Witch Wood

Wood, Forest in Midlothian

Scotland

Witch Wood

Dead moles near Lugate Bridge A mole catcher usually hangs dead moles on a wire fence to show he has done his job. I always feel sorry for the moles when I see this, but I might think differently if they made a mess of my lawn.
Dead moles near Lugate Bridge Credit: Walter Baxter

Witch Wood, located in Midlothian, Scotland, is a captivating forest that has long been shrouded in myth and folklore. Covering an area of approximately 200 acres, it is nestled in the scenic countryside, just a few miles south of the historic town of Roslin.

The wood takes its name from the local legends that claim it was once a gathering place for witches and druids, who performed their mysterious rituals amidst the ancient trees. These tales have contributed to the air of enchantment that surrounds Witch Wood, attracting visitors and curious explorers from near and far.

The woodland is predominantly composed of native Scottish trees, such as oak, birch, and rowan, which create a rich tapestry of colors throughout the seasons. A network of well-maintained trails winds its way through the forest, providing opportunities for leisurely walks and hikes, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty and tranquility of the surroundings.

Witch Wood is also home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, badgers, and a variety of bird species. Birdwatchers will delight in the chance to spot woodpeckers, owls, and even the occasional golden eagle.

With its captivating history, stunning scenery, and abundant wildlife, Witch Wood offers a captivating escape from the modern world. Whether seeking a peaceful retreat, a chance to connect with nature, or an opportunity to delve into the mystical tales of old, visitors to Witch Wood are sure to be captivated by its allure.

