Mòine Chailleach

Wood, Forest in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Mòine Chailleach

River Don Looking downstream from the bridge that carries the A939. — River Don Credit: Anne Burgess

Mòine Chailleach, located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, is a captivating wood or forest that offers visitors a serene and enchanting experience. With a rich history and diverse ecosystems, this natural gem attracts nature enthusiasts, photographers, and those seeking tranquility.

Covering an area of approximately 500 hectares, Mòine Chailleach is characterized by its ancient Caledonian pine trees, which stand tall and majestic throughout the forest. These ancient trees, some of which are several centuries old, create a unique and mystical atmosphere, transporting visitors back in time. The forest floor is adorned with a lush carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding splashes of vibrant colors to the surroundings.

The forest also boasts a variety of wildlife, making it a haven for animal lovers. Red deer, roe deer, and wild boar are often spotted roaming freely in the forest, while birdwatchers can delight in the sight of golden eagles, ospreys, and capercaillie. Mòine Chailleach is also home to several rare and endangered species, including the Scottish wildcat and pine marten.

Walking trails wind through the forest, offering visitors the chance to immerse themselves in nature and explore the breathtaking surroundings. These trails provide opportunities for both leisurely strolls and more challenging hikes, catering to all levels of fitness and ability.

Overall, Mòine Chailleach is a captivating woodland that offers a unique blend of natural beauty, history, and wildlife. Whether you seek solace in the tranquility of the forest or wish to discover the wonders of Scottish nature, a visit to Mòine Chailleach is sure to leave a lasting impression.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Mòine Chailleach Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.158402/-3.1971653 or Grid Reference NJ2708. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

River Don

Looking downstream from the bridge that carries the A939.

Anne Burgess

River Don

Looking upstream from the A939 bridge.

Anne Burgess

Colnabaichin Toll House

Instantly recognisable as a toll house because of the windows set at 45º to the road, so that the toll keeper could easily see approaching traffic. It is a Category C Listed building. See Link

for details and some history.

Anne Burgess

Post Box

A rural post box still in regular use. It is a type manufactured by the Carron Company, near Falkirk.

Anne Burgess

House at Colnabaichin

A small house just off the A944 close to its junction with the A939.

Anne Burgess

Sheep in Strathdon

Pasture land beside the River Don.

Anne Burgess

Warning Notice

The roads authority finally realised that NJ2900 : Trouble at the bridge!, built in the 1740s, is totally unsuitable for use by large and heavy vehicles. I have more than once waited there while a tour bus has decanted its passengers to inch gingerly across the hump and round the right-angled bend immediately north of it. And of course it's always necessary to tell drivers not to trust their SatNav. The tall new road signs at the actual junction are shrouded in cloth so I can't tell what they are saying.

Anne Burgess

Pasture Land in Strath Don

Looking down the strath from outside the community hall.

Anne Burgess

Corgarff Hall

In summer the hall contains an exhibition of photographs by locally based photographer Gerard Murphy Link

Anne Burgess

Corgarff War Memorial

Situated close to the community hall at Corgarff.

Anne Burgess

Corgarff community hall

A hub of activity for the remote village sited to the south of the A939 road.

Bill Harrison

Strathdon vista

View down the River Don valley at the edge of the Highlands. The A939 road can be seen in the blown-up photo.

Bill Harrison

Corgarff war memorial

A fine setting in the upper valley of the River Don. Twelve men were lost in WW1 and two in WW2. For 'the men behind the names', see: Link

Bill Harrison

Former Corgarff Parish Kirk

The B-listed (LB16176 Link

) granite kirk dates from ca. 1835 and is oriented roughly north-south. Designed for reformed worship, the windowless west wall accommodated box pews and a gallery with the pulpit at the centre of the east wall, which has four large pointed windows.

Bill Harrison

Corgarff view

The Old Smithy beside the A939 and farther back, West Corriehoul farmstead. According to Celtic Place-names in Aberdeenshire by John Milne, 'corriehoul' means 'corry of the howe', which in turn means 'cirque of the tumulus' (or cairn) and the 1900 25-inch OS map shows a cairn a few hundred metres to the north-east.

Bill Harrison