Bartlemuir Wood

Wood, Forest in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Bartlemuir Wood

Looking towards the River Dee Credit: Ralph Greig

Bartlemuir Wood is a picturesque forest located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland. With an area of approximately 120 hectares, it offers visitors a serene and enchanting natural environment to explore. The wood is situated near the village of Tornaveen, just a short distance from the larger town of Banchory.

This ancient woodland boasts a diverse range of tree species, including oak, birch, and pine. The dense canopy created by these towering trees provides a haven for a variety of wildlife, making it an ideal spot for nature enthusiasts and wildlife watchers. Visitors may be lucky enough to spot red squirrels, roe deer, and a multitude of bird species, including woodpeckers and owls.

The wood is crisscrossed by a network of well-maintained trails, making it easily accessible to walkers and hikers of all abilities. These paths wind through the forest, passing by babbling streams and offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. For those seeking a longer adventure, the wood is also connected to the larger Deeside Way, a popular long-distance walking route.

In addition to its natural beauty, Bartlemuir Wood is also steeped in history. The remains of an ancient fort can be found within its boundaries, providing a fascinating glimpse into the area's past. Interpretive signage is scattered throughout the wood, offering insights into the forest's ecology and history.

Overall, Bartlemuir Wood is a tranquil and captivating destination, providing a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Whether you are an avid nature lover, a history enthusiast, or simply seeking a peaceful retreat, this woodland sanctuary is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Bartlemuir Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.094463/-2.6787668 or Grid Reference NJ5800. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Looking towards the River Dee

Ralph Greig

Fishermans Bothy

Ralph Greig

Flood water pool, January spate 2016

Near St Erchard's well, Kincardine O'Neil.

Stanley Howe

Faint Path

The faint path over Hill of Dess is waymarked as part of the local path network.

Anne Burgess

Wet for Walking

The waymarked route here is suddenly very wet indeed. Fortunately someone has been tipping boulders into the mud so that it is possible, with care, to hop across without getting ankle deep in the dubs (muddy pool).

Anne Burgess

Woodend

If you look carefully in the long grass there are remains of other buildings around this one, which was probably the farm or croft house of Woodend. It isn't named on the 1:50,000 map but it is named on the larger scale maps and on the old maps.

Anne Burgess

Woodend

If you look carefully in the long grass there are remains of other buildings around this one, which was probably one end the farm or croft house of Woodend. It isn't named on the 1:50,000 map but it is named on the larger scale maps and on the old maps. Oldtown is on the skyline above. This Woodend is in the parish of Lumphanan and not to be confused with any other Woodends in other parishes.

Anne Burgess

Wet Land at Woodend

The rushes betray the fact that this land is wet. No doubt when Woodend was being worked, the grassy area was a cultivated field, kept drained by a lot of hard work. The gnarled branches look like the remnant of the sheltering clump of trees that was traditionally planted round a farm house.

Anne Burgess

Woodend

Lurking below the mature silver birch tree are the remains of walls which, on the mid-19th century map, are shown as a building, probably a byre. These days there is a fine crop of nettles and creeping thistles.

Anne Burgess

Field Entrance at Woodend

I am inclined to doubt that this field is much used. It has clearly not been sown with a crop, and the absence of fences means that it isn't used for grazing either. The entrance is very wet, with water-filled ruts in the grass.

Anne Burgess

Bog by the Track

The maps show a minor burn here, and that is borne out by the patch of rushes just over the makeshift dyke. The hill on the skyline is Mortlich.

Anne Burgess

Grassy Road

The old road down from Oldtown to Woodend is flanked by fairly solid dykes of field boulders. To my surprise, it was firm and dry underfoot.

Anne Burgess

Boulder Dyke

The rough dyke on the side of the old road is made up of assorted boulders that were probably cleared from the fields nearby. They are almost certainly erratics dumped by glaciers when the area was last covered by ice.

Anne Burgess