Denwood Belt

Wood, Forest in Kincardineshire

Scotland

Denwood 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

Denwood Belt is a picturesque woodland area located in the region of Kincardineshire, Scotland. Spanning over a vast expanse of land, this woodland is renowned for its natural beauty and diverse ecosystem. With an approximate area of several square kilometers, Denwood Belt is a popular destination for nature enthusiasts, hikers, and wildlife lovers.

The woodland is predominantly comprised of native tree species, including oak, birch, and pine, which create a dense canopy overhead. These trees provide a haven for a wide variety of flora and fauna, making it an ideal habitat for numerous species of birds, mammals, and insects. The rich biodiversity of Denwood Belt is evident in the presence of rare and protected species such as red squirrels, roe deer, and various types of orchids.

The woodland boasts an extensive network of well-maintained trails and footpaths, allowing visitors to explore its beauty while enjoying a leisurely stroll or a more challenging hike. These paths wind through the dense vegetation, revealing breathtaking vistas, tranquil streams, and hidden clearings along the way. The serenity and natural charm of Denwood Belt make it an excellent spot for relaxation, meditation, or simply immersing oneself in nature.

In addition to its recreational value, Denwood Belt also serves as an important carbon sink, playing a crucial role in mitigating climate change by absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere. It is actively managed by local conservation organizations and forestry professionals to ensure its preservation and sustainable use.

Overall, Denwood Belt is a captivating woodland that offers a unique opportunity to experience the beauty of Scotland's natural landscapes. With its rich biodiversity, stunning scenery, and recreational opportunities, it is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking solace in nature.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Denwood Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.065268/-2.4311941 or Grid Reference NO7397. 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

Stubble Field

This field next to Crathes Castle has already been harvested and the straw baled and removed.

Anne Burgess

Burn of Coy

Looking downstream from the point where the 'blue' waymarked walk from the car park reaches the bank of the burn.

Anne Burgess

Fungus

This is a fairly common fungus with a dark red cap, but I don't know what sort it is.

Anne Burgess

Boardwalk

The boardwalk is evidently necessary so that visitors can follow the path alongside the Burn of Coy without plowtering through mud. Today, however, it was dry enough to climb down and look more closely at the plants if one wished to do so.

Anne Burgess

Fungus

Recently emerged and still undamaged by whatewver it is that eats holes in the caps of fungi.

Anne Burgess

Coy Burn

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

Anne Burgess

Crathes Castle

Link

Sandy Gerrard

Nether Mills of Crathes

A distant view of the Nether Mills of Crathes from the Deeside Way to the north-east.

Scott Cormie

River Dee from Durris Bridge

Looking upstream of the River Dee from the A957 Durris Bridge.

Scott Cormie

Crathes village hall

Geocaching is a type of global treasure hunt of people looking for caches, or hidden stashes of objects. Geocaching may also be described as a series of hide-and-seek games, where hiders provide online clues for seekers. Seekers use global positioning system (GPS) devices to find hidden caches

Ralph Greig

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