I have always enjoyed the short walk down to Threave Castle . As a child, I always ended up running there with great excitement at the opportunity of ringing the custodians bell to call the ferryman before my sister.
I just loved the little boat ride over the river Dee.
In those days it was a rowing boat now its a much quicker journey with an outboard motor so sea sickness tablets are not necessary.
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| Crossing the River Dee to Threave Island and Castle |
Now its more of a wander down the path and an opportunity to learn more about the fascinating history of the area and spot wildlife. I spotted two deer on this walk.
This trip was prompted by hearing the news that two Osprey a male and female had returned to the nest near the castle so I waited in the hide in anticipation There are five hides along the river and marshes and there is often a RSPB volunteer on hand who can give you lots of information. This time I was unlucky but have had reports from our guests who have seen them. I have been trying to find out if there are any eggs yet but have not heard.
If you are interested in Ospreys you can keep up to date by following the National Trusts Blog for Threave Estate.
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The hard working NTS Staff have really made a difference on the Estate managing 1500 acres, laying paths, planting trees, encouraging wildlife and building hides. Earlier this year work was carried out to ensure the Osprey platform was secure and safe.
Threave Estate was designated as Scotland's first Bat Reserve in 2010 with seven species recorded. There are two Bat trails around Threave Gardens and Kelton Mains. Bat detectors are available to hire from Threave Gardens visitor centre
To learn more about Threave Estate and Gardens
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| Crossing The River Dee |
A thousand years ago Threave Island was said to be the home of the ancient rulers of Galloway. The tall, forbidding tower that now dominates the island was built for Sir Archibald Douglas in 1369 and is all that remains.
Sir Archibald had recently become Lord of Galloway, but is better known as Archibald ‘the Grim’. His Father had been King Robert the Bruce's friend during the Wars of Independence against England. Archibald continued that fight. The English gave him the name The Grim due to his frightening appearance in battle.
In 1400 he died at Threave and was by then the 3rd Earl of Black Douglas, the most powerful magnate in Southern Scotland.
When James II tried to overthrow the over-mighty Black Douglases about half a century later, after a two-month-long siege at Threave, the island stronghold reverted to the Crown.
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| Threave Tower |
I am always delighted to see Dumfries and Galloway in the National Press and receive recognition for being such a wonderful area and here is an article on a walk around the Estate published in The Guardian.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/travel/2012/
may/13/castle-douglas-and-threave-Galloway-walk
Threave Island was also recently listed in UK'S Tiny Islands Top Ten Hidden Gems
The Island is managed by Historic Scotland for details of opening times please visit their website
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