Auchnafearn Wood

Wood, Forest in Morayshire

Scotland

Auchnafearn Wood

Old railway bridge over the A939 Credit: Steven Brown

Auchnafearn Wood is a beautiful forest located in Morayshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 400 hectares, it is a diverse and vibrant woodland that offers a stunning natural environment for visitors to explore. The wood is situated in a hilly region, with some areas reaching up to 200 meters above sea level.

The woodland is predominantly composed of deciduous trees, such as oak, birch, and beech, which create a rich and colorful canopy during the autumn months. Additionally, there are pockets of coniferous trees, including pine and spruce, which provide a contrasting green hue throughout the year.

Auchnafearn Wood is home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers. Visitors may spot red squirrels, roe deer, and numerous bird species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds. The wood also boasts a number of walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its beauty at their own pace.

Not only is Auchnafearn Wood a haven for wildlife, but it also serves as an important ecological site. The woodland plays a crucial role in preserving biodiversity in the region and provides a habitat for rare and endangered species.

Overall, Auchnafearn Wood is a captivating natural landscape that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. With its stunning scenery, diverse flora and fauna, and ecological significance, it is a must-visit destination for those seeking a true Scottish woodland experience.

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Auchnafearn Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.350355/-3.6244321 or Grid Reference NJ0230. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old railway bridge over the A939

Steven Brown

A939 towards Grantown on Spey

Steven Brown

Self-heal (Prunella vulgaris)

A late flower head still has its bright purple petals.

Anne Burgess

Footbridge

The bridge carries the Dava Way across Allt a' Bhacain. This is on the part of the route which is diverted off the former railway because the trackbed is said to be too wet.

Anne Burgess

A Field with a View

The rough field here is one of few gaps in the woods around Cottarton from which there is a view of part of the Cairngorms. The most prominent peak is Bynack More.

Anne Burgess

Castle Grant Gateway Arch

The arch was built by the railway company as part of the deal for allowing the railway to pass through the Earl of Seafield's land.

Ashfield

Craigbay

Camerorie

Camerorie

Upper Camerorie

Wester Camerorie

Snow gates on A939 by Cottartown

Alpin Stewart

Disused railway bridge north of Grantown-on-Spey

This bridge was built for the Inverness & Perth Junction Railway. The line between Aviemore and Forres was opened on 1st June 1863 and operated for more than a century, closing on 18 October 1965.

Alpin Stewart

Inverness and Perth Junction Railway

The Dava Way uses the trackbed of the Inverness and Perth Junction Railway between Grantown and Forres. This was the original line to Inverness and here it is approaching the ornate bridge over the A939 and site of a private halt for Castle Grant.

Richard Webb

Lady Catherine's Halt

On top of the ornate bridge NJ0330 : Highland Railway near Castle Grant over the A939. Here there was a private halt on the Inverness and Perth Junction Railway serving Castle Grant.

Richard Webb

Dava Way

Unable to use a section of the railway for the waymarked route between Forres and Grantown, the folk behind the Dava Way have negotiated a woodland path for a short section. Annoyance at being turfed off the railway is soon tempered by the enjoyment of a well built bit of singletrack. Unlike many of Sustrans' routes, the Dava Way is good to walk as well as cycle.

Richard Webb