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Rotten Moss

Wood, Forest in Banffshire

Scotland

Rotten Moss

Approaching site of Enzie station in Burn of Tynet valley Believe it or not, a branch of the Highland Railway was built in 1885 along this valley from Keith to Portessie, on the border between Morayshire and Banffshire. It carried no traffic after August 1915, but the line was not taken up until 1937. So I had to take this photograph, in the pouring rain in the back of nowhere.
Approaching site of Enzie station in Burn of Tynet valley Credit: Ben Brooksbank

Rotten Moss, located in Banffshire, is a woodland area characterized by its lush greenery and dense forest cover. Situated in the northeast of Scotland, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and those seeking solace in the tranquility of the great outdoors.

Spanning over a significant area, Rotten Moss boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna. The woodland is primarily composed of towering coniferous trees such as Scots pine, spruce, and fir. These majestic trees create a natural canopy, providing shade and shelter for the various species that call Rotten Moss home.

The forest floor is covered in a thick layer of moss, hence the name Rotten Moss. This moss adds to the overall beauty of the woodland, creating a soft, carpet-like texture and enhancing the serene atmosphere. In addition to moss, the forest floor also supports a variety of ferns, wildflowers, and fungi, adding vibrant pops of color to the landscape.

Rotten Moss is home to a rich array of wildlife. Visitors may catch glimpses of red squirrels, roe deer, and even pine martens. Birdwatchers will delight in the abundance of avian species, including woodpeckers, owls, and various songbirds.

For those looking to explore the woodland, there are several well-maintained trails that wind through Rotten Moss. These pathways offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and provide opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Rotten Moss, with its enchanting beauty, is a testament to the wonders of nature and a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a connection with the great outdoors.

