Ardgaithnie Wood

Wood, Forest in Banffshire

Scotland

Ardgaithnie Wood

Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) This is a very recent arrival to these shores, so much so that my book, published in 2003,  says it is only found in east Kent and south Essex. Goodness knows how it found its way to the Hill of Towie, but there is quite a lot of it. It was being blown about by a brisk breeze, hence the slightly blurred flower heads.
Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) Credit: Anne Burgess

Ardgaithnie Wood, located in Banffshire, Scotland, is a picturesque woodland area renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife. Covering an area of approximately 500 hectares, the wood is situated on the slopes of the Hill of Ardgaithnie, offering visitors stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The wood is predominantly composed of mixed broadleaf trees, including oak, birch, and beech, creating a rich and varied habitat for numerous species of flora and fauna. The dense canopy provides shelter for a wide range of bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and warblers, making it a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts.

Several well-maintained walking trails wind their way through Ardgaithnie Wood, allowing visitors to explore its natural wonders at their own pace. Along these pathways, one can encounter a diverse range of wildlife, including red squirrels, roe deer, and a variety of butterflies and dragonflies.

The wood also holds historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements and burial sites dating back thousands of years. Archaeological surveys have uncovered evidence of Neolithic and Bronze Age occupation, adding an extra layer of intrigue and fascination for those interested in the region's history.

Ardgaithnie Wood serves as an important educational resource, with guided nature walks and informative signage providing visitors with insights into the area's ecology and conservation efforts. It is a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and families looking to immerse themselves in the tranquility and natural wonders of the Scottish countryside.

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Ardgaithnie Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.48752/-3.0353351 or Grid Reference NJ3844. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens) This is a very recent arrival to these shores, so much so that my book, published in 2003,  says it is only found in east Kent and south Essex. Goodness knows how it found its way to the Hill of Towie, but there is quite a lot of it. It was being blown about by a brisk breeze, hence the slightly blurred flower heads.
Narrow-leaved Ragwort (Senecio inaequidens)
This is a very recent arrival to these shores, so much so that my book, published in 2003, says it is only found in east Kent and south Essex. Goodness knows how it found its way to the Hill of Towie, but there is quite a lot of it. It was being blown about by a brisk breeze, hence the slightly blurred flower heads.
Control Building The Hill of Towie wind farm is operated from here.
Control Building
The Hill of Towie wind farm is operated from here.
Footbridge Over The River Isla The river is quite small here.  Viewed from the Keith & Dufftown Railway.
Footbridge Over The River Isla
The river is quite small here. Viewed from the Keith & Dufftown Railway.
Drummuir Station The middle station on the Keith & Dufftown Railway.  After being closed by BR in 1991, the K&DR Association reopened the line from Dufftown as far as Drummuir in 2000. It now continues to Keith Town.
Drummuir Station
The middle station on the Keith & Dufftown Railway. After being closed by BR in 1991, the K&DR Association reopened the line from Dufftown as far as Drummuir in 2000. It now continues to Keith Town.
Drummuir A B1 class steam locomotive, 61242 "Alexanda Reith Gray", with an Aberdeen to Elgin via Craigellachie passenger service.  The locomotive has been buried by storm-blown trees somewhere along the line between Auchindachy and Drummuir.

