To date, 14.5 million of grant funding has been awarded to 66 projects across rural Scotland since the start of the Fund in 2018. The Estates Tornagrain project has been featured in an article in The Critic following a visit by their architecture feature writer Charles Saumarez Smith. Overall Doune Ponds nature reserve is a little gem providing a peaceful yet enjoyable wheelchair accessible walk in Perthshire. See our wildlife gallery below. It didnt disappoint. A new bridge at the west edge of the site. A couple of good viewing platforms above the water and accessible bird hides. The viewing platforms and bird hides were wheelchair accessible with easy access into them. The short course is suitable for all abilities as it makes use of the specially built all-abilities trail around the ponds: Short - 1.1k. In 1858 the Dunblane to Callander railway was opened, running along the southern boundary of the ponds. Please leave a review on Euan's Guide - we're keen to hear, RT @WineCellarDoor: We're trying to get more @EuansGuide reviews for vineyards, so do let us know if you visit a vineyard or if you'd like, Copyright 2022 Euan's Guide is a charity registered in Scotland SC045492, Improve its listing today and attract more visitors, Please read about the way we capture, manage and store your data. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". Pond installation is available in Dunblane and also nearby in: Bridge of Allan, Doune, Blackford, Greenloaning, Fishcross, Kippen, Thornhill, Causewayhead, Blair Drummond, Braco, Cambus, Gargunnock, and in these postcodes FK15 0HN, FK15 0JY, FK15 9AE, FK15 0DN, FK15 9AS, FK15 0FH, FK15 0PD, FK15 9AZ, FK15 0DG, FK15 9AT. You will see the Doune Ponds car park on the left. The wooden deck has level access so I was able to drive on without an issue. A family volunteering session was held in Doune Ponds on Saturday afternoon on just about the first dry day in Doune in what seems like weeks. Further information on potential developments at the Three Corner field north of Doune, Public Consultation Doune Estate Long Term Forest Plan, More details on Doune and Deanston Community Plan. Darnaway Please view the photo slideshow below showing the condition of the various paths and forest trails. There are three permanent courses available that increase in technical and physical difficulty. F: +44 (0)1309 676156 Darnaway Kate Jessup was a volunteer with Stirling Conservation Volunteers and spent many years working at Doune Ponds. These cookies ensure basic functionalities and security features of the website, anonymously. Paths were fine even when covered in wet leaves and all mostly flat. Vic has thought of everything and it feels like youve stepped back in time. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". After a busy week of working, a Saturday afternoon stroll in nature was just what we needed to relax and recharge. Although only a short twenty-minute drive from our home, we surprisingly had never heard of Doune Ponds despite driving through the town of Doune countless times over the years. During the retreat of the ice following the last ice age 13000 years ago, vast quantities of fluvioglacial sand and gravel from Andrew Howard: Working together is the key to building places people want to live in. E: administrator@morayestates.co.uk, 2023 Moray Estates All Rights Reserved. . The area consists of 40 acres of woodland and water, including an all abilities path network providing easy walking access where you can see lots of wildlife. Looks like we can learn from your visit as you said there were no wheelchair accessible picnic tables. We are undertaking a public scoping process as we review the Moray Trust Long-Term Forest Plan, (part of Moray Estates). Where is your favourite wheelchair accessible walk? It does not store any personal data. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Other. This was due to the path being narrow and very bumpy from the trees roots growing underneath and protruding through the ground. We're updating our website with any closure/access details and info for residents near the # B818 and # Balfron is online now.. Just click the "Road Access" tab here: Click here to be the first to rate this area with 1 to 5 stars, View other birding spots in the area that are published on Birdingplaces. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. Functional cookies help to perform certain functionalities like sharing the content of the website on social media platforms, collect feedbacks, and other third-party features. It is managed through a Partnership Agreement between Moray Estates and the Doune Community Woodland Group, all of whom are volunteers. Lambs. Dont forget to bring your own chocolate eggs, as unfortunately we cannot hand any out this year. Disabled access, hides and information boards. The accommodation is immaculate and the bed one of the comfiest I have slept in. They are fun and I think kids will love them including the fairy doors and painted rocks scattered throughout the forest pathways. Car park was close by with blue badge