Philorth Woods

Grey Granite and Rufus walked along the Formartine Buchan Way towards Rathen Station and returned to their starting point near Philorth Halt via Philorth Woods.

Rufus looks over Philorth Bridge towards the Line. There is lush growth along the roadside verges and especially along the banks of the Water of Philorth. By Rufus there is a large sow thistle and a clump of common forget-me-not.  The banks of the burn are crowded with growth, sweet cicely is just starting to open its lacy white flowers, the pink flowers on the right bank of the burn are campions, there are also large patches of bright blue alkanet and broom has replaced gorse. 

Grey Granite dislikes  invasive purple rhododendrons but concedes that bushes these lining the  drive through  Philorth  Wood from the South Lodge are impressive.

Vast numbers of new saplings have been planted recently in the Black Folds clearing, these must more than replace the trees destroyed during the winter gales.

Last rose of Summer.

A morning of gradually gathering clouds and rising blustery winds, Grey Granite and Rufus walked through Philorth woods, along the Line and over the Esplanade.

The pond in Philorth woods currently home to a large flock of mallards was blown into ripples by the wind. Rufus enjoyed chasing fallen leaves in the wood.

Mixed messages; a late flowering dog rose and scarlet hips on the line near Philorth Halt

Unusually, there were dozens of gannets plunge diving, in great white splashes  just out from the Kessock Burn outlet.

Oyster catchers roosting in the shelter of the rocks by the caravan site