Hareheadhill Strip

Wood, Forest in Selkirkshire

Scotland

Hareheadhill Strip

Bowhill woodlands The northern side of Pernassie Hill. — Bowhill woodlands Credit: Richard Webb

Hareheadhill Strip is a stunning wood located in Selkirkshire, a historic county in the Scottish Borders region of Scotland. Spanning over a vast area, this forested area is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.

The wood is primarily composed of broadleaf trees, such as oak, beech, and birch, which create a dense and enchanting canopy. These trees provide a habitat for a variety of woodland creatures, including red squirrels, badgers, and an array of bird species.

Visitors to Hareheadhill Strip can explore the wood through a network of well-maintained trails, which offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. The paths wind through the forest, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the peaceful and serene atmosphere.

In addition to its natural splendor, Hareheadhill Strip also holds historical significance. The wood was once part of the expansive Ettrick Forest, a royal hunting ground during medieval times. Today, remnants of this rich history can still be found within the wood, including ancient ruins and archaeological sites.

The wood is managed by a local conservation organization, which ensures the preservation of its unique ecosystem. As a result, Hareheadhill Strip serves as an important site for education and research, attracting scientists and nature enthusiasts from near and far.

Hareheadhill Strip in Selkirkshire is a true gem, offering a tranquil escape into nature for all who visit. Its stunning woodlands, diverse wildlife, and historical significance make it a must-see destination for anyone seeking to experience the beauty of the Scottish countryside.

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Hareheadhill Strip Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.550356/-2.8973286 or Grid Reference NT4328. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bowhill woodlands

The northern side of Pernassie Hill.

Richard Webb

Path, Bowhill woods

Richard Webb

Woodland, Bowhill

Mixed woodland at the foot of Pernassie Hill.

Richard Webb

Selkirk Flood Prevention Scheme work at Philiphaugh

Traffic lights are in place while a low concrete wall is being constructed at a field boundary with the A708.

Walter Baxter

Newark Castle

A fine looking tower situated on a bluff overlooking the Yarrow Water and commanding the route through the valley. Thought to be the 'New Werk' mentioned in a 1423 charter of Archibald, Earl of Douglas. Like most castles in the Scottish Borders, it saw battles with English invaders and a siege in 1547-8 when the tower was found to be impregnable without cannon being available. In 1645 a hundred royalist prisoners from the Battle of Philliphaugh are said to have been shot within the courtyard. The tower appears to have been abandoned before 1700 and left to decay.

Gordon Hatton

Through trees to the Upper Lake

In the grounds of Bowhill House near Selkirk.

Gordon Hatton

Bowhill House north front

The main block of the very large country house belonging to the Duke of Buccleuch. The central section seen here is 18thC whilst the wings to either side date from around 1814.

Gordon Hatton

Mill lade and embankment, Philiphaugh

The mill lade from the cauld on the Ettrick Water flows through a culvert under the new embankment built as part of the Selkirk Flood Protection Scheme.

Jim Barton

Hydroelectric plant at Murray's Cauld, Ettrick Water

The building houses equipment for two Archimedes screw water turbines to generate up to 220kW of electricity from the natural flow over the weir. This type of turbine works well for high flow, low head as is the case here. Behind the white concrete wall is the fish pass to allow salmon and trout to bypass the turbines, which are only allowed to operate if the flow is sufficiently high.

Jim Barton

Hydroelectric plant at Murray's Cauld, Ettrick Water (2)

The two Archimedes screw turbines are visible behind their protective screens. The right-hand turbine only is generating in this shot. The white water to the left is the lower end of the fish pass.

Jim Barton

Estate road at Bowhill

The road connects Bowhill with the North Lodge and passes Newark Castle.

Jim Barton

Road to Bowhill

In the Bowhill Estate approaching the drive to the car park and house.

Jim Barton

Bowhill and car park

The visitors' car park and the chimneys of Bowhill House in view from the track descending from Parnassie Hill.

Jim Barton

Path in Bowhill Estate

The path from the car park to the café and children's play area.

Jim Barton

The Upper Lake, Bowhill

There are several good short walks in the woodland around the two lakes to the south of Bowhill House.

Jim Barton

The Waterwheel CafÃ©, Philiphaugh

A good starting or finishing point for walks by the Ettrick Water on the Philiphaugh Estate. The waterwheel itself is close by, along with a modern equivalent at the hydroelectric installation at Murray's Cauld.

Jim Barton

An RAF Hercules in the Yarrow Valley

This was taken from Newark Hill as a Hercules was on a low level training sortie. For a closer view of the aircraft – see NT4130 : An RAF Hercules in the Yarrow Valley. Newark Castle is at the bottom left.

Walter Baxter