spaces. We are delighted that Euan Tomes, who works for Doune Woodlands, one of Moray Estates woodland enterprises, was awarded top student at the Scottish School of Forestry, UHI Inverness in 2022 by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. Our gritting teams are out treating roads just now and we'll be ready for the snow if/when it comes. So its always great to find new wheelchair accessible walks in Scotland like our recent discovery of Doune Ponds. Doune Ponds Nature reserve is managed by Doune Community Woodland Group (DCWG) under an agreement with Moray Estates (the land owners) and Kilmadock Community Council . IV36 2ST Our Book with Confidence Guarantee gives you 24/7 support, From booking to staying, the whole process is simple and enjoyable, Enjoy full kitchens, laundry, pools, gardens and more, More space, more privacy, more amenities more value, : (Save changes and close the date picker. Following on from last weeks Community Workshop in Doune, please follow this link to the plans that were presented. Are you an owner of this venue? More details T: +44 (0)1309 672213 But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. Doune Ponds car park is small but practical. Forres Across from the largest pond is a well-maintained meadow with picnic tables. A Family Fun Day is also held in August/September time. Thank you, Nina. This is where most visitors head to get lovely views of the pond and feed the ducks! The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. In 2016, four cygnets were born and went on to grow into young adults before leaving the ponds. Its great to hear from you and Im delighted to read that you have looked online at wheelchair accessible picnic tables and are keen to implement that. Our aim is to improve the visitor experience without spoiling the natural woodland effect. 2 talking about this. Doune Ponds Nature reserve is managed by Doune Community Woodland Group (DCWG) under an agreement with Moray Estates (the land owners) and Kilmadock Community Council. Sadly she died suddenly and as a memorial to her dedication to conservation, her friends and colleagues created Kates Corner. Following community planning workshops in Doune and Deanston recently, Moray Estates provide further information on potential developments at the Three Corner field north of Doune. ), If checked, only properties that allow pets will be shown, More information about DOLLARBEG CASTLE - The Tower - Luxury Apartment, opens in a new tab, More information about Award-Winning 5 Star Luxury Retreat - Hot Tub, Sauna, Tennis, Fishing, Sky, Golf, opens in a new tab, More information about Comfortable lodge with hot tub.internet and netflix, opens in a new tab, More information about Magical Castle for 4 on Historic Scottish Estate, opens in a new tab, More information about Old Newton of Doune is a small castle on the edge of the village of Doune, opens in a new tab, More information about Award-Winning 5 Star Luxury Private Retreat - Hot Tub, Tennis, Fishing, Horses, opens in a new tab. Doune Woodlands employee wins top student award. Book your Doune Ponds, GB holiday home online from AU$ 108/night. Other uncategorized cookies are those that are being analyzed and have not been classified into a category as yet. It stops nearby at 21:10. . Forests and nature trails can be a challenge for wheelchair users but this local woodland was great and I think even in autumn and winter it would be fine to get around if not too wet. Even better, try viewing in a VR headset, with headphones. Come along to Doune Ponds between 2nd and 11th April and take part in our Easter Egg Hunt. 1093372 (in England and Wales) and SC041854 (in Scotland) Alternatively, you can download a Clue Sheet here. thanks for the positive comments you made about your visit to Doune Ponds. Brightfield Business Hub Estate Managing Director Andrew Howard has written for the Press & Journal on building the types of communities we wish to live in today. Allowed image types are jpeg,png,gif Your hostess Liz is very hospitable and I . Osprey, Sparrowhawk, Snipe, Mallard, Mandarin Duck, Eurasian Treecreeper, Willow Warbler, Common Chiffchaff, Grey Heron and White-throated Dipper to be seen. Thanks again. best from the North (true left) bank, but fishing is double bank (see the maps). A lovely Autumn walk around Doune ponds, through the woods. I was able to drive down onto the platform and get a closer look at the pond. The area around the North pond has been left quite rugged for those who want a more challenging walk. This currently includes a diverse range of activities from farming, forestry and housing through to renewable energy generation and the creation of one of Scotlands first new towns in a generation. No Sunday fishing. There are lots of fun activites including welly whanging, coconut shy, storytelling, willow weaving, bug identification, dog agility and not forgetting delicious home baking and hot drinks. On the Sunday following Doune Gala Day, the Harveys Fun Run is another event that makes use of our new path network as runners follow part of the