Duncan's Belt

Wood, Forest in Midlothian

Scotland

Duncan's Belt

Path beside Harlaw Reservoir Showing the north-west corner of Harlaw Reservoir, a popular spot for anglers. The path round the Reservoir is frequented by walkers and cyclists.

Black Hill <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NT1863">NT1863</a> beyond. — Path beside Harlaw Reservoir Credit: Oliver Dixon

Duncan's Belt is a picturesque woodland area located in Midlothian, Scotland. Situated near the town of Wood, this enchanting forest is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

Covering an expansive area of approximately 500 acres, Duncan's Belt offers visitors a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it a haven for wildlife. The forest is predominantly comprised of native Scottish tree species, including oak, birch, and pine. These towering trees create a dense canopy, providing shade and shelter for a variety of small mammals, birds, and insects.

Tranquil pathways wind their way through the forest, allowing visitors to explore the beauty of Duncan's Belt at their own pace. The well-maintained trails offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, with glimpses of rolling hills and meandering rivers.

Nature enthusiasts will find plenty to discover within Duncan's Belt. The forest is home to a rich assortment of wildlife, including red squirrels, badgers, and various species of birds. Birdwatchers can spot woodpeckers, owls, and even the occasional buzzard soaring above the treetops. The forest also boasts an array of wildflowers, providing bursts of color throughout the seasons.

Duncan's Belt is not only a haven for wildlife, but also a recreational paradise. The forest offers numerous activities for visitors to enjoy, such as hiking, cycling, and picnicking. With designated picnic areas and well-marked trails, it is an ideal destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts seeking a day of exploration and relaxation.

In conclusion, Duncan's Belt is a captivating woodland area in Midlothian, Scotland, where visitors can immerse themselves in the wonders of nature. From its diverse flora and fauna to its scenic trails and recreational activities, this forest offers an idyllic escape for individuals seeking tranquility and adventure in equal measure.

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Duncan's Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.888075/-3.3144424 or Grid Reference NT1766. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Path beside Harlaw Reservoir

Showing the north-west corner of Harlaw Reservoir, a popular spot for anglers. The path round the Reservoir is frequented by walkers and cyclists. Black Hill NT1863 beyond.

Oliver Dixon

Control valve on Harlaw Reservoir

Bridge out from Harlaw Reservoir dam to the control mechanism. An angler fishes from the foot of the dam. West Kip NT1760 in the Pentland Hills can be seen on the skyline.

Oliver Dixon

Gabions by Harlaw Reservoir

Adjoining the eastern end of the dam.

Oliver Dixon

28 Weaver's Knowe Crescent, Currie

1960s Wimpey private housing on an estate to the west of Edinburgh. Semi-detached, three bedrooms, two 'public' rooms and kitchen. Gas fire but no central heating. See NT1768 : 1960s housing estate, Currie, suburban Edinburgh for an aerial view of the estate; this house is the one to the left of the pylon visible in that picture. For information, it cost us £3650.

M J Richardson

Harlaw Reservoir outflows

Banks supported by gabions.

Gordon Brown

Winter wheat at Kinleith

Nicely germinated, and looking up the slope to the Whiteside Plantation.

M J Richardson

Shelter belt by the Kinleith Burn

A group of pines, part of the Whiteside Plantations. The lean is genuine - looking south, so the prevailing winds come from the right and at 260 m a.s.l. in the Pentlands they can have quite an effect on the vegetation.

M J Richardson

Winter wheat at Kinleith

Last harvest's stubble in the foreground and next year's crop just emerging in the field beyond. Capelaw Hill on the skyline, under some nice lenticular or wave clouds.

M J Richardson

Farmland at Easter Kinleith

Barley stubbles and pasture, leading up to Warklaw Hill.

M J Richardson

Barley stubble at Easter Kinleith.

Looking north to the Lomond Hills of Fife, just visible on the centre horizon 40km away.

M J Richardson

Winter wheat in the Pentland Hills

A recently sown field where once there would only have been rough pasture. New cultivars allow winter cereals to be grown in quite severe conditions. This crop is not yet germinating, and there is evidence of erosion from rain run-off in the foreground. The long low hills in the distance are West and East Cairn Hills [10km to the southwest], the one on the left is Hare Hill, much nearer at 4km.

M J Richardson

Winter cereals at Kinleith

Looking across the trees lining the Kinleith Burn towards Capelaw Hill.

M J Richardson

The view from the top of Currie Kirkgate

A good viewpoint for the whole of western Edinburgh, with Currie in the valley of the Water of Leith beyond the field. Corstorphine Hill is the wooded hump on the right, and the Gyle and Hermiston Gait business and shopping areas provide most of the whiteness on the left.

M J Richardson

Barley stubble at Kinleith

With a pine and larch shelter belt running along the line of the Kinleith Burn.

M J Richardson

Farmland at Kinleith

Looking west across barley stubble to a gappy shelter belt.

M J Richardson

Tramlines in winter wheat

At Kinleith above Currie, which is on the outskirts of Edinburgh, where they have the same situation - tram lines, but no trams. Here, though, their absence is intentional.

M J Richardson