The location of this photograph is approximate and was gained from a similar picture posted on Flickr: <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kdroffical/5047813266/" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/kdroffical/5047813266/">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> as were the above details.
Drummuir
A B1 class steam locomotive, 61242 "Alexanda Reith Gray", with an Aberdeen to Elgin via Craigellachie passenger service. The locomotive has been buried by storm-blown trees somewhere along the line between Auchindachy and Drummuir. The location of this photograph is approximate and was gained from a similar picture posted on Flickr: LinkExternal link as were the above details.
Midthird The farm buildings of Midthird are beside the minor road which links Drummuir and Auchindoun.
Midthird
The farm buildings of Midthird are beside the minor road which links Drummuir and Auchindoun.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Blackmuir The house at Blackmuir is undergoing renovation after changing hands.
Blackmuir
The house at Blackmuir is undergoing renovation after changing hands.
Midthird From here, the house at Midthird is hidden behind the outbuildings. The Glack Burn occupies the hollow between here and Midthird.
Midthird
From here, the house at Midthird is hidden behind the outbuildings. The Glack Burn occupies the hollow between here and Midthird.
Midthird Viewed across the fields from Glackmuck.
Midthird
Viewed across the fields from Glackmuck.
Braehead Braehead seems an odd name for a farm at the bottom of a slope.
Braehead
Braehead seems an odd name for a farm at the bottom of a slope.
Botriphnie Primary School The building dates from 1875, according to the roundel above the windows. It has a rather elaborate façade with curiously shaped windows and stone carvings, and I keep wondering if the tower was intended to be a spire. The architect was Francis Duff Robertson (1839-1922) of Keith, and the building is Category B Listed. See <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB2300" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://portal.historicenvironment.scot/designation/LB2300">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>.
Botriphnie Primary School
The building dates from 1875, according to the roundel above the windows. It has a rather elaborate façade with curiously shaped windows and stone carvings, and I keep wondering if the tower was intended to be a spire. The architect was Francis Duff Robertson (1839-1922) of Keith, and the building is Category B Listed. See LinkExternal link.
Sauchenward Most of the farm buildings have gone, and there are now three or four houses on the site.
Sauchenward
Most of the farm buildings have gone, and there are now three or four houses on the site.
Braehead The steeply-pitched roof on the central bay of the house is quite unusual.
Braehead
The steeply-pitched roof on the central bay of the house is quite unusual.
Sauchanward The cottage on the right looks to be the oldest of the houses at Sauchanward.
Sauchanward
The cottage on the right looks to be the oldest of the houses at Sauchanward.
Cotterton Cotterton is a common name for rows of farm cottages like these. Originally they would have been more or less tied cottages for married farm workers and their families.
Cotterton
Cotterton is a common name for rows of farm cottages like these. Originally they would have been more or less tied cottages for married farm workers and their families.
Steading at Cotterton There is a large steading at Cotterton with two long ranges. This is the west range, evidently much altered since it was built.
Steading at Cotterton
There is a large steading at Cotterton with two long ranges. This is the west range, evidently much altered since it was built.
Show me another place!

Ardgaithnie Wood is located at Grid Ref: NJ3844 (Lat: 57.48752, Lng: -3.0353351)

Unitary Authority: Moray

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///loss.secretly.looms. Near Dufftown, Moray

Related Wikis

Drummuir

Drummuir (Scottish Gaelic: Druim Iubhair) is a small village in Scotland, in the traditional county of Banffshire, and in the Moray council area. It is...

Drummuir railway station

Drummuir railway station is a preserved station that serves the village of Drummuir, Moray, Scotland on the Keith and Dufftown Railway. The station also...

Towiemore Halt railway station

Towiemore Halt railway station served the hamlet of Towiemore and its distillery as a private and later as a public halt in Moray, Scotland, from 1937...

Drummuir Curlers' Platform railway station

Drummuir Curlers' Platform railway station was a private station opened on the Keith and Dufftown Railway for the use of the curlers belonging to the Drummuir...

Banffshire

Banffshire (; Scots: Coontie o Banffshire; Scottish Gaelic: Siorrachd Bhanbh) is a historic county, registration county and lieutenancy area of Scotland...

Mill of Towie

The Mill of Towie is a nineteenth-century mill building, with an attached kiln, situated close the River Isla, approximately 2 miles (3.2 km) south of...

Auchindachy railway station

Auchindachy railway station served the village of Auchindachy in Scotland. Served by the Keith and Dufftown railway, it was the last station before Keith...

Auchindoun, Moray

Auchindoun (Scottish Gaelic: Achadh an Dùin) is a rural hamlet in Moray, Scotland. It is located some 2.5 miles east of Dufftown, which describes itself...

Nearby Amenities

Located within 500m of 57.48752,-3.0353351
Drummuir
Operator: Keith & Dufftown Railway Association
Public Transport: station
Railway: station
Source: NPE
Train: yes
Usage: tourism
Wikidata: Q67463555
Wikipedia: en:Drummuir railway station
Lat/Long: 57.4842317/-3.0390296
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.4835641/-3.0328904
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.4838377/-3.0336007
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.4832117/-3.034055
Power: pole
Lat/Long: 57.4835355/-3.0338336
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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