route through the ponds. Registered Company No. Estates Office Doune Ponds, . Analytical cookies are used to understand how visitors interact with the website. Moray Estates Doune Ponds is beautiful and we will definitely be back again soon. A Family Fun Day is held in August/September time. Between 1950 and 1972 a minerals lease between Moray Estates . Kids ranged from nearly 2-7 and they had the best time out in the garden and thought the house was very cool. Again it was lovely and peaceful with no one around except the ducks and their young ducklings happily swimming around. Congratulations to our apprentice Forrester, Cameron Murray! Moray Estates Office River Tay Public Art Trail | Wheelchair Accessible Walk-in Perth, Scotland, An Accessible Trail Through Devilla Forest, Linlithgow Loch, A Wheelchair Accessible Walk in West Lothian, Scotland, Visiting The Japanese Garden at Cowden In A Wheelchair, Forest Holidays: Wheelchair Accessible Silver Birch Cabin Review, Blairgowrie Holiday Park Review: The Perfect Wheelchair Accessible Caravan Holiday. As one of the volunteers its great to get feedback so that we can gauge if we are hitting the mark. More information Accept. Come along to Doune Ponds between 2nd and 11th April and take part in our Easter Egg Hunt. The event, organised by the Doune Community Woodland Group and sponsored by Moray Estates, as well as the Co-op and Tesco, drew unexpectedly large crowds with approximately 300 local children taking part. ROUTE METRICS. It looks like such a lovely place, Emma! Doune Ponds. Salmon Fishing; News; MORAY ESTATES Moray Estates is the rural land based business of the Earl of Moray and his family. They were also well signposted giving directions for each pond as well as indicating the accessible path. It was the perfect excuse to get out but not have to travel too far. Learn how your comment data is processed. So much was the demand that Rory McLeod, the Estate Manager at Doune had to make an emergency trip to the Co-op in Doune to replenish supplies of eggs and to the office to print more clue sheets. The site is 16 hectares (40 acres) in size with underlying geology of old red sandstone. Doune Ponds History The nature and amenity area of Doune Ponds has seen both geological change and land use change in its lifetime. Doune Ponds enjoyed great weather on Easter Sunday for the now traditional Easter Egg Hunt. River Tay Public Art Trail | Wheelchair Accessible Walk-in Perth, ScotlandAccessible Scottish Walks: StrathyreAn Accessible Trail Through Devilla ForestLinlithgow Loch, A Wheelchair Accessible Walk in West Lothian, ScotlandVisiting The Japanese Garden at Cowden In A Wheelchair, Forest Holidays: Wheelchair Accessible Silver Birch Cabin ReviewBlairgowrie Holiday Park Review: The Perfect Wheelchair Accessible Caravan Holiday, Follow me onTwitter|Facebook|Instagram|YouTube|Pinterest. A big project completed in 2020 was the new walkway out over the pond. Il go again. Formally an old gravel and sand quarry, Doune Ponds has been transformed into a charming woodland by local volunteers. This review is especially helpful for those who have or use the following: Walking Aid, Wheelchair, Powerchair, Mobility Scooter. They may even have been carved by a chainsaw from trees. IV36 2ST Doune Community Woodland is managed by the Doune Community Woodland Group and includes a network of accessible paths, making the woodland a fantastic place for recreational and educational activities with groups from schools, nurseries and youth groups. A family volunteering session was held in Doune Ponds on Saturday afternoon on just about the first dry day in Doune in what seems like weeks. At least two hand-carved wooden benches feature wildlife favourites. Apr 5, 2021. John Moray was presented with the inaugural Landowner Legacy Award from The Princes Foundation at an awards ceremony in London on the 31st January. Id love to hear from you. We are delighted that Euan Tomes, who works for Doune Woodlands, one of Moray Estates woodland enterprises, was awarded top student at the Scottish School of Forestry, UHI Inverness in 2022 by the Institute of Chartered Foresters. There was one disabled parking space which was free when we arrived. But finding walks and trails that are wheelchair accessible involves a bit more research. HEADPHONES REQUIRED - Ambisonic audio, field recording at Doune Ponds, near Stirling in Scotland, set to a 360 still image, shot with a DSLR.Be sure to select the 4K setting on the youtube window, bottom right of the video as you hover over it. Have you visited Doune Ponds? The 59 is the first Bus that goes to Doune Ponds Car Park in Stirling. View in full screen mode, with heaphones, spatial audio does not translate over speakers. 