Wildlife Walks

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The walks shown on the map below were created by Drummuir 21 with the help of -

bulletMoray Council
bulletEuropean Objective 5B Programme
bulletMoray Badenoch & Strathspey Enterprise
bulletScottish Natural Heritage
bulletPaths for All Partnership
bulletDrummuir Estate

Walks marked in RED take about 20 minutes

Estimated 'Easy' Walking Time
RED     40 minutes
RED YELLOW   70 minutes
RED YELLOW BLUE 120 minutes

 

  1. Loch Park.
    This area was drained in 1823 to the acclaim of the Highland Society. However, the next Laird reversed the process and formed the loch.
  2. Loch Park Adventure Centre.
    Facilities available for supervised canoeing, kayaking, archery, gorge walking and ropes course. Trout fishing from boats is available. This is a Rural Skills Training Centre.
  3. Reed Beds.
    Installed as a natural organic filter for the outfall of the Castle septic tank.
  4. Drummuir Castle.
    Built in 1848 by Admiral Archibald Duff, who at one time served under Nelson. The Castle is now a Corporate Hospitality Centre for the Guinness UDV Group, whose products include 'Johnnie Walker and J&B@. The Castle is generally open to the public in September only.
  5. Organic Walled Garden.
    A traditional Victorian garden. Open to the public, with seasonal produce available for sale.
  6. Home Farm.
    Built in 1900, this was once the agricultural hub of the Estate. Today most of the Estate land is farmed by tennants, many of long standing.
  7. Kirkton House.
    Built in 1720 and extended in 1932 and 1998. This is the family home of Alex and Priscilla Gordon-Duff, whose family purchased Drummuir Estate in 1621.
  8. Botriphnie Kirk.
    The ruins of the original chapel of 1677 stand in the graveyard of the 19th century kirk.
  9. St. Fumac's Well.
    A 6th century well named after the first Christian missionary in this part of Scotland. The well reputedly has healing properties and at one time boasted a wooden image of the Saint which was ceremonially washed on his Fair Day of May 3. The carving ended up in Banff after a spate on the Isla and was burned at the stake, being considered idolatrous.
  10. Drummuir Station.
    This 11 mile private line is operated by volunteers and connects the whisky towns of Keith and Dufftown. The train stops at Drummuir Station and the round trip takes around 45 minutes. The service is seasonal - see timetable.
  11. Car Parking.
    Free car parking by Kirk.
  12. Car Parking.
    Free car parking by Hall.

Oak

An extremely valuable wildlife tree for the whole of its long life, supporting the largest number of insect species of any native tree. Many trees were used for shipbuilding and not replaced.

 

Beech

One of the most populous trees at Drummuir. Easily recognised by the smooth silvery grey bark. Beech lives for barely 250 years and the timber is ideal for indoor use, such as furniture.

 

Ash

One of the last trees to come into leaf and one of the first to lose its leaves in autumn. The dense timber makes good firewood and is used for snooker cues and furniture.

 

Sycamore

Not always a popular tree with environmentalists. It is an 'introduced tree, grows very vigorously and may take over from native species in a woodland. The bark of older trees is scaly and tinged with pink.

 

 

 

 

Horse Chestnut

A native of Greece, but common throughout U.K. Can make a fine 'specimen' and produces glossy brown chestnuts or conkers.

 

Silver Birch

A delicate tree with fine branches and small leaves. The seeds are popular with siskins and redpoll. The timber is strong and elastic and used largely for plywood.

 

 

Rowan

Or Mountain Ash adds colour to woodland areas and hedge rows. The creamy flowers ripen into scarlet berries early in the season and provide food for thrushes throughout the winter.

 

Buzzard

Medium-large broad winged raptor. Soaring habits and flight silhoutte are characteristic, with long, heavily fingered wings and short fanned tail. Voice a carrying, cat-like mewing. 

Sparrowhawk

Small and dashing in flight. Short, rounded wings and long tail confer good manoeuvrability. Call a rapid 'kek-kek-kek'.

 

 

 

Wren

One of the smallest European birds. Spends much time on the ground under dense vegetation. Flight low and direct on short, rounded whirring wings.

 

 

Tree Creeper

More like a small rodent than a bird. Creeps mouse-like, head-up on the bark looking for insects. Down-curved beak, flight undulating. The dull brown plumage and creeping habit mean that it is often hard to see.

 

 

 

Coal Tit

Tiny and agile, the Coal Tit shows a marked preference for coniferous woods, although in winter they join other tit species in search for food. Often joins together with other small birds to form feeding flocks.

 

 

Greenfinch

Look in the tops of tall trees and bushes and listen for the harsh, wheezy call of the male. Breeds in thick foliage, especially evergreens.

Grey Heron

A huge shy waterside bird. Flight stately on broad heavily fingered wings, head retracted and legs extended. Call a deep, far carrying 'fraaannk'. Highly efficient hunters living mainly on fish.