Newhouse Moss

Wood, Forest in Roxburghshire

Scotland

Newhouse Moss

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

Newhouse Moss, located in Roxburghshire, Scotland, is a picturesque wood and forest renowned for its natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna. Spanning over a vast area, this enchanting woodland is a hidden gem nestled within the Scottish Borders.

The forest is predominantly composed of dense coniferous trees such as Scots pine, Norway spruce, and Douglas fir. These towering giants create a captivating canopy that filters the sunlight, casting a mesmerizing play of light and shadows on the forest floor below. The dense undergrowth of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers adds to the ethereal atmosphere of Newhouse Moss.

The forest is an important habitat for a variety of wildlife. Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to spot species like the great spotted woodpecker, chaffinch, and long-tailed tit among the treetops. The forest floor is home to small mammals such as red squirrels, voles, and shrews. If lucky, visitors may even catch a glimpse of roe deer gracefully traversing through the woodland.

Newhouse Moss offers an array of walking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility of nature. The paths wind through the forest, crossing babbling brooks and passing by tranquil ponds. Along the way, interpretive signs provide information about the local flora and fauna, enriching the educational experience.

This enchanting woodland is a haven for nature lovers, offering a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether exploring the forest trails, birdwatching, or simply enjoying a picnic surrounded by the beauty of nature, Newhouse Moss is a must-visit destination for those seeking solace in the embrace of a vibrant woodland ecosystem.

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Newhouse Moss Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.502485/-2.7641432 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

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

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

Field track to Riddell

A pleasant walk through farmland near the Ale Water.

Jim Barton

Sheep grazing near Riddell

Estate land near the ruined house at Riddell. Left of centre is a stone bridge taking the track over a minor burn.

Jim Barton

Ale Water bridge at Riddell

A handsome single arched stone bridge in the Riddell estate.

Jim Barton

Remains of the former Riddell House

The gaunt remains of the house, a roofless ruin with substantial tree growth within. The house is on the site of an old peel tower which might date back to the 14th century. The house was extended and changed over the years but burnt down in 1943 to leave this shell standing. Further details can be found on the Canmore website at Link