Black Wood

Wood, Forest in Stirlingshire

Scotland

Black Wood

Track leading to Slackdhu above Strathblane Credit: Chris Upson

Black Wood is a picturesque forest located in Stirlingshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 3.5 square kilometers, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The wood is situated near the town of Doune, just a short drive from the city of Stirling.

Black Wood is predominantly composed of native broadleaf trees, such as oak, birch, and hazel, which create a diverse and vibrant ecosystem. The forest floor is covered with a rich carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to its natural beauty. The canopy of the wood provides a haven for a wide range of bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds, making it a haven for birdwatchers.

The forest is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its enchanting surroundings. The paths meander through the dense woodland, leading to hidden glades, babbling brooks, and even a small waterfall. Along the way, there are several viewpoints that offer breathtaking vistas of the surrounding countryside.

Black Wood is also steeped in history, with remnants of ancient settlements and structures scattered throughout. Archaeological evidence suggests that the area has been inhabited since prehistoric times, and it is believed to have been a significant site during the Roman occupation of Scotland.

Overall, Black Wood in Stirlingshire is a captivating destination that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich history make it a must-visit location for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in the Scottish countryside.

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Black Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.983121/-4.3325938 or Grid Reference NS5479. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Track leading to Slackdhu above Strathblane

Chris Upson

Arlehaven

Located next to West Highland Way

Iain Thompson

View Across Strath Blane

Iain Thompson

Slump

A recent and rather large landslide on the slopes beneath Slackdhu.

David Robertson

Arlehaven on the West Highland Way

The path of the West Highland Way can be seen with Dumgoyne in the background.

Dannie Calder

Remains of Arlehaven

Some mishap has befallen the house at Arlehaven, its previous, idyllic state shown in NS5380 : Arlehaven. The pile of stones to the right, just below halfway, seems to be all that remains, plus some abandoned electrical appliances.

Alec MacKinnon

West Highland Way at Arlehaven

The path of the West Highland Way has clearly seen many visitors in recent days, so its line is quite clear at the bottom of the picture, even if its surface currently resembles a ski piste. The distinctively shaped hill Dumgoyne lies in the distance. At top right you can still see the telephone line that served the now destroyed house at Arlehaven ( NS5380 : Remains of Arlehaven ).

Alec MacKinnon

Solitary tree

The tree is viewed from the West Highland Way between Arlehaven and Dumgoyach. Higher ground stands to the west as the path sinks towards the Blane Valley; hence the tree's apparent isolation, and the still-lit sky behind it in the middle of the afternoon.

Alec MacKinnon

Edge of the Strathblane Hills

David Robertson

Dumgoyach, Dumgoyne and the West Highland Way

Just north of Carbeth Loch on the long distance path from Milngavie to Fort William.

Stephen Sweeney

House by the A81

In Strath Blane.

Stephen Sweeney

Middle Ballewan

From the A81 near Blanefield.

Stephen Sweeney

Very old signpost on the A81

I'm sure no-one nowadays needs directions to the Glasgow Royal Exchange, and the only evidence I can find for Aberfoyle being spelled Aberfoil is on an 1863 map, so how old is this milepost?! Impressive.

Stephen Sweeney

Campsie Dene Road

From the town/country boundary, looking towards Campsie Dene House.

Stephen Sweeney

Woodland, Craigbrock

A narrow strip of woodland rises from the A81.

Richard Webb

Middle Ballewan

Pheasant pens in Strathblane.

Richard Webb

A81 milepost

An iron milepost, one of several on the road. If not local and travelling from the north, the Glasgow 12 takes a bit of believing. Here in Strathblane there is little evidence (other than the traffic) that the centre of a great city is only 19km distant. Note the spelling - probably an alternative now lost, chosen for brevity over Aberfoyle.

Richard Webb