Black Rig Plantation

Wood, Forest in Midlothian

Scotland

Black Rig Plantation

Dam at Gladhouse Reservoir The reservoir was created by damming the South Esk and completed in 1879 as a water supply for Edinburgh.
Dam at Gladhouse Reservoir Credit: Jim Barton

Black Rig Plantation is a sprawling woodland area located in Midlothian, Scotland. Spanning over a vast expanse of land, it is situated in the heart of the picturesque countryside and is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem.

The plantation primarily consists of dense forests of various tree species, dominated by towering conifers such as Scots pine and Norway spruce. These trees create a dense canopy that provides shelter and a habitat for a wide range of flora and fauna. The woodland floor is covered in a thick carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the area.

Black Rig Plantation is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and birdwatchers. The woodland is home to a plethora of wildlife, including red squirrels, deer, and a variety of bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and finches. The diverse ecosystem attracts many birdwatching enthusiasts who come to observe and document the different species that inhabit the area.

The plantation is crisscrossed by a network of walking trails, allowing visitors to explore and immerse themselves in the natural surroundings. The trails offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, making it a perfect location for photographers and nature lovers.

Overall, Black Rig Plantation in Midlothian is a captivating woodland area that offers a serene and tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. Its rich biodiversity, scenic beauty, and well-maintained trails make it a cherished destination for those seeking to connect with nature.

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Black Rig Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.768202/-3.1352775 or Grid Reference NT2853. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dam at Gladhouse Reservoir The reservoir was created by damming the South Esk and completed in 1879 as a water supply for Edinburgh.
Dam at Gladhouse Reservoir
The reservoir was created by damming the South Esk and completed in 1879 as a water supply for Edinburgh.
Northern arm of Gladhouse Reservoir The dam and bridge to the outlet tower seen from the shore near Gladhouse.
Northern arm of Gladhouse Reservoir
The dam and bridge to the outlet tower seen from the shore near Gladhouse.
Spillway and outlet, Gladhouse Reservoir The spillway is in the foreground, currently dry.
Spillway and outlet, Gladhouse Reservoir
The spillway is in the foreground, currently dry.
Minor road to Mauldslie A public road that ends at Mauldslie farm.
Minor road to Mauldslie
A public road that ends at Mauldslie farm.
Field path between fences The left-hand fence encloses part of a deer farm.
Field path between fences
The left-hand fence encloses part of a deer farm.
Mauldslie, near Gladhouse Reservoir
Mauldslie, near Gladhouse Reservoir
Gladhouse Reservoir
Gladhouse Reservoir
Parking area, Gladhouse Reservoir A rather muddy lay-by near Gladhouse Reservoir on the access road to Moorfoot farm, with the escarpment of the Moorfoot Hills beyond.
Parking area, Gladhouse Reservoir
A rather muddy lay-by near Gladhouse Reservoir on the access road to Moorfoot farm, with the escarpment of the Moorfoot Hills beyond.
Aqueduct for Gladhouse Reservoir A straight concrete-lined channel taking water to the west end of the reservoir.
Aqueduct for Gladhouse Reservoir
A straight concrete-lined channel taking water to the west end of the reservoir.
Aqueduct for Gladhouse Reservoir (2) Further downstream along the channel shown in <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7112091">NT2853 : Aqueduct for Gladhouse Reservoir</a>.
Aqueduct for Gladhouse Reservoir (2)
Further downstream along the channel shown in NT2853 : Aqueduct for Gladhouse Reservoir.
Bay at the west end of Gladhouse Reservoir A tranquil bay surrounded by woodland.
Bay at the west end of Gladhouse Reservoir
A tranquil bay surrounded by woodland.
Shoreline at Gladhouse Reservoir The NW shoreline of this reservoir, completed in 1879 as a water supply for Edinburgh - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladhouse_Reservoir" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladhouse_Reservoir">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> for more details.
Shoreline at Gladhouse Reservoir
The NW shoreline of this reservoir, completed in 1879 as a water supply for Edinburgh - see LinkExternal link for more details.
Bank of Gladhouse Reservoir Stone facing on the bank of this reservoir, completed in 1879 by engineer James Leslie - see <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladhouse_Reservoir" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gladhouse_Reservoir">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> for more details.
Bank of Gladhouse Reservoir
Stone facing on the bank of this reservoir, completed in 1879 by engineer James Leslie - see LinkExternal link for more details.
Stubble field near Gladhouse Reservoir A field near Moorfoot farm.
Stubble field near Gladhouse Reservoir
A field near Moorfoot farm.
Car park sign, Gladhouse Reservoir The only car park on the access road to Moorfoot farm. Over the years, car parking provision around the reservoir has decreased - see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1713001">NT3054 : Gladhouse Reservoir from closed car park</a> and <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7113022">NT3054 : Blocked lay-by, Gladhouse Reservoir</a>. At least walkers are allowed here! The sign is fairly recent.
Car park sign, Gladhouse Reservoir
The only car park on the access road to Moorfoot farm. Over the years, car parking provision around the reservoir has decreased - see NT3054 : Gladhouse Reservoir from closed car park and NT3054 : Blocked lay-by, Gladhouse Reservoir. At least walkers are allowed here! The sign is fairly recent.
Track from Moorfoot farm Plenty of sheep and lambs around this farm by Gladhouse Reservoir. The track heads south to the valley of the River South Esk. Compare with <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/5263921">NT2952 : Track to the South Esk</a> taken in 2017.
Track from Moorfoot farm
Plenty of sheep and lambs around this farm by Gladhouse Reservoir. The track heads south to the valley of the River South Esk. Compare with NT2952 : Track to the South Esk taken in 2017.
Woolly fence, Moorfoot farm Sheep's wool built up on the fence by the track to the South Esk.
Woolly fence, Moorfoot farm
Sheep's wool built up on the fence by the track to the South Esk.
Heading S on track from Moorfoot Farm towards Gladhouse Cottage
Heading S on track from Moorfoot Farm towards Gladhouse Cottage
Show me another place!

Black Rig Plantation is located at Grid Ref: NT2853 (Lat: 55.768202, Lng: -3.1352775)

Unitary Authority: Midlothian

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///marsh.vowing.duck. Near Penicuik, Midlothian

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Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 55.768202,-3.1352775
Post Box
Collection Times: Mo-Fr 12:00; Sa 10:30
Operator: Royal Mail
Post Box Type: wall
Ref: EH23 66
Royal Cypher: GR
Royal Cypher Wikidata: Q33102273
Lat/Long: 55.7722976/-3.135269
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7698225/-3.1421203
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7695084/-3.1411764
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7692868/-3.1405138
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.768852/-3.1392115
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7685191/-3.1381634
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7683421/-3.1376591
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7676118/-3.1369132
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7668523/-3.136163
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7661044/-3.13539
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.765557/-3.1345065
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7649322/-3.1335439
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 55.7643355/-3.1326187
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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