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Witch Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.677538/-2.9046754 or Grid Reference NT4343. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Dead moles near Lugate Bridge A mole catcher usually hangs dead moles on a wire fence to show he has done his job. I always feel sorry for the moles when I see this, but I might think differently if they made a mess of my lawn.
Dead moles near Lugate Bridge
A mole catcher usually hangs dead moles on a wire fence to show he has done his job. I always feel sorry for the moles when I see this, but I might think differently if they made a mess of my lawn.
A stoat by the Lugate Water I watched a stoat dancing around a rabbit and make a kill on the opposite river bank. It spotted me and stood up to check me out, then scampered off. I hid behind a gorse bush for a minute or two and it returned to claim its prize.
A stoat by the Lugate Water
I watched a stoat dancing around a rabbit and make a kill on the opposite river bank. It spotted me and stood up to check me out, then scampered off. I hid behind a gorse bush for a minute or two and it returned to claim its prize.
The remains of Ewes Castle There is not much to see of this ruined tower house by the Lugate Water. My previous visit was in 2007 <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/410068">NT4344 : Ewes Castle</a>.
The remains of Ewes Castle
There is not much to see of this ruined tower house by the Lugate Water. My previous visit was in 2007 NT4344 : Ewes Castle.
Farm buildings at Lugate
Farm buildings at Lugate
A steam special on the Borders Railway near Ferniehirst ScotRail are running a steam train on the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and back to Edinburgh on a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday between 10th September and 18th October 2015. No 60009 Union of South Africa will haul vintage carriages on the southbound journey while a diesel will haul the train back as there no passing loop or turntable at the Tweedbank terminus.
A steam special on the Borders Railway near Ferniehirst
ScotRail are running a steam train on the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and back to Edinburgh on a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday between 10th September and 18th October 2015. No 60009 Union of South Africa will haul vintage carriages on the southbound journey while a diesel will haul the train back as there no passing loop or turntable at the Tweedbank terminus.
A steam special on the Borders Railway near Ferniehirst ScotRail are running a steam train on the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and back to Edinburgh on a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday between 10th September and 18th October 2015. No 60009 Union of South Africa will haul vintage carriages on the southbound journey while a diesel will haul the train back as there no passing loop or turntable at the Tweedbank terminus.
A steam special on the Borders Railway near Ferniehirst
ScotRail are running a steam train on the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and back to Edinburgh on a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday between 10th September and 18th October 2015. No 60009 Union of South Africa will haul vintage carriages on the southbound journey while a diesel will haul the train back as there no passing loop or turntable at the Tweedbank terminus.
A steam special on the Borders Railway ScotRail are running a steam train on the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and back to Edinburgh on a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday between 10th September and 18th October 2015. No 60009 Union of South Africa will haul vintage carriages on the southbound journey while a diesel will haul the train back as there no passing loop or turntable at the Tweedbank terminus.
A steam special on the Borders Railway
ScotRail are running a steam train on the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and back to Edinburgh on a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday between 10th September and 18th October 2015. No 60009 Union of South Africa will haul vintage carriages on the southbound journey while a diesel will haul the train back as there no passing loop or turntable at the Tweedbank terminus.
A steam special on the Borders Railway ScotRail are running a steam train on the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and back to Edinburgh on a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday between 10th September and 18th October 2015. No 60009 Union of South Africa will haul vintage carriages on the journey. This steam locomotive was built at Doncaster in 1937 and is only one of six remaining LNER Class A4’s. These steam specials have created a lot of interest with the general public and many photographers have been at stations and viewing spots along the route. This was viewed by a bridge at Ferniehirst.
A steam special on the Borders Railway
ScotRail are running a steam train on the new Borders Railway from Edinburgh to Tweedbank and back to Edinburgh on a Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday between 10th September and 18th October 2015. No 60009 Union of South Africa will haul vintage carriages on the journey. This steam locomotive was built at Doncaster in 1937 and is only one of six remaining LNER Class A4’s. These steam specials have created a lot of interest with the general public and many photographers have been at stations and viewing spots along the route. This was viewed by a bridge at Ferniehirst.
An old entrance to a field south of Lugate Bridge It is likely that this entrance with a shaped arch in a beech hedge from the road between Stagehall and Ferniehirst led to the former Masonic Lodge at Haughfoot one mile south of Stow. No trace of the former building survives. The location near the Gala Water is shown on this map <span class="nowrap"><a title="http://www.haughfoot.co.uk/localmap.htm" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="http://www.haughfoot.co.uk/localmap.htm">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> 
The Haughfoot Lodge of Masons existed from 1702 to 1763 while the present day Stow Lodge has been in existence since 1806. (Source: Lodge St John No 216 website)
An old entrance to a field south of Lugate Bridge
It is likely that this entrance with a shaped arch in a beech hedge from the road between Stagehall and Ferniehirst led to the former Masonic Lodge at Haughfoot one mile south of Stow. No trace of the former building survives. The location near the Gala Water is shown on this map LinkExternal link The Haughfoot Lodge of Masons existed from 1702 to 1763 while the present day Stow Lodge has been in existence since 1806. (Source: Lodge St John No 216 website)
A train on the Borders Railway This northbound train was viewed from a layby on the A7.
A train on the Borders Railway
This northbound train was viewed from a layby on the A7.
Farmland by the Gala Water For a closer view of the ruined building in the background, see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1428564">NT4442 : A ruined building in a field near Stow</a>.
Farmland by the Gala Water
For a closer view of the ruined building in the background, see NT4442 : A ruined building in a field near Stow.
The Borders Railway This southbound train is approaching Ferniehirst.
The Borders Railway
This southbound train is approaching Ferniehirst.
Ferniehirst Farm A late-summer view with the cereal fields already harvested.
Ferniehirst Farm
A late-summer view with the cereal fields already harvested.
Borders Railway Line Viewed in the Gala Water valley between Ferniehirst and Torsonce on a bright late-August afternoon.
Borders Railway Line
Viewed in the Gala Water valley between Ferniehirst and Torsonce on a bright late-August afternoon.
Lugate Bridge Crossing the Lugate Water, this lovely old stone bridge lies along a grid line.
Lugate Bridge
Crossing the Lugate Water, this lovely old stone bridge lies along a grid line.
The Lugate Water A late-summer view looking upstream from the bridge, which lies along a grid line.
The Lugate Water
A late-summer view looking upstream from the bridge, which lies along a grid line.
Lugate Water View Looking downstream from Lugate Bridge on a bright late-August afternoon.
Lugate Water View
Looking downstream from Lugate Bridge on a bright late-August afternoon.
Borders Railway Now with real trains rather than round bales <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2785903">NT4542 : Bale train</a>.
Borders Railway
Now with real trains rather than round bales NT4542 : Bale train.
Show me another place!

Witch Wood is located at Grid Ref: NT4343 (Lat: 55.677538, Lng: -2.9046754)

Unitary Authority: The Scottish Borders

Police Authority: The Lothians and Scottish Borders

What 3 Words

///burden.heavy.freed. Near Galashiels, Scottish Borders

Nearby Locations

Witch Wood

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