Places to visit - Bluebells and viaduct

A sunny day !! So we made the most of it and headed to Carstrammon Wood, an SWT reserve near Gatehouse of Fleet.
As you approach Gatehouse from the East head past Cally Woods (good for snowdrops) and as you enter the town take a sharp right turn Signposted Laurieston (and Golf Club!) as the single track road winds it's way along there is a fork in the road with a sign saying Lauriston 9 miles. Here take the smaller road to the left and eventually you will see signs for the wood. Keep going to where there is a definite space to park.

The grassy paths are undulating but not too steep. At least not when you keep stopping to take in the views and watch the wildlife.

 

 

Being a bit chilly, despite the sunshine, the bluebells were still not fully out although their scent did hit us once or twice.

There are various footpaths leading through the woods but most eventually lead back to the small road.

 

Birds seen:

Bluetit

Buzzard (being mobbed)

Chaffinch

Long Tailed tit

Nuthatch

Pheasant

Robin

Willow Warbler

 

Flowering were:

Orchid

Celandine

Selfheal

Bluebell

Stitchwort

Wood Sorrel

Yellow Pimpernel

Violet

Primrose



 

 

 

Other wildlife:

Dor beetle

Green Veined White Butterfly

Caddis fly

 

We then moved location to the Cairnsmore of Fleet visitor centre and viaduct

Here after a brief look round the visitor centre displays we took a short wander along part of the Inbye Walk which takes in part of the old rail track. The paths are surfaced and un-surfaced and once up on the old track, fairly level. There are lots of Broom and Gorse bushes along with other small trees and shrubs giving cover for many birds. 

 

Birds seen:

Blackcap

Chaffinch

Cuckoo (only heard not seen)

Dunnock

Great Tit

House Martin

House Sparrow

Pied Wagtail

Stonechat

Swallow

Swift

Wheatear

Willow Warbler 

 

For more details and photos please check out the Rambling Russells blog (link above)