Castle Hill Plantation

Wood, Forest in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Castle Hill Plantation

Inlet, Knockbrex Bay Rock outcrops, almost covered by turf, at the side of an inlet on Knockbrex Bay. Knockbrex House can be seen over the coastal fields. — Inlet, Knockbrex Bay Credit: Jonathan Wilkins

Castle Hill Plantation is a sprawling woodland located in Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, it is renowned for its picturesque beauty and rich biodiversity. The plantation is situated on the slopes of Castle Hill, which offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The plantation is primarily composed of mixed woodland, featuring a diverse range of tree species including oak, beech, ash, and birch. These trees provide a habitat for a wide variety of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Visitors can spot numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and buzzards, as well as mammals such as red squirrels and roe deer.

The woodland is well-maintained, with carefully laid-out paths and trails that allow visitors to explore its natural wonders. There are also designated picnic areas and viewpoints for visitors to relax and take in the tranquil surroundings. In addition, the plantation offers opportunities for outdoor activities such as hiking and mountain biking, with trails of varying difficulty levels.

Castle Hill Plantation is not only a haven for nature lovers but also holds historical significance. The name "Castle Hill" refers to the remains of an ancient hillfort that once stood on the site, dating back to the Iron Age. The plantation's location near the historic town of Kirkcudbright further adds to its cultural appeal.

With its diverse ecosystem, scenic beauty, and historical significance, Castle Hill Plantation is a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Kirkcudbrightshire's natural wonders.

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Castle Hill Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.825841/-4.2074539 or Grid Reference NX5850. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Inlet, Knockbrex Bay

Rock outcrops, almost covered by turf, at the side of an inlet on Knockbrex Bay. Knockbrex House can be seen over the coastal fields.

Jonathan Wilkins

Folded strata

Rock outcrops on the shore are bedded greywackes belonging to the Kirkmaiden Formation, of Silurian (Llandovery) age. Their hardness and resistance to erosion is due to their state of metamorphism through deep burial during continental collision. The folding demonstrated here was caused by differential movement along faults separating adjacent slices of sediments as they were scraped off a descending oceanic plate (an "accretionary prism").

Jonathan Wilkins

Upright strata

Large areas of the foreshore here comprise vertically disposed beds of Silurian greywacke which show only gentle folding. See also NX5749 : Folded strata for an interpretation of the disposition and nature of the rocks here.

Jonathan Wilkins

Coastal pasture, Knockbrex

Richard Webb

Low tide near Ardwall Isle

Two men on the east side of Ardwall Isle were taking advantage of an evening low tide to collect some whelks.

Walter Baxter

Corseyard Dairy

A real oddity, in stile it aspires to appear as a church.

Chris Andrews

Unused gate

Unused gate on the Knockbrex Estate.

Chris McAuley

Corseyard Dairy

Corseyard Dairy, (locally known as Coo Palace) with a water tower designed to look like a medieval Scottish fortified house, constructed for the then laird of nearby Knockbrex estate, James Brown, chairman of Affleck & Brown, a Manchester department store. Link

Chris McAuley

Boundary Wall

A section of Corseyard Dairy, boundary wall.

Chris McAuley

Ardwall Isle

This is at the southwest corner of the small tidal island in Wigtown Bay looking over to Murray’s Isles.

Walter Baxter

Navigation pillars at Knockbrex Bay

Three pillars in the bay act as navigation markers for a small harbour at Knockbrex. This was viewed at low tide.

Walter Baxter

A cairn on Ardwall Isle

The cairn at 34m marks the high spot of this small tidal island in Wigtown Bay.

Walter Baxter

Ardwall Isle

This is at the southwest edge of this small tidal island in Wigtown Bay at low tide.

Walter Baxter

Corseyard Dairy for sale

This Gothic style dairy steading was original built for James Brown of Knockbrex. The site is currently marketed for sale and the foreground sign reads:- Grade A Listed Edwardian Dairy with lapsed planning for conversion to Residential and/or Business use Available as a whole or in 3 lots

Walter Baxter

Corseyard Dairy Tower

The Corseyard Dairy buildings are currently marketed for sale. For a wider view, see NX5948 : Corseyard Dairy for sale.

Walter Baxter

A navigation pillar at Knockbrex Bay

This is one of three pillars that act as navigation markers for a small harbour at Knockbrex. For a view of all three pillars, see NX5849 : Navigation pillars at Knockbrex Bay.

Walter Baxter

A navigation pillar at Knockbrex Bay

This is one of three pillars that act as navigation markers for a small harbour at Knockbrex. The harbour is just out of shot to the right. For a view of all three pillars, see NX5849 : Navigation pillars at Knockbrex Bay.

Walter Baxter