Flanders Moss

Wood, Forest in Stirlingshire

Scotland

Flanders Moss

Crossing Flanders Moss The Forestry Commission track following the route of the Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway eventually links up with the National Cycle Network Route 7 at Cobeland.  The surface is relatively rough and towards its northern extent, becomes narrow with encroaching vegetation.

In the distance, the peaks of Ben Lomond (far left) and Ben Venue (right of centre) can be noted.
Crossing Flanders Moss Credit: James T M Towill

Flanders Moss, located in Stirlingshire, Scotland, is a unique and ecologically diverse woodland and wetland area. Covering an impressive 2,500 hectares, it is one of the largest raised bogs in the United Kingdom. The moss consists of a mix of open water, fen, and bog habitats, making it a crucial site for biodiversity conservation.

The main feature of Flanders Moss is its extensive blanket of sphagnum moss, which covers the landscape like a vibrant green carpet. This moss plays a vital role in the functioning of the wetland ecosystem by capturing carbon, filtering water, and providing a habitat for numerous plant and animal species. The bog also acts as a natural floodplain, absorbing excess water and helping to prevent flooding downstream.

Visitors to Flanders Moss can explore the area on a network of well-maintained boardwalks and paths. These allow for easy access while minimizing disturbance to the delicate ecosystem. The moss is home to a variety of plant species, including cotton grass, heather, and bog myrtle, which add a splash of color to the landscape. Birdwatchers can marvel at the sight of rare species such as hen harriers, merlins, and snipe, as well as resident waterfowl.

Managed by the Scottish Natural Heritage, Flanders Moss is not only a haven for wildlife but also offers educational opportunities. The on-site visitor center provides information about the moss's ecology and history, while guided tours and events offer visitors a chance to learn more about this fascinating and important natural area.

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Flanders Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.134344/-4.306725 or Grid Reference NS5695. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Crossing Flanders Moss The Forestry Commission track following the route of the Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway eventually links up with the National Cycle Network Route 7 at Cobeland.  The surface is relatively rough and towards its northern extent, becomes narrow with encroaching vegetation.

In the distance, the peaks of Ben Lomond (far left) and Ben Venue (right of centre) can be noted.
Crossing Flanders Moss
The Forestry Commission track following the route of the Strathendrick and Aberfoyle Railway eventually links up with the National Cycle Network Route 7 at Cobeland. The surface is relatively rough and towards its northern extent, becomes narrow with encroaching vegetation. In the distance, the peaks of Ben Lomond (far left) and Ben Venue (right of centre) can be noted.
Auchentroig Burn A railway line was completed in 1882 across Flanders Moss between Buchlyvie and Aberfoyle. It closed in the late 1950's and is now a forestry road, here crossing a small tributary of the River Forth.
Auchentroig Burn
A railway line was completed in 1882 across Flanders Moss between Buchlyvie and Aberfoyle. It closed in the late 1950's and is now a forestry road, here crossing a small tributary of the River Forth.
Bridge over Kelty Water at Barbadoes Heading north along the course of the old railway line from Buchlyvie to Aberfoyle this is the second of three river bridge crossings.
Bridge over Kelty Water at Barbadoes
Heading north along the course of the old railway line from Buchlyvie to Aberfoyle this is the second of three river bridge crossings.
Easter Kepdowrie View towards distant Ben Ledi
Easter Kepdowrie
View towards distant Ben Ledi
Ballochneck bridge
Ballochneck bridge
Rotting By The Riverside A rather impressive dead tree beside the River Forth near Collymoon Farm.  In the distance, the distinctive shape of Ben Lomond can just be noted.
Rotting By The Riverside
A rather impressive dead tree beside the River Forth near Collymoon Farm. In the distance, the distinctive shape of Ben Lomond can just be noted.
Sown Field At Collymoon Farm Alongside the River Forth, one of several recently sown fields.  In the distance, an incoming heavy shower over Buchlyvie darkens the skies.
Sown Field At Collymoon Farm
Alongside the River Forth, one of several recently sown fields. In the distance, an incoming heavy shower over Buchlyvie darkens the skies.
Haymaking Complete At Over Easter Offerance Tractor, drum mower and round baler abandoned at Over Easter Offerance.
Haymaking Complete At Over Easter Offerance
Tractor, drum mower and round baler abandoned at Over Easter Offerance.
March Of The Power Lines Power lines crossing the River Forth between Collymoon Farm and Over Easter Offerance.
March Of The Power Lines
Power lines crossing the River Forth between Collymoon Farm and Over Easter Offerance.
Reeds And Riparian Oak Beside the River Forth between Collymoon Farm and Over Easter Offerance.
Reeds And Riparian Oak
Beside the River Forth between Collymoon Farm and Over Easter Offerance.
Bright Skies A day of prolonged sunny periods and occasional heavy showers in the upper Forth floodplain.
Bright Skies
A day of prolonged sunny periods and occasional heavy showers in the upper Forth floodplain.
Track Alongside Collymoon Moss A rough track sandwiched between Collymoon Moss and the River Forth, facilitating access between Collymoon and Whitehill Farms.
Track Alongside Collymoon Moss
A rough track sandwiched between Collymoon Moss and the River Forth, facilitating access between Collymoon and Whitehill Farms.
The River Forth Near Whitehill Collymoon Moss woodland can be seen to the left; in the distance, the Touch Hills.
The River Forth Near Whitehill
Collymoon Moss woodland can be seen to the left; in the distance, the Touch Hills.
Approaching The Former Mye Siding Approaching the location of the former Mye Siding, adjacent to Gartentruach Farm.
Approaching The Former Mye Siding
Approaching the location of the former Mye Siding, adjacent to Gartentruach Farm.
Old Level Crossing Gates Old level crossing gates at the former Mye Siding, near Buchlyvie.
Old Level Crossing Gates
Old level crossing gates at the former Mye Siding, near Buchlyvie.
West Of Mye Siding The former trackbed with Mye Siding/level crossing in the distance.  This is part of the 'Core Path' to Buchlyvie.
West Of Mye Siding
The former trackbed with Mye Siding/level crossing in the distance. This is part of the 'Core Path' to Buchlyvie.
Remnant From Railway Days A remnant from the former Forth And Clyde Junction Railway pokes out above the vegetation.  

Further information about the path can be found at: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.heritagepaths.co.uk/pathdetails.php?path=310" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.heritagepaths.co.uk/pathdetails.php?path=310">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span>
Remnant From Railway Days
A remnant from the former Forth And Clyde Junction Railway pokes out above the vegetation. Further information about the path can be found at: LinkExternal link
Passing Through A Cutting On the final section to Buchlyvie Station, the former trackbed is used by agricultural traffic for a short section.
Passing Through A Cutting
On the final section to Buchlyvie Station, the former trackbed is used by agricultural traffic for a short section.
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Flanders Moss is located at Grid Ref: NS5695 (Lat: 56.134344, Lng: -4.306725)

Unitary Authority: Stirling

Police Authority: Forth Valley

What 3 Words

///crank.entitle.hobbies. Near Balfron, Stirling

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Flanders Moss

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