4.528 miles. Doune Ponds, a former sand and gravel quarry right in the centre of Doune, is now a Local Nature Reserve. Towards the end of that agreement, because of budgetary . It then became an inaccessible and unkempt wilderness. Hello Im Emma. Doune Ponds (Jane Sumner) Exiting the Information Centre turn right along Balkerach St, and then turn right into Station Wynd. Froglife (Head Office) The business is managed with a commitment to improve the economic, environmental and social health of both the estates and local communities through the encouragement of sustainable economic activity. Bakewell Road You will hear sounds in front, at the sides, back, above and below.Listen to the change in sound perspective as you turn around in the 360 image, Ambisonic audio covers the full 360 degree sphere, giving you the impression of actually being there. During our two hour visit, we were lucky if we saw more than three people. The 59 is the last Bus that goes to Doune Ponds Car Park in Stirling. The event, organised by the Doune Community Woodland Group and sponsored by Moray Estates, as well as the Co-op and Tesco, drew unexpectedly large crowds with approximately 300 local children taking part. For those how don't know the Springbank sand and Gravel Company once stood where Doune ponds - Doune Riggs and RTA are today.This area now bears no resemblan. Doune Ponds was managed by Stirling Council until the agreement ended in 2014. Carved bench. IV36 2ST Copyright 2020 Doune and Deanston.com . Transport & Parking. News . The efforts of all the volunteers have been recognised a number of times and the ponds are now a wonderful asset for the whole community. F: +44 (0)1309 676156 The gated entrance to Doune Ponds is next to the car park, just a short walk away. Doune Community Woodland Group aim to car The site also has some rare fungi (see Liz Holdens recent Fungal Survey of Doune Ponds Nov 2020) and wild flowers including wild orchids. I also share personal stories, live event reviews and more. & Doune Castle Walking route mapped by Active Stirling 6 years ago Starts near Doune, GB MORE ROUTES NEAR HERE. Moray Estates Estates Office Berryley Darnaway Forres Moray IV36 2ST T: +44 (0)1309 672213 . Haddington, United Kingdom 22 contributions 16 helpful votes. More details; What time is the last Bus to Doune Ponds Car Park in Stirling? Doune Ponds Facebook. Doune Ponds is a useful beginners' site with picnic area and hides. This website uses cookies to provide better customer experience. Lambs. We enjoyed visiting and will definitely return, most likely with a picnic (weather permitting) and with our nephews. However, there is more than one way to access the North Pond, but it, unfortunately, had a large puddle and looked muddy. E: administrator@morayestates.co.uk, 2023 Moray Estates All Rights Reserved. We are undertaking a public scoping process as we review the Doune Estate Long-Term Forest Plan, (part of Moray Estates). Congratulations to our apprentice Forrester, Cameron Murray! Many areas of Doune Ponds has been left to grow wild while others feature manmade structures created from twigs to encourage bio-diversity. Take the next road on your left which brings you out at the car park. 4. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. From there the first thing we noticed was how solid and well-made the paths were. Visit us on Facebook Doune Village and Doune Ponds https://www.facebook.com/groups/195968191185657/ Thank you so much thats greatly appreciated. A couple of good viewing platforms above the water and accessible bird hides. Scotland has so many beautiful places to explore that youd never be short of places to walk while taking in the landscapes and scenery. Congratulations to Cameron Murray, one of our apprentice Forresters, who has just been shortlisted for Lantra Scotlands Awards for Land-based and Aquaculture Skills. Doune Ponds is a local nature reserve in the Perthshire village of Doune near Stirling. It was just so peaceful and we had good weather for it too. Look out for the waterlillies around August/September time. Another large project completed in 2020 with the help of Froglife was our new Dipping pond. Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *. Trout season 15th March - 6th October. We are undertaking a public scoping process as we review the Moray Trust Long-Term Forest Plan, (part of Moray Estates). Search and compare 306 places to stay close to Doune Ponds. Alternatively, you can download a Clue Sheet here. Local Dunblane pond builders will most likely have the telephone code . Advertisement cookies are used to provide visitors with relevant ads and marketing campaigns. Of course, I couldnt resist a photo with the fox. The large overgrown pond was restored by . Update October 2021: After taking my comments into consideration, The Doune Ponds Woodland volunteer group have modified one of the picnic tables to make it wheelchair accessible. Doune Ponds enjoyed great weather on Easter Sunday for the now traditional Easter Egg Hunt. Site by Project 404, The Estates Tornagrain project has featured in an article in The Critic. Doune Ponds Walk: A short walk to the lovely woodlands area around Doune Ponds. Following community planning workshops in Doune and Deanston recently, Moray Estates provide further information on potential developments at the Three Corner field north of Doune. