Lacesston Muir

Wood, Forest in Fife

Scotland

Lacesston Muir

West Lomond trigpoint Looking south-east with Harperleas and Ballo reservoirs in the background, — West Lomond trigpoint Credit: Becky Williamson

Lacesston Muir, located in Fife, Scotland, is a picturesque wood or forest that boasts a rich history and diverse natural beauty. Spread over an area of approximately 500 acres, this enchanting woodland is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor lovers alike.

The woodland is primarily composed of native Scottish trees, including oak, birch, and pine, which create a lush and vibrant environment. Lacesston Muir is home to a wide variety of plant and animal species, making it an important habitat for wildlife conservation. Visitors can expect to encounter various bird species, such as woodpeckers and owls, as well as small mammals like squirrels and foxes.

Moreover, Lacesston Muir has a fascinating historical significance. It has been used for centuries as a source of timber and fuel, with evidence of human activity dating back to the medieval era. The woodland is also known for its ancient standing stones, which are believed to have served as markers or religious sites in the past.

For those seeking outdoor activities, Lacesston Muir offers a network of well-maintained trails and pathways, making it an ideal location for walking, hiking, and cycling. The serene atmosphere and stunning natural surroundings provide a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.

In conclusion, Lacesston Muir in Fife is a captivating wood or forest that combines natural beauty, wildlife diversity, and historical significance. Whether for a leisurely stroll or a deeper exploration of its rich heritage, this woodland offers a memorable experience for all who visit.

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Lacesston Muir Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 56.246977/-3.3139835 or Grid Reference NO1806. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

West Lomond trigpoint

Looking south-east with Harperleas and Ballo reservoirs in the background,

Becky Williamson

Glen Vale and John Knoxâs Pulpit

Glen Vale, the Convenanters’ glen — a “ravine of rugged grandeur” — on account of the Presbyterian conventicles held during the ‘Killing Time’ in the late 17th Century when such Convenanters as John Welsh, John Blackadder, Alexander Peden and Donald Cargill preached in its seclusion. It is thought these Convenanters preached from an outcrop of calciferous sandstone on the north side of the glen called John Knox’s Pulpit. John Knox was the 16th-century founder of the Presbyterian Church of Scotland, although there is no evidence he even visited the glen yet alone preached from it. The rock crag is badly eroded and suffered from a major rockfall in 2004, after which the local council dislodged further hazardous outcrops. The rock was laid down as desert sand dunes 410-353 million years ago, when Scotland lay close to the Equator. It is characterised by thin layers called ‘pin stripes’ when sand was deposited by wind in an arid environment. It has given its name to a unique rock type: the Knox Pulpit Sandstone Formation. For sources see my blog Link

Mick Garratt

Devil's Burdens

The location of many prehistoric finds, over 100, mainly flint microliths and leaf-shaped and chisel arrowheads, including a Bronze Age battle-axe made of vesicular volcanic lava, two bladelets of pitchstone, and a single sherd of coarse pottery, probably prehistoric. Sources: ‘Devil’s Burdens, West Lomond | Canmore’. 2022. Canmore.org.uk <Link

> [accessed 29 October 2022] ‘Devil’s Burdens | Canmore’. 2022. Canmore.org.uk <Link

> [accessed 29 October 2022]

Mick Garratt

Glen Vale

Mick Garratt

Glen Burn waterfall

Mick Garratt

Wind And Weather

A small hillock with an intriguing name. "The name is reminiscent of the Scottish phrase commonly found in boundary charters and perambulations to indicate a water-shed, Englished as ‘where wind and weather shears’." ‘Fife Place-Name Data :: Wind and Weather’. 2022. Glasgow.ac.uk <Link

> [accessed 1 November 2022] ‌

Mick Garratt

The Bunnet Stane

Leanmeanmo

View towards East Lomond

The landscape looks rather bleak but it was actually a lovely spring day.

Bill Harrison

Cairn and trig point, West Lomond

West Lomond is the highest point in Fife, at 522 m. Geologically, it is part of the East Fife basanitic and foiditic plugs and vents, being igneous bedrock formed between 330.9 and 272.3 million years ago during the Carboniferous and Permian periods, or in simpler terms, an extinct volcano. According to the trigpointing.uk website, the trig point has reference number PP334 and was once a 'primary' reference point.

Bill Harrison

Path up the south-west side of West Lomond

The summit cone of West Lomond is a steep pull-up from any direction. It is just possible to make out the figure of a walker toiling up one of the less popular approach routes. The deep cleft of Glen Vale can be seen in the middle distance with Loch Leven beyond.

Oliver Dixon

West Lomond summit

Wear by many feet on this popular summit has resulted in the foundations of this trig pillar which was erected in the 1940s now being exposed by a good 50 cm.

Oliver Dixon

Summit cairn of West Lomond

With extensive, if slightly hazy, views to the north.

Oliver Dixon

Summit of West Lomond

Wear by many feet on this popular summit has resulted in the foundations of this trig pillar which was erected in the 1940s now being exposed by a good 50 cm. East Lomond NO2406 can be seen in the distance.

Oliver Dixon

Summit of West Lomond

Wear by many feet on this popular summit has resulted in the foundations of this trig pillar which was erected in the 1940s now being exposed by a good 50 cm.

Oliver Dixon

Path up the south-east side of West Lomond

The summit cone of West Lomond is a steep pull-up from any direction. This shows a couple of walkers toiling up one of the less popular approach routes. Beyond and below are Harperleas Reservoir NT2105, Ballo Reservoir NT2204 (further away) and Holl Reservoir NT2203 (to the right).

Oliver Dixon