A beautiful broadleaf woodland with a large sheltered central glade and fine views out across the Solway Firth from its upper slopes.

As its name suggests, Old Oak Wood provides fine examples of native oaks that rise up its slopes. These mingle nicely with a large variety of other species, including willow, hazel, ash and hawthorn.

The topography of the woodland allows an easy drive up into the woodland valley where there is a sheltered timber stacking area with a handy bench and parking spot. A slight rise to the south protects the valley floor from southerly winds and creates a rich microclimate. To the north side of the valley, the woodland continues upwards to a minor road and fields, from which there are stunning views across the Solway Firth as far as the Isle of Man. Exploration throughout this stunning area of northern woodland will reveal roe deer trails, rising from the southeast on towards the northwest.

Some fine stone cliffs at the northern end of the woodland point towards the area's granite quarrying heritage. In the second half of the 19th century, stone from the cliffs was transported by cart down the valley's path and from there loaded onto ships at "The Jetty" headland near to Creetown. This Galloway granite was mostly used for setts and rail ballast.

One of the most intriguing aspects of the woodland's past is a secret subterranean tunnel that is thought to pass close by. The tunnel is reported to have allowed escapes from the 15th-century Barholm Castle down to the beach, accessible at low tide. The well known protestant reformer John Knox may even have used it in 1566.

As a long-established bright woodland, it produces a spectacular array of early spring wildflowers, with snowdrops being followed by a spectacular carpet of bluebells. An abundance of insect and birdlife also inhabits the woodland, with moths and butterflies sharing the air with wrens, robins, finches, nut hatches, woodpeckers and soaring buzzards. Pine Martens have been seen in the canopy, as have native red squirrels; evidently, the wood is a haven for these endangered species.

To fully appreciate the woodland, it is recommended that you visit and take a moment to sit and drink in the soothing calm of its natural balance. Those seeking a relaxing haven from hectic modernity will find peace amongst the trees of Old Oak Wood.

For those wishing to more actively manage this delightful woodland, there is an opportunity to thin out some of the plentiful trees that can be used for a variety of craft purposes or as a plentiful supply of domestic firewood (oak is dense in calorific value and burns clear and hot). The bright valley also provides considerable scope for the encouragement of regeneration by the clearing of bracken, which over the years will have enriched the soil with nutrients.

Video from the wood: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ed9eT49thJ8&t=5s

Sporting rights: The sporting rights are owned and included in the sale.

Covenant: There is a covenant on the wood designed to ensure the quiet and peaceful enjoyment of this and adjoining woodlands, click HERE to read and download.

Click HERE to see free OS maps.