Catter Wood

Wood, Forest in Dunbartonshire

Scotland

Catter Wood

Grazing ponies Beside Spittal. — Grazing ponies Credit: Richard Sutcliffe

Catter Wood is a picturesque forest located in Dunbartonshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 100 hectares, the wood is a haven of natural beauty and tranquility. The forest is dominated by a variety of native tree species, including oak, birch, beech, and rowan, creating a diverse and lush landscape.

The wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained footpaths, making it a popular destination for walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts. The paths lead visitors on a journey through the forest, with stunning views of the surrounding countryside and glimpses of local wildlife along the way.

Catter Wood is home to a rich biodiversity, housing an array of flora and fauna. The forest provides a habitat for numerous bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and thrushes, making it a haven for birdwatchers. Red squirrels, foxes, and deer are also frequently spotted within the wood, adding to its charm and appeal.

The wood has a fascinating history, with remnants of ancient settlements and archaeological sites scattered throughout. Ruins of old stone cottages and walls can be found, telling tales of past human habitation and rural life in this area.

Catter Wood offers visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and immerse themselves in the beauty of nature. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a challenging hike, or simply a moment of solitude, the wood provides a serene and enchanting experience for all who visit.

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Catter Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.052242/-4.4715774 or Grid Reference NS4687. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Grazing ponies

Beside Spittal.

Richard Sutcliffe

Confined space

The padlocked door gives access to some steps down into some kind of chamber - presumably relating to water supply. The sign on the door warns of a 'confined space' and no unauthorised entry.

Richard Sutcliffe

Route of the old railway line

The overgrown route of the Forth and Clyde Junction Railway, which ran from Stirling to Balloch.

Richard Sutcliffe

Croftamie Farm

Seen from the minor road to the southwest of the village.

Richard Sutcliffe

Minor road passing Kilderran

The road runs from Croftamie to Shandon Farm and beyond.

Richard Sutcliffe

Old milestone

This shows the left side of the red sandstone milestone in the wall opposite the Buchanan Arms in Drymen. A very worn 22 can just be made out which is the mileage to Stirling. It is marked on the 1776 Taylor & Skinner map 1776 and is on the route of the Old Military Road built by Major William Caufeild 1765-97

Chris Minto

Old milestone

This shows the right face of the red sandstone milestone in the wall opposite the Buchanan Arms in Drymen. A faint 12 can be made out which is the distance to Dumbarton. There is a similar stone on the A811 in West Dunbartonshire at NS 4148 8525.

Chris Minto

Drymen Bridge over Endrick Water

John Ferguson

Drymen

View south towards the Balmaha turning where there is a big variable message sign with a couple of the usual parkspeak hectoring messages referring to parking responsibly and generally not trashing the place.

Richard Webb

Cafe, Drymen

Once a bike shop.

Richard Webb

The Village Hub, Drymen

Village shop selling local produce and zero-waste products

Eirian Evans

The Winnock Hotel, Drymen

Eirian Evans

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

Drymen Parish Church and part of its Burial Ground

Viewed from the north.

Peter Wood

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