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Rotten Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.619844/-2.9537161 or Grid Reference NJ4359. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Approaching site of Enzie station in Burn of Tynet valley Believe it or not, a branch of the Highland Railway was built in 1885 along this valley from Keith to Portessie, on the border between Morayshire and Banffshire. It carried no traffic after August 1915, but the line was not taken up until 1937. So I had to take this photograph, in the pouring rain in the back of nowhere.
Approaching site of Enzie station in Burn of Tynet valley
Believe it or not, a branch of the Highland Railway was built in 1885 along this valley from Keith to Portessie, on the border between Morayshire and Banffshire. It carried no traffic after August 1915, but the line was not taken up until 1937. So I had to take this photograph, in the pouring rain in the back of nowhere.
Relay Station There are in fact four masts in the compound here, viewed across a swathe of felled forest.
Relay Station
There are in fact four masts in the compound here, viewed across a swathe of felled forest.
An Ominous Sight As we set off to retrace a favourite walk, we were confronted by what turned out to be the first of many obstructions in the shape of trees blown down across the track by Storm Arwen last November. I expect that Forest and Land Scotland will eventually get round to clearing little-used tracks like this one, but there must be many much more inconvenient blockages to deal with in the meantime.
An Ominous Sight
As we set off to retrace a favourite walk, we were confronted by what turned out to be the first of many obstructions in the shape of trees blown down across the track by Storm Arwen last November. I expect that Forest and Land Scotland will eventually get round to clearing little-used tracks like this one, but there must be many much more inconvenient blockages to deal with in the meantime.
An Obstacle Course If we thought this was a significant obstacle, it was nothing to some of the ones we encountered further on where trees have been blown down across the track by Storm Arwen last November. I expect that Forest and Land Scotland will eventually get round to clearing little-used tracks like this one, but there must be many much more inconvenient blockages to deal with in the meantime.
An Obstacle Course
If we thought this was a significant obstacle, it was nothing to some of the ones we encountered further on where trees have been blown down across the track by Storm Arwen last November. I expect that Forest and Land Scotland will eventually get round to clearing little-used tracks like this one, but there must be many much more inconvenient blockages to deal with in the meantime.
Willow Flowers 'Pussy Willow' that has burst into flower.
Willow Flowers
'Pussy Willow' that has burst into flower.
Flowering Willow In fact the lower flowers are almost past, while the ones at the tip of the twig are in full bloom.
Flowering Willow
In fact the lower flowers are almost past, while the ones at the tip of the twig are in full bloom.
Peacock Butterfly on Willow This was one of several Peacocks (Inachis io) that were feeding on the nectar in the willow blossom. Unfortunately this one is a bit ragged, having survived from last year and overwintered here.
Peacock Butterfly on Willow
This was one of several Peacocks (Inachis io) that were feeding on the nectar in the willow blossom. Unfortunately this one is a bit ragged, having survived from last year and overwintered here.
Scotch Argus (Erebia aethiops) This species is almost confined to northern and western Scotland. It flies only in late July and most of August, but it is very plentiful this year.
Scotch Argus (Erebia aethiops)
This species is almost confined to northern and western Scotland. It flies only in late July and most of August, but it is very plentiful this year.
Fishwives' Path The waymarked route of the Fishwives' Path deviates from the route used by the fishwives who used to carry fish from Buckie to sell in Keith. Instead of going straight past Drodland it diverts to the west, passing the former smithy at Fernking and the following this path, which was originally the only access to the smithy. Since we last walked it (see <a title="http://www.geograph.org.uk/geotrips/1702)" href="http://www.geograph.org.uk/geotrips/1702)">Link</a> it has been diverted again, now using a forest road instead of the continuation of this path.
Fishwives' Path
The waymarked route of the Fishwives' Path deviates from the route used by the fishwives who used to carry fish from Buckie to sell in Keith. Instead of going straight past Drodland it diverts to the west, passing the former smithy at Fernking and the following this path, which was originally the only access to the smithy. Since we last walked it (see Link it has been diverted again, now using a forest road instead of the continuation of this path.
Not the Fishwives' Path The last time we walked the Fishwives' Path, the waymarkers directed us along this path. They now direct us along the forestry road to the right. It may be that this path is blocked further up by fallen trees. We did not go to investigate.
Not the Fishwives' Path
The last time we walked the Fishwives' Path, the waymarkers directed us along this path. They now direct us along the forestry road to the right. It may be that this path is blocked further up by fallen trees. We did not go to investigate.
A Welcoming Sign This is the helpful sign that greeted us as we joined the forestry road that is now part of the Fishwives' Path.
A Welcoming Sign
This is the helpful sign that greeted us as we joined the forestry road that is now part of the Fishwives' Path.
Log Piles Stacks of tree trunks beside the forestry road await transport to a sawmill.
Log Piles
Stacks of tree trunks beside the forestry road await transport to a sawmill.
Clear Felled Forest There's nothing quite so untidy as the devastation left when the forest harvesters move out, but it won't be long before regeneration hides the worst of it. The distant hill is Knock Hill.
Clear Felled Forest
There's nothing quite so untidy as the devastation left when the forest harvesters move out, but it won't be long before regeneration hides the worst of it. The distant hill is Knock Hill.
Forest Operations A tree harvesting machine is parked beyond the stacks of logs awaiting removal to be processed.
Forest Operations
A tree harvesting machine is parked beyond the stacks of logs awaiting removal to be processed.
Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre) A fine unblemished specimen of the species, which will flower next summer.
Marsh Thistle (Cirsium palustre)
A fine unblemished specimen of the species, which will flower next summer.
Waymarker At this point the Fishwives' Path rejoins the route originally used by the fishwives on their way to and from Keith.
Waymarker
At this point the Fishwives' Path rejoins the route originally used by the fishwives on their way to and from Keith.
Fishwives' Path The Buckie fishwives walked straight down here on their way to and from Keith, but the waymarked route is diverted wet on forest roads and tracks.
Fishwives' Path
The Buckie fishwives walked straight down here on their way to and from Keith, but the waymarked route is diverted wet on forest roads and tracks.
Addie Hill The Fishwives' Path follows the gap in the forest to the summit of Addie Hill. I looked in vain, again, for the remains of the King's Cairn to the right of the path.
Addie Hill
The Fishwives' Path follows the gap in the forest to the summit of Addie Hill. I looked in vain, again, for the remains of the King's Cairn to the right of the path.
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Rotten Moss is located at Grid Ref: NJ4359 (Lat: 57.619844, Lng: -2.9537161)

Unitary Authority: Moray

Police Authority: North East

What 3 Words

///dashes.outbursts.jiggle. Near Buckie, Moray

Nearby Locations

Rotten Moss Hill of Menduff

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