Crosshouses Wood

Wood, Forest in Peeblesshire

Scotland

Crosshouses Wood

Signpost on the John Buchan Way Situated where the route leaves the tarmac road to take the track crossing the ridge of Cademuir and down into Peebles. — Signpost on the John Buchan Way Credit: Jim Barton

Crosshouses Wood is a picturesque forest located in Peeblesshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 500 hectares, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a popular destination for outdoor activities. The woodland is situated on the eastern side of the Tweed Valley, near the town of Peebles.

The forest is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, and birch. The dense canopy provides shelter to a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife spotting. Visitors may catch a glimpse of red squirrels, roe deer, and various species of birds such as woodpeckers and buzzards.

Crosshouses Wood offers a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the forest, allowing visitors to explore its natural beauty at their own pace. These trails are suitable for both walking and cycling, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts of all ages and abilities. The paths are clearly signposted, ensuring visitors can navigate the woodland easily.

In addition to its natural beauty, Crosshouses Wood also holds historical significance. The area was once part of the extensive hunting grounds of the Scottish kings and has remnants of ancient settlements. Archaeological finds have revealed evidence of human habitation dating back thousands of years.

Overall, Crosshouses Wood in Peeblesshire is a captivating woodland that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. With its diverse flora and fauna, well-maintained trails, and rich history, it is an ideal destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat.

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Crosshouses Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.633482/-3.2424594 or Grid Reference NT2138. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Signpost on the John Buchan Way

Situated where the route leaves the tarmac road to take the track crossing the ridge of Cademuir and down into Peebles.

Jim Barton

Old milestone below Cademuir

Shown as a milestone on the map, but any marking the stone might have had has now worn away.

Jim Barton

Iron Age hill fort defences on Cademuir

The scattered boulders in the grass, beyond the nearest fringe of loose boulders, have been embedded across the ridge to impede attackers on foot or horseback - there are over 60 in this view, protruding up to 50cm or so above ground. Obstacles such as this are known as 'chevaux de frise' and the concept was still used in the Second World War in the form of large concrete anti-tank defences around our coasts. NT2237 : Iron Age defensive structure, Cademuir Hill Fort shows a different view of these defences.

Jim Barton

Plaque on the Manor Bridge over the Tweed

The plaque is on the SW side of the bridge. Its lettering is not too clear, but reads: THIS BRIDGE ERECTED BY THE COUNTY AND PRIVATE SUBSCRIBERS WAS OPENED BY MISS PRINGLE KIDD OF WOODHOUSE AND NAMED BY HER MANOR BRIDGE 20TH MARCH 1883

Jim Barton

Manor Brig

18th Century bridge, Manor, Peebles.

David Robinson

Sheepdog trials, Manor

A damp day for the sheepdog trials at Woodhouse farm, Kirkton Manor. A simultaneous event is the Manor Water Hill Race, which starts from an adjacent field for a 10 mile round trip up to the summit of The Scrape (719m) and back.

Jim Barton

Dog versus sheep, Manor

Sheepdog trials at Woodhouse farm near Kirkton Manor; who is in charge here - man, dog, or sheep?

Jim Barton

In the Manor Valley

Looking towards Hallyards Farm

David Purchase

Near Caverhill, Manor Valley

Cademuir Hill is on the far side of the valley.

David Purchase

Manor Church, Kirkton Manor

The church bell dates from 1485 and is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, in Scotland.

David Purchase

A minor road to Peebles

This road is seen leaving Kirkton Manor.

David Purchase

Old Manor Brig, built 1702

This bridge over Manor Water is now structurally unsound, and is open only to pedestrians and cyclists. Vehicular traffic crosses the Tweed nearby, and reaches Peebles on the north side of that river.

David Purchase

Manor Bridge

This elegant bridge over the River Tweed was built in 1873 to serve the Manor valley, a cul-de-sac about 8 miles long. Prior to that, access was via the Old Manor Brig NT2339 : Old Manor Brig, built 1702, now closed to all except pedestrians and cyclists, and a minor road to Peebles by way of Manor Sware.

David Purchase