Argyll Strip

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Argyll 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

Argyll Strip is a picturesque woodland located in Roxburghshire, Scotland. Situated in the heart of the Scottish Borders, this woodland area boasts breathtaking natural beauty and is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, Argyll Strip is characterized by a diverse range of tree species, including oak, beech, birch, and Scots pine. The forest floor is adorned with an array of vibrant wildflowers and ferns, creating a colorful and enchanting landscape.

The woodland is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to explore the area at their own pace. These trails meander through the forest, offering stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the opportunity to spot a variety of wildlife, such as deer, squirrels, and a wide range of bird species.

Argyll Strip is also home to a small freshwater stream, which adds to the tranquil ambiance of the forest. Visitors can enjoy the soothing sound of flowing water and even try their hand at fishing, as the stream is known for its healthy population of trout.

In addition to its natural beauty, Argyll Strip has historical significance. The forest is believed to have been inhabited by ancient tribes, and remnants of their presence, such as stone circles and burial mounds, can still be found in the area.

Overall, Argyll Strip is a captivating woodland that offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature, explore its rich biodiversity, and experience the tranquility of the Scottish countryside.

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Argyll Strip Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.507086/-2.7669715 or Grid Reference NT5123. 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