Black Wood

Wood, Forest in Dunbartonshire

Scotland

Black Wood

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. — Old Kirk Credit: Pete Marrison

Black Wood is a dense forest located in the Dunbartonshire region of Scotland. It spans an area of approximately 500 hectares and is known for its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty. The woodland is situated on the southern slopes of the Kilpatrick Hills, offering stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes.

The forest is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees, such as oak, birch, and rowan, creating a varied and vibrant ecosystem. It is also home to a diverse array of wildlife, including red deer, badgers, foxes, and a wide range of bird species. Birdwatchers often flock to Black Wood to catch glimpses of rare and migratory birds that inhabit the area.

The woodland is crisscrossed by several well-maintained trails, making it a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts. Visitors can explore the forest through these trails, which offer opportunities for peaceful walks and birdwatching. Additionally, the forest is equipped with picnic areas and viewpoints, allowing visitors to relax and take in the natural beauty of the surroundings.

Black Wood is also of historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements and structures scattered throughout the forest. These archaeological sites provide insights into the area's past and add an extra layer of intrigue to the natural beauty of the wood.

Overall, Black Wood in Dunbartonshire is a captivating forest that offers a unique combination of natural beauty, biodiversity, and historical significance. It is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike, providing a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life.

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Black Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.010655/-4.5610101 or Grid Reference NS4082. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

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

A811 Stirling Road, Balloch

Alpin Stewart

Balloch Road, Alexandria

Alpin Stewart

The Stables Restaurant & Bar

This family-run restaurant is situated on the northeast side of Carrochan Road, Balloch (A813), half way between Balloch and Jamestown. It was originally known as the "Roundabout Inn". It closed indefinitely in autumn 2022.

Pete Marrison

Postbox Dalvait Rd, Balloch

This Postbox was on the pavement outside the Well Pharmacy on Dalvait Rd, Balloch. It was removed (2020) after the Post Office was moved from Dalvait Rd to the Co-op Store, Carrochan Rd, Balloch.

Pete Marrison

Esso Filling Station

This Filling Station was at the east end of Balloch Bridge opposite the then “Balloch Hotel”. The Filling Station was demolished in 2007 and the Riverside Apartments NS3981 : Riverside Apartments, Balloch were built on the same site. Locally the filling station was often referred to as “Lynn’s Garage” acknowledging its previous ownership and usage.

Pete Marrison

Riverside Apartments, Balloch

These apartments with commercial space at ground level are at the east end of Balloch Bridge opposite the “Balloch House Hotel”. The site was formerly occupied by an Esso filling station NS3981 : Esso Filling Station.

Pete Marrison

Beechwood, Balloch Road, Balloch

This cottage is adjacent to the Balloch Bus Stance. Up until the late 1990s it was used by the Royal Bank of Scotland, opening mornings only. For many years, in front of the bay window, there has been a stone blade-sharpener, mounted on its wooden trestle.

Pete Marrison

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

Mandarins on the River Leven at Balloch

A mandarin duck and two drakes. They are sheltering at their normal spot under branches near the jetty on the east side of the River Leven about 100 metres upstream from the Balloch House Hotel. They are not permanent residents but for several years have been occasional visitors. Unlike the lone Black Swan which appeared in 2004 and the Muscovy Duck in 2013/14 and haven’t been seen since. The mandarins often attract an army of ‘twitchers’ with long lenses.

Pete Marrison

Spontaneous Ice Crystals 1

This is one of two photos taken at Drumkinnon Bay a couple of days before Christmas 2010. The other image is NS3882 : Spontaneous Ice Crystals 2 It was cold, but probably no more than minus 6 degrees centigrade; nothing to write home about. However some form of meteorological phenomena caused ice crystals to build on top of the iced-up bay. Almost like some cold version of spontaneous combustion. There was no snow that day. I thought it might be freezing fog, hoar frost or rime. I have been told it is rime and is not unusual at higher altitudes. I had never seen anything quite like it before or since.

Pete Marrison

Spontaneous Ice Crystals 2

This is one of two photos taken at Drumkinnon Bay a couple of days before Christmas 2010. The other image is NS3882 : Spontaneous Ice Crystals 1 It was cold, but probably no more than minus 6 degrees centigrade; nothing to write home about. However some form of meteorological phenomena caused ice crystals to build on top of the iced-up bay. Almost like some cold version of spontaneous combustion. There was no snow that day. I thought it might be freezing fog, hoar frost or rime. I have been told it is rime and is not unusual at higher altitudes. I had never seen anything quite like it before or since.

Pete Marrison

Frozen Pipes

This shot was taken at Drumkinnon Bay a couple of days before Christmas 2010, It was a few minutes and about 200 metres away from the two Rime Crystals images NS3882 : Spontaneous Ice Crystals 1 and NS3882 : Spontaneous Ice Crystals 2. The close up of the frosted up metal railings frames the multi photographed Maid of the Loch.

Pete Marrison

Drumkinnon Build 2001

Loch Lomond Shores was constructed in 2001/2. It comprised three buildings: the retail centre/shopping crescent, Drumkinnon Tower, and the Loch Lomond Gateway centre at the north end of the site. The Tower was built first. The shopping crescent now occupies the bulk of the left hand side of this picture. Shortly after its completion, the tower it was unkindly nicknamed ‘Chernobyl’ by some locals. Drumkinnon Tower currently houses the SEA LIFE Loch Lomond Aquarium.

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

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Black Wood is located at Grid Ref: NS4082 (Lat: 56.010655, Lng: -4.5610101)

Unitary Authority: West Dunbartonshire

Police Authority: Argyll and West Dunbartonshire