Bellman's Wood

Wood, Forest in Banffshire

Scotland

Bellman's Wood

Near Ardmeallie Looking down from near Cairnhill Croft to cottages by the road near Ardmeallie. The lower slopes of Catstone Hill are on the left. — Near Ardmeallie Credit: Anne Burgess

Bellman's Wood is a picturesque woodland located in Banffshire, a historic county in northeastern Scotland. This enchanting forest covers an area of approximately 100 acres and is nestled within the tranquil countryside, offering a serene and idyllic retreat for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

The wood is named after the Bellman family, who were the original owners of the land. It boasts a diverse range of tree species, including oak, birch, beech, and pine, creating a rich and varied ecosystem. The dense canopy of trees provides a haven for an array of wildlife, including deer, squirrels, and a myriad of bird species.

Visitors to Bellman's Wood can explore a network of well-maintained trails that wind through the forest, allowing for leisurely walks or invigorating hikes. The paths are lined with vibrant wildflowers and offer breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside. There are also several picnic areas dotted throughout the wood, providing the perfect spot to relax and enjoy a packed lunch amidst the peaceful ambiance.

The wood is a popular destination for birdwatching enthusiasts, as it attracts a variety of bird species throughout the year, including woodpeckers, thrushes, and owls. Additionally, the wood is home to a small pond, which serves as a watering hole for various amphibians and provides a serene spot for reflection.

With its natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere, Bellman's Wood is a hidden gem in Banffshire. It offers visitors a chance to immerse themselves in nature, enjoy the peaceful surroundings, and discover the wonders of this enchanting forest.

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Bellman's Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.542242/-2.6666096 or Grid Reference NJ6050. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Near Ardmeallie

Looking down from near Cairnhill Croft to cottages by the road near Ardmeallie. The lower slopes of Catstone Hill are on the left.

Anne Burgess

Straw Bales

Some of the bales awaiting collection and storage. In the distance is Old Crombie, in the next square, and the Brae of Crombie stretches up to the left.

Anne Burgess

Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

There are just three stones of this circle left, and they are partly obscured by stones gathered from the fields and dumped there. The nearest one is the west flanker, which has slipped down the slight slope before toppling. To its right is the east flanker, which has fallen forwards, and in the corner of the fence is what may have been a kerb stone. See Link

for more information. NJ6050 : Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

Anne Burgess

Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

In the foreground is the east flanker, which has toppled towards the camera position. At extreme left is the west flanker, which has slipped down the slope before falling over. The other stones are mostly boulders collected from the field, though one of them may be a kerb stone. See Link

for more information. NJ6050 : Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

Anne Burgess

Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

In the foreground is the fallen east flanker, the base of which (on the right) is in its original position. The other large stone is the west flanker, which has slid out of position before falling. Above the right-hand end of the east flanker is the tip of a stone which may have been a kerb stone of a now-vanished cairn. See Link

for more information. NJ6050 : Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

Anne Burgess

Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (4)

This Ordnance Survey bench mark has been carved, in what archaeologists have described as an act of vandalism, on the upper surface of the fallen west flanker of the stone circle. See Link

for more information. NJ6050 : Bellman's Wood Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

Anne Burgess

Old Milestone by the A97, south of Aberchirder, Marnoch parish

Stone post by the A97, in parish of Marnoch (District), 1 mile South of Aberchirder, at metal gate on hill down to bridge over Burn of Auchintoul, South side of road. Inscription reads:- 10 (To Banff) Surveyed Milestone Society National ID: AD_BFHN10

Milestone Society

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

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

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Bellman's Wood is located at Grid Ref: NJ6050 (Lat: 57.542242, Lng: -2.6666096)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East