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The Coppice area also known as Kates Corner has undertaken quite a change over the past 2 years. Unsubscribe at any time. Overall season: 1st February - 31st October. Many community events also run throughout the year. Community-run wetland reserve of 40 acres. All of our events are free entry, however people can make a donation if they wish and these funds will go towards the upkeep of the ponds. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. A family volunteering session was held in Doune Ponds on Saturday afternoon on just about the first dry day in Doune in what seems like weeks. Paths were fine even when covered in wet leaves and all mostly flat. At the moment Struthers & Scott Vets are also using this area to run dog agility classes. We expected the car park to be busier especially for a Saturday afternoon, so it was a pleasant surprise when we drove in and saw only four cars. It stops nearby at 06:40. DISTANCE 347 ft | 344 ft . Wintery . Please read about the way we capture, manage and store your data. Good interpretation boards. Clue sheets are available on our Facebook page and from Doune Information Centre. In the end the event raised over 400 in donations that will go into the continued management of the Ponds. A family volunteering session was held in Doune Ponds on Saturday afternoon on just about the first dry day in Doune in what seems like weeks. Coppicing involves felling trees and clearing the undergrowth with the aims of providing a useful product and creating a more diverse habitat. Moray Estates We also read a positive review on Euans Guide from a fellow power wheelchair user who found this walk both manageable and enjoyable. Demolition of the old jetty and building a new and improved viewing platform. Osprey , Sparrowhawk , Snipe , Mallard , Mandarin Duck , Eurasian Treecreeper , Willow Warbler , Common Chiffchaff , Grey Heron and White-throated Dipper to be seen. We would ask visitors, please do not feed the ducks bread, there are lots of healthy alternatives swan and duck food is available to buy at the local Information Centre, but porridge oats are a good alternative. Doune is near Dunblane, 30 miles north of Glasgow, and is on a regular bus route. Check out these amazing, inspiring and most beautiful backyard ponds in the world. Forres We went inside the large sheltered bird lookout overlooking the beautiful tree-lined pond. More details on Doune and Deanston Community Plan November 15, 2022 The cookie settings on this website are set to "allow cookies" to give you the best browsing experience possible. T: +44 (0)1309 672213 1,776 views. PE2 6XU One of the benches here was beautifully carved into various animal sculptures. My mission is to show you the possibilities of accessible travel through my travel guides, tips and reviews. Leaping forward for reptiles and amphibians, Funders: Avondale Environmental, part of the NPL Group, through the Scottish Landfill Communities Fund and National Lottery Heritage Fund. Please remember to follow all COVID rules, including keeping a safe distance from one another. Its always good to find a new place to go for an accessible walk with the family. Andrew Howard: Working together is the key to building places people want to live in. Heavy snow is forecast for late tonight and tomorrow morning with # StormEunice. The community group have raised more than 50k for projects and maintenance. We enjoyed sitting on the wooden deck overlooking the entire pond. The Meadow areais where you will find a beautifully crafted fox bench and in the summer months it is filled with wild flowers (including wild orchids) and butterflies. This has proved very popular with youngsters over the summer and lots of children have been visiting the dipping pond armed with fishing nets and trays in search of newts, blood worms, backswimmers, pond snails and more! Thank you so much for your lovely comment. I bet you have lots of lovely walks in Athens? We headed off, full of intrigue as to what we may find. Since the group took over in 2014, the unloved ponds have been transformed. John Moray was presented with the inaugural Landowner Legacy Award from The Princes Foundation at an awards ceremony in London on the 31st January. Continuing along the accessible paths we reached the largest pond in the centre of the nature reserve. Was anyone at the Cheltenham Jazz Festival this weekend? Re-building and fixing parts of Commonty walk path. My mission is to show you the possibilities of accessible travel through my travel guides, tips and reviews. It then became an inaccessible and unkempt . Rate this route (0) A moderately hilly circular walking route, approximately 4.5 miles long. Im so glad we went as it was a lovely little place. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Doune Ponds is a lovely bit of enclosed woodland with numerous footpaths and trails suitable for all abilities. To ensure that our wildlife and woodlands are protected, no fishing or fires (including BBQs) are permitted at Doune Ponds. There was plenty of signage and informational boards about Doune Ponds and the wildlife.