A slight departure here from the normal type of blog post for Walking with My Buddies. Instead of putting on details of one particular walk I am going to put mainly pictures of one of my favourite places for walking and running. I have lived near here all my life and most of my family have at some point worked for Buccleuch Estates in some capacity. My Dad was the estate slater for many many years, my Uncle Bill was one of the gamekeepers, and other Uncles Aunts, cousins etc were joiners, brickies, labourers, office workers, cleaners so I more or less grew up with estate blood in my veins, and I feel very attached to the place and the memories old and new that it holds for me. My children also went to Watch Club which was a sort of Saturday morning nature club where their love of all things yucky, gooey and wet was nurtured by the rangers. The Estate we see now has changed a great deal from the Estate of my childhood, it is now a business in a way it never was before, but it is still beautiful and remains as un-commercialised as possible in this day and age. There are still many places of peace and quiet to enjoy alongside the mountain bikers and tourists.
I am in no way advocating to people that they go and walk here without checking out the Estate's own facebook pages and website for terms and conditions etc. and details of entry times and charges where applicable.(Don't wish to get into trouble with the Estate). So see links. I have for the last few years bought a season ticket which is excellent value.
I have walked and ran here throughout the seasons, Autumn being my very favourite, the colours the smells and the abundant fungi amazing. However every season has it's own beauty and interest.
If taking your dog, remember to clean up after it and keep it under control for the benefit of wildlife and other Estate users, Oh and watch out for the mountain bikers too. Trails are posted and leaflets are available, but basically I tend to just wander and exlpore. I'm sure there are still lots of places which I haven't been to yet, which is exciting. I love a wee explore me LOL Who would of guessed?
So enjoy the photos and perhaps take a trip yourselves.
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| Signposts like this keep you on the right track. |
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| Since Larch Die back and the winds last year this view has changed a wee bit. |
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| Spectacular river views on the Nith Linns Walk. |
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| What it's all about "Fun Walking with my Buddies". |
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| Starburn |
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| Slatehouse Loch |
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| Waterfall Walk |
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| Waterfall Walk |
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| Classic view of the Castle with the Durisdeeer Hills in the background. |
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So there we are some of my photos. I hope I've given you an idea of what it's like up at Drumlanrig and if you've not been before I've given you some ideas for a trip sometime. As you can see there are plenty of opportunities to get active with the camera. I've added a couple of links to give more information about the Estate etc.,
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Drumlanrig-Castle-Country-Estate/111796998870922?fref=ts
http://www.drumlanrigcastle.co.uk/
