Browns, who bought the estate in 1851. Buchanan also built Balloch Castle, which now serves as the park's visitors' centre. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick

Balloch Castle Country Park

N Chadwick

Balloch Castle

Balloch Castle is an early 19th-century country house situated at the southern tip of Loch Lomond, in West Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Balloch was a property of the Lennox family from the 11th century, and the old castle was built in the 13th century. In the 19th century the estate was purchased by John Buchanan of Ardoch, who demolished the ruins of the old castle and erected the present building. The castle is Category A listed. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick

Boathouse, Balloch Castle Country Park

N Chadwick

Slipway, Loch Lomond

Loch Lomond is the largest lake in Britain. It is 24 miles long and covers 27 square miles. The loch lies along the Highland Boundary Fault. Wikipedia: Link

N Chadwick