Auldtown Wood

Wood, Forest in Banffshire

Scotland

Auldtown Wood

Standing Stone This stone stands outside the wall surrounding the kirk. There is a suggestion that it once formed part of a stone circle where the kirk now is, but was moved and re-erected here. See <span class="nowrap"><a title="https://canmore.org.uk/site/17915/st-marnans-chair" rel="nofollow ugc noopener" href="https://canmore.org.uk/site/17915/st-marnans-chair">Link</a><img style="margin-left:2px;" alt="External link" title="External link - shift click to open in new window" src="https://s1.geograph.org.uk/img/external.png" width="10" height="10"/></span> for more information. — Standing Stone Credit: Anne Burgess

Auldtown Wood is a picturesque forest located in Banffshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 50 hectares, this enchanting woodland is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The woodland is characterized by its diverse range of tree species, including oak, birch, and Scots pine, creating a rich and vibrant ecosystem. The forest floor is adorned with a carpet of mosses and ferns, adding to the enchanting atmosphere of the wood. Auldtown Wood is also home to a variety of wildlife, such as red squirrels, roe deer, and a plethora of bird species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers.

The wood offers a network of well-maintained trails that wind their way through the forest, providing visitors with the opportunity to explore this natural wonder. Whether you prefer a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike, there are trails to suit all abilities. The paths meander past babbling brooks and tranquil ponds, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside.

Auldtown Wood is also a great place for recreational activities, such as picnicking and nature photography. There are several designated picnic areas where visitors can relax and enjoy the serene surroundings. Additionally, the forest provides ample opportunity for capturing stunning photographs of the flora and fauna that call this woodland home.

Overall, Auldtown Wood is a captivating destination that offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty and diverse wildlife make it a must-visit location for anyone seeking a connection with nature.

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Auldtown Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.526356/-2.6858395 or Grid Reference NJ5948. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Standing Stone

This stone stands outside the wall surrounding the kirk. There is a suggestion that it once formed part of a stone circle where the kirk now is, but was moved and re-erected here. See Link

for more information.

Anne Burgess

St Marnan's Chair

Either St Marnan was a very odd shape, or perhaps he was into pole-sitting. This un-chair-like standing stone is in the grounds of St Marnan's Kirk. It may have formed part of an ancient stone circle. See Link

for more information.

Anne Burgess

St Marnan's Kirk

This is the parish kirk of Marnoch, built in 1782. It replaced an earlier building further down near the river, where the kirkyard is. See Link

for more information.

Anne Burgess

Marnoch Parish Kirk

Dedicated to St Marnan, built in 1782 and still in use. The trees make it difficult to photograph well, but NJ5950 : Marnoch old church is an older view. See Link

for more information.

Anne Burgess

St Marnan's Chair

for more information.

Anne Burgess

Loupin-on Stane

This mounting block stands just outside the kirkyard wall at Marnoch Parish Kirk.

Anne Burgess

Marnoch Old Kirk

This handsome rectangular kirk replaced St Marnoch's (old) Church, situated a few hundred metres to the southwest, in around 1790. The bell, presumably from the old church, is dated 1747. The congregation 'came out' in 1841 in a row over patronage and established a new church (confusingly called New Marnoch Church) at the planned village of Aberchirder, about 3km to the northeast (see: Link ). The two kirks were reunited in 1929 and it is now part of a joint parish with its Aberchirder neighbour. A fine standing stone called St Marnan's Chair can be seen in the kirkyard.

Bill Harrison

St Marnan's Chair

A fine standing stone in the kirkyard of Marnoch Old Kirk, thought to possibly date from the bronze age: Link

Bill Harrison

View over the fields

Typical rolling hills in this part of Aberdeenshire.

Bill Harrison

Single-track road

A typical Aberdeenshire byway which makes its windy way to Aberchirder.

Bill Harrison

Mayen and the River Deveron

In the middle distance is Mayen, which is almost surrounded by a meander of the River Deveron, which turns from flowing south-eastwards to flowing northwards in just a couple of miles. The glen of the Deveron between Rothiemay and Turriff is an excellent example of incised meanders, where the twisting course of an ancient river has been preserved as the river has cut down into the underlying bedrock. The bedrock here is mainly pelite and psammite, formed by metamorphosis of mudstones and sandstones deposited in a deep sea environment between 500 and 1000 million years ago.

Anne Burgess

Mains of Mayen

Viewed from above the opposite bank of the River Deveron.

Anne Burgess

Former tollhouse

Surveyed by the Milestone Society. This old toll house is on the A97 from Huntly to Aberchirder at Bridge of Marnoch. It is on the west side of the road just south of the bridge over the River Deveron. The safety barrier at the low stone bridge can just be seen in the photograph. The single storey house has been modernised with the addition of dormer windows but it is the classic shape of a tollhouse and is another 'guarding' a bridge.

Chris Minto

Woodhead Steading

Woodhead Farm by Auchingoul.

Andrew Wood

Ploughing below Bellman's Wood

Bellman's Wood occupies the top of the slope above the B9117 near Marnoch.

Anne Burgess

Ploughing at Marnoch

A tractorman ploughs meticulous furrows in a field by the B9117 at Marnoch.

Anne Burgess

Innes and Meldrum monuments, Marnoch Cemetery

The cemetery beside the River Deveron is the site of the medieval St Marnoch's church, which fell into ruin when its replacement was built a few hundred metres to the northeast around the late 18th Century. The cemetery is still used for burials under the aegis of Aberdeenshire Council but its main attraction is the magnificent Meldrum monument from 1699.

Bill Harrison

Meldrum monument, Marnoch cemetery

This magnificent monument erected in 1699 to George Meldrum (1616-1692) largely justifies the A-listing of the site. For more details, see Epitaphs and Inscriptions from Burial Grounds and Old Buildings in the Northeast of Scotland (volume 1) p. 231, by Andrew Jervise (available as a free download from archive.org). The monument is in deplorable condition, being covered by lichen and with plants growing out of, and damaging, the stonework.

Bill Harrison

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Auldtown Wood is located at Grid Ref: NJ5948 (Lat: 57.526356, Lng: -2.6858395)

Unitary Authority: Moray

Police Authority: North East