Walk Leader
Colin McLean LRPS
Capacity
10
When Carrifran was purchased by Borders Forest Trust (BFT) on Millennium Day, January 1st 2000, it had virtually no trees; the result of decades, if not centuries, of over-grazing. Deep peat core samples showed that the valley had once borne many species of native Scottish broadleaf trees, and a plan was hatched to restore it to its former splendour.
A first step was to remove the cattle, sheep and goats, and to fence the perimeter. It is virtually impossible to keep out the deer, and we retain a stalker to control numbers.
Over the intervening years, some 720,000 young broadleaf trees have been planted, with much of the work done by volunteers, supplemented by professional contractors on the steeper slopes where it would not be safe to send volunteers. A policy was set of only using seed stock with a provenance within a particular radius (I forget the figure) from the site. This is increasingly difficult to sustain and the Trust is now more flexible on its other properties.
Carrifran today is a thriving young woodland and, as one of Scotland’s earliest ventures into rewilding, is the subject of very many visits and study groups. We (I’m a BFT Trustee) won’t plant too many more trees at Carrifran as natural regeneration is now taking place, though we continue to experiment with montane scrub planting at the higher altitudes.
Species of birds in the valley have increased in number and variety as the woodland habitat has matured and we monitor that regularly. There has been a South of Scotland Golden Eagle Re-introduction Project, based nearby in Moffat, and it is now not unusual to see Golden Eagles at Carrifran. No guarantees for our walk, I’m afraid, but I’d take your binoculars if you have them. I always take mine.
I have been photographing Carrifran regularly for a decade, more recently with a drone as well as my camera, and the valley never ceases to inspire and delight me. I hope that you can share some of that on our walk.
PRACTICAL STUFF
Bring whatever camera kit suits you. I usually take my DSLR + short-medium zoom and a medium-long zoom lens, but I have been known to spend hours with a macro lens, as the valley is not just full of trees but rich in grasses and wild flowers. Carrifran is a quiet, reflective place and a tripod would be a good idea if that’s your kind of photography.
Walk Location
55.390682673012, -3.3278244
Walk Directions
Carrifran lies on the north side of the A708, just 2.5 miles south-west of the Grey Mare’s Tail. It is 7.6 miles from Moffat if you’re travelling from the west. OS ref NT 16016 11553. You can easily miss the gate to the small car park; it is just west of a cattle grid. Look for a traditional farm gate. I should be there early and have the gate open for you. There is not much parking space so park close to your neighbours. Car share if you can. I’ll be driving from Peebles, so one or two (max 3) coming from the direction of Edinburgh can hitch a lift with me. Email me in advance. First come, first served.
Accessibility
This is a wild Scottish valley, with a rough track and a few inclines (though none terribly steep). After rain, the track can be very wet. There is no formal toilet provision (but plenty of trees). Carrifran is not managed as a visitor attraction, so parking is limited. There is no cafe on-site and no tap water (I’ve been drinking from the burn for years with no ill effects).
We won’t walk very far - perhaps a couple of miles on a track to the bothy, and about the same on a slightly different return. If you leave the track, as you inevitably will, the grass will be long and very probably wet, so walking boots and gaiters are the order of the day, and of course a waterproof jacket. Bring a picnic lunch. We won’t be hurrying, taking plenty of time to find your shots and to talk along the way.
Feedback Meeting Type
Decide At Walk
Feedback Talk Date and Time