It offers a great little view of the tributary that rushes down the slope behind the grotto
Further along the walkway though the Dell I found this Yellow Brain fungus, which apparently particularly likes wet weather!
Friday, 29 January 2016
A Grotto in the Dells
I love this little grotto in Craiglockart Dell, by the Water of Leith.
It was built in 1750 by Robert Bowie, the landscape gardener of the Redhall estate who back then owned this area. It was designed for the ladies to sit in while the gentlemen went off hunting in the woods. It sadly gets vandalised every so often these days (you may be able to see that the roof has been damaged).
It offers a great little view of the tributary that rushes down the slope behind the grotto
Sometimes you may be rewarded with a view of a dipper patiently working its way down the rocks looking for invertebrates. The grotto is an ideal place for wall growing ferns, like this hart's tongue fern.
I took these photos yesterday, when the weather was sunny and relatively settled. (Today is very windy indeed).
Further along the walkway though the Dell I found this Yellow Brain fungus, which apparently particularly likes wet weather!
There's always something new to see out in nature, even in a familiar place!
It offers a great little view of the tributary that rushes down the slope behind the grotto
Further along the walkway though the Dell I found this Yellow Brain fungus, which apparently particularly likes wet weather!
A secret place that has stood the test of time. It must be lovely to see the dipper in that stream.
ReplyDeleteInteresting that Robert Bowie designed the grotto. One of my Great Grandmothers was a Jane Bowie. She grew up in the Carpenters Quarters by the Waters of Leith, her father being a ships carpenter. One day I would love to come up to Edinburgh to explore the places where they lived and worked.
Hello, it is a pretty place to explore. Love the fungi! Happy Friday, have a great weekend!
ReplyDeleteHi Dartford, So you're probably related to the architect then! Edinburgh is a lovely place to explore!
ReplyDeleteLooks a great place to visit and explore ... which if I was nearer would do!
ReplyDeleteHope this has been a good week for you - enjoy the rest of Friday and have a great weekend.
Hope the weather is OK up your way.
All the best Jan
I too, enjoy your walks_!
ReplyDelete__I never understood, nor will I ever understand, vandalism. Vandals do explain, however, their complete lack of civil/moral intellect. _m
Thought the grotto was a cold store for a minute! Looks a fine spot to cool off on a warm muggy afternoon in summer.
ReplyDeleteI always call that fungus witch's butter.
What an enchanting place.
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice and interesting place, your walks are always so pleasant.
ReplyDeleteHere where I live - in the Pacific North West - there was nothing in 1750 that exists today. Maybe an old native American totem pole, but no ones knows that. There were no Europeans, Russians, or Spaniards. Only the Originals.
ReplyDeleteHistory is so different here from there.