Flanders Moss National Nature Reserve, near Kippen

A short exploration of this fascinating peat bog, complete with viewing tower to climb, good hill views as backdrop to the cotton grass, birches and heather of the reserve.

Terrain

Boardwalk path, viewing tower to climb

Public Transport

None to start.

Start

Flanders Moss NNR car park, off B822 Kippen to Thornhill road. Open start point in Google Maps for directions.

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Walk Description

Stage 1

Flanders Moss is reached along a signed track from the B822 Kippen to Thornhill road, 3km south of Thornhill. Dogs should be kept on a lead as there are adders on the reserve and visitors are asked to keep to the paths as the bog can be very deep in places. There is a parking area and interpretation boards. The nature reserve is just a small part of a vast expanse of peat bog known as Flanders Moss. Its a raised bog which means the mounds of peat are built up over the surrounding watery landscape. The bulk of the peat is made up from spagnum moss which adds new layers to the peat continuously. From the car park walk along the path to the viewing tower which can be climbed to appreciate the reserve and the views to the hills beyond.

Stage 2

From the viewing tower head round the boardwalk pathway in a clockwise direction. Birches, the pioneer tree, are growing in this part of the bog and will gradually dry it out if left so the reserve managers are keeping the trees in check to ensure the rare bog habitat survives. If you are a frequent hill walker in Scotland you may be surprised to hear bog being referred to as rare as it is often encountered underfoot, but the raised bog here is different to most boggy moorland and provides a habitat for rare species.

Stage 3

A short detour on stones leads to a couple of seats in the bog. Hen harriers and kestrels sometimes hunt in the reserve. On the ground you are likely to see sundew plants, yellowy green in colour, they trap insects in sticky hairs which cover the leaves.

Stage 4

Keep heading round the circular path, crossing a bridge. In sunny weather keep an eye out for adders which may bask in gaps between the heather. As the boardwalk nears the trees another short detour leads to the left. Soon you are back at the viewing tower and the start.

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