Scug Wood

Wood, Forest in Banffshire

Scotland

Scug Wood

Loch Park The Keith &amp; Dufftown railway follows the south shore of this attractive loch. — Loch Park Credit: Mary and Angus Hogg

Scug Wood is a picturesque forest located in the region of Banffshire, Scotland. With its stunning natural beauty and diverse range of flora and fauna, it offers a tranquil retreat for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike. Spanning over a vast area, Scug Wood is a well-preserved habitat that showcases the region's rich biodiversity.

The wood is mainly composed of native tree species such as oak, birch, and pine, each contributing to the vibrant and lush landscape. The dense canopy formed by these towering trees creates a cool and shaded environment, perfect for leisurely walks or picnics on sunny days. The forest floor is covered in a carpet of mosses, ferns, and wildflowers, adding to the charm and beauty of the woodland.

Scug Wood is home to a wide variety of wildlife, making it a haven for animal lovers and birdwatchers. Visitors may encounter red squirrels, roe deer, and even the elusive Scottish wildcat while exploring the forest. Bird species such as woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds can also be spotted among the treetops, their melodic calls filling the air.

The wood is crisscrossed with well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore its enchanting corners at their own pace. These paths range from easy strolls to more challenging hikes, catering to different fitness levels and preferences. Along the way, informative signage provides insights into the wood's history, ecology, and conservation efforts.

Scug Wood is not only a haven for nature lovers but also a significant site for environmental research and conservation initiatives. Its unique ecosystem and biodiversity make it an important area for preserving and studying Scotland's natural heritage.

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Scug Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.466321/-3.0514567 or Grid Reference NJ3742. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Loch Park

The Keith & Dufftown railway follows the south shore of this attractive loch.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Footbridge Over The River Isla

The river is quite small here. Viewed from the Keith & Dufftown Railway.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Belnascoug

Or, rather, the site where Belnascoug once stood. From the Ordnance Survey 25-inch-to-the-mile map published in 1868, it looks as if the steading was between the two trees (though they may not have been there at that time) and the house was at right angles to the steading, on the other side of the track which runs along this side of the fence. The farmer dug up the last vestiges of the masonry fifteen or twenty years ago.

Anne Burgess

Midthird

The farm buildings of Midthird are beside the minor road which links Drummuir and Auchindoun.

Anne Burgess

The Scug

On the right is the edge of Scug Wood, and the dip in the middle distance is where the Burn of Aultnaknowe runs.

Anne Burgess

Balnascoog

Or, rather, the site where Balnascoog once stood. From the Ordnance Survey 25-inch-to-the-mile map published in 1868, it looks as if the steading was to the left of the half-dead tree (though it may not have been there at that time) and the house was at right angles to the steading, on this side of the fence, which explains why there is a kink in the line of the fence. The farmer dug up the last vestiges of the masonry fifteen or twenty years ago.

Anne Burgess

Looking towards Blackmuir

The farm of Blackmuir is only a few hundred yards away, but it is in the next square. The fence follows the line of an old track.

Anne Burgess

Burn of Aultnaknowe

The burn drains the eastern slopes of Scug Wood, which is to the right here. The water is barely visible among the lush vegetation following recent wet weather.

Anne Burgess

Blackmuir

The house at Blackmuir is undergoing renovation after changing hands.

Anne Burgess

Midthird

From here, the house at Midthird is hidden behind the outbuildings. The Glack Burn occupies the hollow between here and Midthird.

Anne Burgess

Track to Scug Wood

The two ruts parallel to the fence are the remains of a track which led from Glackmuck to Blackmuir via Belnascoug. This is where it crosses the Burn of Aultnaknowe.

Anne Burgess