Gean Belt

Wood, Forest in Kincardineshire

Scotland

Gean Belt

Mill Wheel at Milton This is one of two water wheels that drove mill machinery at Milton of Crathes. It is an undershot wheel. — Mill Wheel at Milton Credit: Anne Burgess

Gean Belt, located in Kincardineshire, is a picturesque woodland area known for its abundant natural beauty and diverse flora and fauna. Spanning approximately 200 acres, this enchanting forest is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.

The woodland is characterized by its dense canopy of various tree species, including oak, birch, and pine, providing a tranquil and serene atmosphere. The forest floor is carpeted with a vibrant array of wildflowers, ferns, and mosses, creating a truly breathtaking sight during the blooming season.

Gean Belt is home to a rich and diverse wildlife population. Visitors can spot a variety of bird species, such as woodpeckers, owls, and finches, as they explore the forest trails. The woodland also provides a habitat for small mammals like squirrels, rabbits, and badgers, which can occasionally be observed going about their daily activities.

The forest offers several well-maintained walking trails, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural surroundings while enjoying a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike. These paths wind through the forest, offering glimpses of stunning viewpoints and idyllic picnic spots along the way.

The management of Gean Belt is dedicated to preserving its natural beauty and protecting its wildlife. Conservation efforts are in place to maintain the delicate balance of the ecosystem and ensure the sustainability of this unique woodland.

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Gean Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.049902/-2.4479607 or Grid Reference NO7295. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Mill Wheel at Milton

This is one of two water wheels that drove mill machinery at Milton of Crathes. It is an undershot wheel.

Anne Burgess

Ford on the Coy Burn

Until the bridge was built a little distance upstream, this was the only way across the Coy Burn.

Anne Burgess

Steps at Milton of Crathes

The steps lead up to a field where customers can try out fishing rods and casting techniques.

Anne Burgess

Bridges over the Coy Burn

The lower bridge is an old packhorse bridge built to allow travellers to avoid having to use the ford. The higher one was built to carry the railway line over the burn. I'm standing on a third one, which is a tatty-looking concrete effort, and behind me are the pillars and arches of the modern A93 road bridge. It was, sadly, impossible to photograph the arch of the old bridge without getting the railway bridge, or the tatty concrete bridge, or the ugly blue-and-white portable building on the nearby sports field, in the picture. Maybe another time I will go wading and see if it is possible.

Anne Burgess

Pack Horse Bridge

The slightly humped bridge was built in the 18th century. It retains the old cobbled surface. It is part of a trio of bridges that are Category B Listed because of how they illustrate the history of crossings of the Coy Burn. A fourth bridge is mentioned briefly as being of insufficient merit to list.

Anne Burgess

Grounds of Crathes Castle

Looking pretty dreary on a dreich day, these fields are east of the castle itself.

Anne Burgess

Coy Burn

A pool formed in a bend of the burn, looking downstream.

Anne Burgess

Crathes Castle

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Midnight Frolics

Art Trail Hare, there and everywhere! Clan Cancer Support, the north-east’s leading cancer support charity, has partnered with Wild in Art once again to bring an exciting new art trail to the north-east, Moray, Orkney and Shetland. The Big Hop Trail will take the public on another cultural tour of the north-east and the islands from July to September 2023, with hare sculptures designed and created by some of the country’s most talented artists. The trail coincides with Clan’s 40th anniversary, with the 40 hares being the focal point to celebrate the charity’s commitment to supporting people affected by cancer. We chose the hare sculpture as they are an indigenous animal found in all parts of Clan’s geography. Much like our clients during their cancer journey, hares have to navigate rough and difficult terrain in order to survive. They are also adaptable, like our services team who deliver support to anyone affected by cancer. Most importantly, hares have incredible hearing. What better way to depict our lifeline listening and support service and the importance of being heard?

Ralph Greig

Milton Park shops and cafÃ©

Ralph Greig

Ran out of tallent

Deeside Way is a 41-mile walking and cycling pat betwwen Aberdeen and Ballater in Scotland. It also forms route 195 of the National Cycle Network. Large parts of the route make use of a former railway line between Aberdeen and Ballater. As its name suggests, the route follows the route of the River Dee. For more information, see Link

Ralph Greig

Railway Crossing

Ralph Greig

Morrisons Car Park

Ralph Greig

Small burn feeding the River Dee

Ralph Greig

Tilquhillie Recumbent Stone Circle (2)

The huge stone, known as the Druid Stone, built into the consumption dyke is thought to be the recumbent of what used to be a recumbent stone circle. See Link

for more information. NO7294 : Tilquhillie Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

Anne Burgess

Tilquhillie Recumbent Stone Circle (3)

The huge stone, known as the Druid Stone, built into the consumption dyke is thought to be the recumbent of what used to be a recumbent stone circle. See Link

for more information. NO7294 : Tilquhillie Recumbent Stone Circle (1)

Anne Burgess

Scottish heraldry

Burnett (argent three holly leaves in chief vert and a hunting horn in base sable garnished and stringed gules) impaling Moncrieff (or Moncreiff) (argent a lion rampant gules a chief ermine) commemorating the marriage of Thomas Burnett (1st Baronet of Leys) and Jean Moncrieff in 1621. As seen beside the main door of Crathes Castle. For more see 'The Family of Burnett of Leys with Collateral Branches' by George Burnett, publ. 1901 (available as a download from archive.org).

Bill Harrison