Wednesday, October 28, 2009

Dunoon: Bishop's Glen

This is a lovely place to walk just inland from Dunoon on the Cowal, through the forest of birch, sitka spruce and Scots pine, at the heart of the Dunoon Woodland Park. Its original name was the Balgaigh Glen but it was changed in the 1950s, part of a tourist initiative by all accounts, and from then on took its name from the nearby hill known (for centuries) as Bishop's Seat (504m). This is a fair climb which we have not yet undertaken but there are apparently wonderful views of the Firth of Clyde from the top - it's definitely on the list for next year! For now, here are some of my photos from some of the woodland paths.








The Balgaigh Burn and rowan trees



In the middle is a beautiful reservoir which once provided Dunoon with its drinking water (before Loch Eck was used instead). Now a home for many varieties of wildfowl and also used for fishing.





It's a wonderful place for other wildlife too and one of the few remaining places in the UK where red squirrels can be seen. Alas, I didn't spot any!

A location map is here


6 comments:

Kirigalpoththa said...

Lovely place!

Jane said...

Thanks Kirigalpoththa!

Seaman Weaver said...

Hi Jane,
Recently reconnected with my 1st love. I was a 17 year old US Sailoer stationed in Holy Loch..She worked in Dunoon...Your pages, Posts and sights makes this time in my life seem real..Feel like I'm in a dream..Thanks you Sweet Lady!

Jane said...

Hi Seaman Weaver,

Wonderful to hear from you - thank you so much. It makes it all worth while when I hear that someone 'out there' feels a connection through my blog, and how it can help bring back such special memories.

Very best wishes to you,
Jane

Martin said...

Hi Jane! Just stumbled upon your blog. (Was it chance or was it destiny? Ooooh!)

I spent many happy summers in Dunoon where my aunt and uncle had a lovely bungalow. - An avid 'explorer' I remember the excitement I felt (at the age of 12) of 'discovering' the Bishops Glen. Beautiful!

I started by wandering around the reservoirs and then gradually explored off the beaten track.

I really did feel that I was seeing places where no-one else had stood before. (Well, of COURSE they had. But not many!)

The route up to the Bishop's Seat felt like a secret place.

And the many wonderful American people I met when they populated the town. It lent itself to a sense of the exotic.

I am now all growed up and I live in Bristol with my wife and two children. Your blog has ignited in me a desire (nay, duty!) to take them there and show them the beauty of my home country.

Thank you!

Martin

Jane said...

Thank you so very much Martin, I was delighted to read your message!! How wonderful that you had an aunt and uncle in Dunoon and have such great memories of time spent there. I do hope you get back to visit sometime with your family.