Broadlees Wood

Wood, Forest in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Broadlees Wood

Pyramidal Obelisk near West Linton Well, it probably can&#039;t officially be called an obelisk, due to having such sloping sides, but its only description on a map is &#039;pillar&#039; (this only shows up on very detailed online mapping, which is a bit odd considering the size of the structure) which is probably even less accurate a term.
The real conundrum with this thing regards what it is doing here in the first place! Investigations weren&#039;t that straightforward, but OS maps from around 1910 show the route of a pipeline, or &#039;conduit&#039; as they put it, right at the spot of the obelisk. The pipeline runs underground (apart from occasional aqueducts) so it seems a little odd for it to get plotted on maps. It takes water from the two mile long Talla Reservoir, a good way south of here, to southern Edinburgh, and its overall length is around 35 miles.
Although online information is a bit sketchy there are mentions of similar structures along the pipe&#039;s route. Apparently they are surveying towers. As the water gets to its destination solely by gravity accuracy was obviously required, but this still doesn&#039;t really explain why it is so grand. My best guess is that because the money required to convert a small water body into a massive reservoir was so huge, the money spent on these was just a drop in the ocean. Plus railway lines had to be constructed from various places to transport materials for the building of the reservoir at the turn of the 20th century. As with everything railway-related, there is a colossal amount of online information regarding them.
Thinking information about the structure would be readily available online I didn&#039;t bother measuring it, but I reckon it&#039;s around 20 feet high with a four foot square base. There were no obvious markings. — Pyramidal Obelisk near West Linton Credit: Ian Dodds

Broadlees Wood is a picturesque forest located in Peeblesshire, Scotland. Spanning over a vast area of land, this woodland is known for its diverse range of broadleaf trees that adorn the landscape, giving it its name. The wood is situated in a tranquil setting, surrounded by rolling hills and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

The forest boasts a rich biodiversity, with various plant and animal species calling it home. The canopy of towering trees provides a habitat for a multitude of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls. Additionally, the forest floor is carpeted with a wide array of flora, including bluebells, wild garlic, and ferns, creating a stunning natural tapestry.

Broadlees Wood is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. It offers a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the forest, allowing visitors to explore its beauty on foot. These trails cater to all levels of fitness and provide opportunities for leisurely strolls or more challenging hikes.

The wood is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, badgers, and red squirrels, making it a great spot for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the abundance of birdlife, as the forest attracts both resident and migratory species throughout the year.

Overall, Broadlees Wood is a haven of natural beauty, offering visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether exploring its trails, observing its wildlife, or simply enjoying the peaceful surroundings, this woodland is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace in nature.

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Broadlees Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.773032/-3.3023729 or Grid Reference NT1854. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Pyramidal Obelisk near West Linton

Well, it probably can't officially be called an obelisk, due to having such sloping sides, but its only description on a map is 'pillar' (this only shows up on very detailed online mapping, which is a bit odd considering the size of the structure) which is probably even less accurate a term. The real conundrum with this thing regards what it is doing here in the first place! Investigations weren't that straightforward, but OS maps from around 1910 show the route of a pipeline, or 'conduit' as they put it, right at the spot of the obelisk. The pipeline runs underground (apart from occasional aqueducts) so it seems a little odd for it to get plotted on maps. It takes water from the two mile long Talla Reservoir, a good way south of here, to southern Edinburgh, and its overall length is around 35 miles. Although online information is a bit sketchy there are mentions of similar structures along the pipe's route. Apparently they are surveying towers. As the water gets to its destination solely by gravity accuracy was obviously required, but this still doesn't really explain why it is so grand. My best guess is that because the money required to convert a small water body into a massive reservoir was so huge, the money spent on these was just a drop in the ocean. Plus railway lines had to be constructed from various places to transport materials for the building of the reservoir at the turn of the 20th century. As with everything railway-related, there is a colossal amount of online information regarding them. Thinking information about the structure would be readily available online I didn't bother measuring it, but I reckon it's around 20 feet high with a four foot square base. There were no obvious markings.

Ian Dodds

Grassland off Deanfoot Road

Grassland beneath the Pentland Hills.

Richard Webb

Deepsyke Forest

The ride carrying the Penicuik road has been widened recently. There are plans for opencast coal mining in the area.

Richard Webb

Road in Deepsyke Forest

A road between Penicuik and West Linton runs through the 1980s planted woodland on Harlaw Moss.

Richard Webb

Edge of Deepsyke Forest

The woodland edge on Harlaw Moor.

Richard Webb

Whitfield from Deanfoot Road

With Deepsyke Forest in the distance.

M J Richardson

Farmland at Whitfield on Deanfoot Road

Looking southwest towards Mendick Hill.

M J Richardson

Mount Maw from Deanfoot Road

Part of the Pentland Hills seen from the southeast after snow.

M J Richardson

The Pentland Hills from near West Linton

Looking north from Deanfoot Road towards Paties and Spittal Hills and Green Law in the Pentlands.

M J Richardson

Deanfoot Road

Between Whitfield and Upper Whitfield, heading towards Deepsyke Forest.

M J Richardson

Deepsyke Forest from the air

Viewed from a Prague bound flight from Edinburgh. Auchencorth Moss peat works NT1952 : Auchencorth Moss peat works. can be seen adjoining the top of the forest.

Thomas Nugent

Deepsyke Forest from the air

Viewed from a Prague bound flight from Edinburgh. Auchencorth Moss peat works NT1952 : Auchencorth Moss peat works. can be seen adjoining the forest.

Thomas Nugent

The Cairn burn and meter house

A tributary of the Lyne Water - not sure why this part is canalised and has a water meter house, but the whole area was heavily quarried and it may have something to do with that industrial history.

M J Richardson

Collapsed shed near Cleaves

Close to the canalised Cairn Burn.

M J Richardson

Coaly Burn near Cleaves

A tributary of the Cairn Burn, which in turn flows into the Lyne Water.

M J Richardson

Cairn Burn

Looking towards its source in Deepsyke Forest.

M J Richardson

Dismantled railway at Lamancha

Part of the industrial heritage of this area. With bridge parapet, weathered sleeper/fence-post, low-tension power supply, forestry plantation, and a patch of rainbow just visible in the centre.

M J Richardson