West Lodge Strip

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

West Lodge Strip

A horse reflection at Riddell A large pond formed in this horse field after periods of heavy rain. I walked by here two days previously and there was no lying water in the field. — A horse reflection at Riddell Credit: Walter Baxter

West Lodge Strip is a picturesque woodland area located in the county of Roxburghshire, Scotland. Covering a sprawling area of lush greenery and towering trees, this enchanting forest is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

The forest is rich in biodiversity, boasting a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors will be captivated by the sight of majestic oak, beech, and pine trees that dominate the landscape, forming a dense canopy overhead. The forest floor is covered in a vibrant carpet of wildflowers, ferns, and moss, adding to the area's natural beauty.

Tranquil walking trails meander through the forest, providing visitors with the perfect opportunity to explore and immerse themselves in nature. These pathways are well-maintained and offer stunning views of the surrounding countryside. Birdwatchers will be delighted by the presence of various avian species, including woodpeckers, owls, and songbirds.

West Lodge Strip is also home to a variety of wildlife. Keen-eyed visitors may spot red squirrels, rabbits, and even deer roaming freely in their natural habitat. The forest's peaceful atmosphere and secluded location make it an ideal spot for wildlife to thrive.

For those seeking a peaceful retreat or a break from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, West Lodge Strip is the perfect destination. Its untouched beauty and serene ambience provide a tranquil escape from the outside world. Whether it's a leisurely stroll, a picnic amidst nature, or simply taking in the sights and sounds of the forest, this woodland paradise offers something for everyone.

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West Lodge Strip Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.512213/-2.7718534 or Grid Reference NT5124. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A horse reflection at Riddell

A large pond formed in this horse field after periods of heavy rain. I walked by here two days previously and there was no lying water in the field.

Walter Baxter

The Generalâs Tower at Riddell

This 25m high observation tower, surrounded by trees, was built in memory of the Sprot family on a medieval motte and bailey in 1885 by A. Herbertson & Son for Major-General John Sprot. An internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase in one corner leads to a caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway. For a long distance autumnal view, see NT5224 : The General's Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

Sheep at Riddell

This winter feeding station is by a farm track.

Walter Baxter

The caphouse on the Generalâs Tower at Riddell

The caphouse and corbelled parapet walkway can be accessed by an internal vertiginous metal spiral staircase. For a wider view of the 25m high tower, see NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

A crest above the entrance door to the generalâs Tower

The crest features a heron, three fish and a boar’s head. The initials J. S. stand for Major-General John Sprot who commissioned the tower. For a view of the tower, see NT5224 : The General’s Tower at Riddell.

Walter Baxter

An old Riddell milepost

The milepost is in the southeast edge of a strip wood by a farm track. For some historical information, see NT5225 : Old milepost.

Walter Baxter

The Sprot family mausoleum

This small mortuary chapel surrounded by a locked iron railed enclosure is situated about 80m south of the General’s Tower on the Riddell Estate. Three window tablets are inscribed with details of Sprot family members.

Walter Baxter

A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum

The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF JAMES LEWIS BOYD SPROT, WHO DIED AT SCHOOL AT EALING NEAR LONDON, 25TH APRIL 1857 AGED 13 YEARS. THIRD SON OF MARK SPROT, OF RIDDELL, ROXBURGHSHIRE. ALSO MARK GEORGE SPROT, CAPTAIN OF THE 93RD HIGHLANDERS SECOND SON ON MARK SPROT, WHO AFTER A LONG ILLNESS DEPARTED THIS LIFE AT THE HOTEL BYRON, LAKE GENEVA ON 16TH SEPTEMBER 1853 AGED 28 YEARS. ALSO EDWARD WILLIAM SPROT, OF DRYGRANGE FOURTH SON OF MARK SPROT WHO DIED AT DRYGRANGE 1ST FEBRUARY 1898 AGED 52 YEARS AND IS BURIED AT MELROSE. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter

A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum

The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF ELIZABETH, THE BELOVED WIFE OF MARK SPROT, RIDDELL, AND ELDEST DAUGHTER OF JOHN SHEWELL OF CLAPHAM COMMON WHO DIED SUDDENLY AT EDINBURGH MUCH REGRETTED 9TH FEBY 1871 AGED 60 YEARS. ALSO MARK SPROT ESQR OF RIDDELL WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 21ST NOVEMBER 1883, AGED 82 YEARS. ALSO LIEUT. GENERAL JOHN SPROT, OF RIDDELL, ELDEST SON OF MARK SPROT, OF RIDDELL, LATE 83RD FOOT AND 91ST HIGHLANDERS WHO DIED AT RIDDELL 19TH MARCH 1907 AGED 77 YEARS. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter

A window tablet on the Sprot family mausoleum

The inscription reads:- IN THIS VAULT REST THE REMAINS OF GEORGINA MARY SPROT, THE BELOVED WIFE OF COLONEL JAMES SPROT, ASST ADJUT GENERAL FOR SCOTLAND AND THIRD DAUGHTER OF HENRY E. SURTEES ESQR OF REDWORTH HALL & CO DURHAM & DANE END & HERTS WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 16TH MARCH 1876 AGED 27 YEARS. ALSO IN MEMORY OF HER INFANT DAUGHTERS LOUISE SPROT, WHO DIED AT FORT GEORGE 1873 AND IS BURRIED AT ARDERSEER GEORGIE CAROLINE SPROT, WHO DIED AT EDINBURGH 1876 AND WHOSE REMAINS LIE IN THIS VAULT ALSO CECELIA ELIZABETH SPROT THE BELOVED WIFE OF COLONEL J. SPROT OF RIDDELL, AND DAUGHTER OF THE REVD. WILLIAM BLAKE DOVETON OF CORSTON SOMERSET WHO DIED AT EASTBOURNE 8TH JUNE 1884 AGED 32 YEARS. For a wider view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter

Hedge trimming on the Riddell Estate

Walter Baxter

Riddell Mill

This is the site of a former watermill.

Walter Baxter

A farm road on the Riddell Estate

This is Park Bridge which spans a small burn and culvert.

Walter Baxter

A farm track on the Riddell Estate

The ground was saturated after periods of heavy rain.

Walter Baxter

Riddell South Bridge

The bridge spans the Ale Water on the Riddell Estate. There is a sign at the junction of the estate road to the southeast and the B6400 warning of a maximum weight of two tonnes for this bridge.

Walter Baxter

A crest and Celtic cross detail at the Sprot Mausoleum

For a view of the mausoleum, see NT5224 : The Sprot family mausoleum.

Walter Baxter

Ominous sky over Lilliesleaf

A heavy shower is falling somewhere to the south in unsettled weather with little wind. I encountered a flooded minor road near Bowden on the drive home a few hours later.

Jim Barton