Long Wood

Wood, Forest in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Long Wood

Water Wheelpit at Pibble Mine This wheelpit and associated roofless ruined building that stands alongside appear to part of the ore dressing works for Pibble Mine.
Below the building is a large area of grassed over finely crushed material that forms a fan. — Water Wheelpit at Pibble Mine Credit: Matthew Hatton

Long Wood is a picturesque forest located in the historical county of Kirkcudbrightshire, in the southwest of Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, this woodland is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking tranquility amidst the beauty of the Scottish countryside.

The forest is predominantly composed of a mix of deciduous and coniferous trees, creating a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. Towering oak, beech, and birch trees dominate the landscape, providing a dense canopy that offers shade during the summer months. The undergrowth is adorned with an array of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, adding to the enchanting ambiance of the woodland.

Long Wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace. These paths wind through the forest, offering glimpses of secluded glens, babbling brooks, and small ponds that are home to a variety of wildlife. It is not uncommon to spot red squirrels, roe deer, and a plethora of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls, as you wander through the woods.

The forest is also steeped in history, with remnants of ancient settlements and fortifications scattered throughout. Archaeological finds suggest that the area has been inhabited since Neolithic times, and remnants of Iron Age hillforts and Roman encampments have been discovered nearby.

Long Wood truly offers a captivating experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike, providing a peaceful retreat in the heart of Kirkcudbrightshire's stunning landscape.

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Long Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.918924/-4.3100641 or Grid Reference NX5260. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Water Wheelpit at Pibble Mine

This wheelpit and associated roofless ruined building that stands alongside appear to part of the ore dressing works for Pibble Mine. Below the building is a large area of grassed over finely crushed material that forms a fan.

Matthew Hatton

Mine Shaft, Pibble Mine

Rather a rubbish bit of fencing around this old mine shaft. I suppose the farm must be happy with it so long as his animals don't fall into it. In the background can be seen the Cornish Engine House, the main feature of Pibble Mine, and the spoil from the levels that penetrate the hillside. Having seen a YouTube video of the inside of this hill, I wouldn't recommend anyone attempting to explore it. The adits lead straight into stopes which plunge into the depths almost immediately.

Matthew Hatton

A Feat of Victorian Engineering

The Cornish Engine House at Pibble Mine was built for a Cornish steam-pumping engine. The engine is reputed to have been made in 1852 by the St Austell foundry in Cornwall. The engine house originally measured 15 m high, 9 m in length and 6 m wide with walls c0.8m thick. It is constructed of Creetown granite quoins (corner stones). The 'bob' wall has collapsed into the pumping shaft. To the side can be seen remains of the boiler house, this also has the footings of its chimney still recognisable.

Matthew Hatton

Mark Burn near Money Knowe

Small upland stream that begins its journey on Pibble Hill, and is probably full of heavy metals from the spoil heaps of the disused 19thC Pibble Mine.

Matthew Hatton

Upland pasture near Pibble Cottage

Beyond is Long Wood, a plantation of conifers, which suffered from the gale force winds in the winter of 2021-22, but it has framed the Cornish Engine House at Pibble Mine quite nicely!

Matthew Hatton

Minor road leading to Creetown

Peter Moore

Old Farm Machinery

This piece of rusting farm machinery has been abandoned on the slope beneath Pibble Mine. I photographed it in October 2012, and it's still there four years later in September 2016!

Forrest and Jen

Pibble Mine Reservoir

Pibble Mine is the site of the only Cornish pumping engine house on mainland Scotland. A reservoir was built a little to the west of the mine, and it is sometimes used by anglers. In 2012 there existed the remains of a wooden hut used by the anglers, but it had been blown down by the strong winds experienced there. Sometime in the intervening four years, it must have been replaced by another shelter, which has unfortunately been burnt down.

Forrest and Jen

Craig Bridge, north-east of Creetown

Craig Bridge is a standard rural bridge carrying the minor road from Creetown to Gatehouse of Fleet across the Moneypool Burn, a tributary of the River Cree.

G Laird