Oldmill Belt

Wood, Forest in Aberdeenshire

Scotland

Oldmill Belt

Birkenhills Farm The roadside steading of Birkenhills Farm by the A947. — Birkenhills Farm Credit: Andrew Wood

Located in Aberdeenshire, Scotland, Oldmill Belt is a picturesque woodland area renowned for its natural beauty and historical significance. Stretching over several hectares, this ancient forest attracts nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

Oldmill Belt is characterized by an abundance of mature trees, including oak, birch, and pine, which create a diverse and vibrant landscape. The woodland is home to a variety of wildlife, such as red squirrels, roe deer, and a multitude of bird species, making it a haven for nature lovers.

With its rich history, Oldmill Belt offers a glimpse into the past. The forest contains remnants of ancient settlements, including stone circles and burial sites, providing a fascinating insight into the lives of early inhabitants. Archaeological excavations have uncovered artifacts that date back thousands of years, adding to the allure of the area.

Visitors to Oldmill Belt can explore the forest through a network of well-maintained walking trails, allowing them to immerse themselves in the serene surroundings. The trails vary in length and difficulty, catering to all levels of fitness and enthusiasm. Along the way, visitors can enjoy breathtaking views of the rolling countryside, tranquil streams, and cascading waterfalls.

The forest is also home to a visitor center, where guests can learn more about the history, flora, and fauna of Oldmill Belt. The center offers educational exhibits, guided tours, and interactive displays, enhancing the visitor experience.

Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the woodland, a picnic amidst nature, or a journey into the past, Oldmill Belt is a must-visit destination for those seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a connection to Scotland's ancient history.

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Oldmill Belt Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 57.512446/-2.4206522 or Grid Reference NJ7446. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Birkenhills Farm

The roadside steading of Birkenhills Farm by the A947.

Andrew Wood

Birkenhills School

Seen across a field of barley this building no longer functions as a school but as a community centre.

Andrew Wood

Banff, Macduff and Turriff Junction Railway

The trackbed of the Banff, Macduff and Turriff Junction Railway runs through beech woods on a parallel course to the A947 south of Turriff.

Richard Webb

Logs, Crow Wood

Piles of logs on the edge of Crow Wood, Hatton Castle Estate.

Richard Webb

Thawing fields

Thawing of frost and snow is probably the most miserable of water. Latent heat of fusion takes its toll on air temperatures and the cooling forms fogs. Melting snow becomes very slippery ice and it's usually raining, just like today. View across a sodden field towards Wood of Colp.

Richard Webb

Big gates near Quarryhill

Big combines need big gates. Faffing around with tripods and long exposures meant that I needed safe pull offs from the road. This entrance to a field was metalled and very convenient. I was here in Summer 2011, and it rained then too, more light though.

Richard Webb

Little Ardinn

Looking across the flat haugh land by the Idoch Water to Little Ardinn on the brae above.

Anne Burgess

Sheep and Hay

Sheep on the low ground, and hay drying on the higher ground near Little Ardinn.

Anne Burgess

Little Ardinn

The farm buildings at Little Ardin are sensibly sited above the floodplain of the Idoch Water.

Anne Burgess

Hillhead of Balquhindachy

There is a fine crop of Creeping Thistle in the foreground, in contrast to the golden barley in the cultivated field at Hillhead.

Anne Burgess

Double Fence

This is rather curious. The gap is too narrow to be intended as a path - anyone trying to walk through it would very likely tear their clothing or themselves or both on the barbed wire. Is it a march where the owners of either side could not agree to share the cost and upkeep of the usual single fence?

Anne Burgess

Haymaking

Or perhaps silage-making. The grass in the nearer field has not long been cut, and that in the distant field is baled ready for collection.

Anne Burgess

Bales in Storage

Presumably this year's new bales, safely under cover where they won't get rained on, at Lescraigie.

Anne Burgess

New House near Woodend

The house on the left isn't on the 1:50,000 map, but it is on the large-scale online map. Woodend is among the trees at right.

Anne Burgess

New Houses

For a long time planning rules made it very difficult to build new in the countryside, but restrictions were relaxed some time ago and new houses, in groups and alone, are springing up all over the place. This cluster of houses is not named on the maps.

Anne Burgess

A Really Boring Field

I see that almost all the shots of this square so far are of this or a similar view. Even the fences shown on the 1:25,000 map are not in evidence. There are more interesting things hidden in the Wood of Colp on the far side of the field, which will make an excursion for a warmer day some time.

Anne Burgess

Road Junction

You can tell that I am struggling to find an interesting view in this square. The sign tells drivers (and presumably passengers, navigators and the like) coming on the minor road from Turriff that they have reached the B9170 and that if they turn left they can go to Cuminestown. Apparently it doesn't take them anywhere if they turn right.

Anne Burgess

Ploughing at Birkenhills

According to the maps, the railway line used to run on an embankment through this field, which is in process of being ploughed, but all trace of the embankment has vanished.

Anne Burgess

Show me another place!

Oldmill Belt is located at Grid Ref: NJ7446 (Lat: 57.512446, Lng: -2.4206522)

Unitary Authority: Aberdeenshire

Police Authority: North East