Blackhills Estate Lhanbryde
I've been trying to visit Blackhills Estate for many years. It's a private woodland garden only open to visitors two days every year, so it's a challenge to make time, especially given the unpredictable Scottish weather.
The gardens are open on consecutive Sundays at the end of May and the start of June. This year (2024), it was the 26th of May and the 2nd of June. We intended to go on the 26th, but it rained all day, so we opted for the second date, a glorious sunny day!
What is Blackhills Estate?
Blackhills Estate, which spans approximately sixty acres, is uniquely situated in two steep-sided glacial valleys forming a letter C just south of the small town of Lhanbryde in northeast Scotland. These sheltered valleys create a distinctive micro-climate, fostering the growth of numerous plants typically considered too delicate for the East coast of Scotland.
Our visit to Blackhills Estate
My wife and three daughters decided to visit Blackhills Estate on the early June date; it was a lovely sunny day, and Blackhills was only a 20-minute drive from our home. We arrived at Blackhills Estate and were greeted at the entrance; it was £5 per adult, and the kids got in free.
Continuing in the car, we followed the road through a farm setting, with little farm buildings and cottages lining the road. There was even a secluded communal tennis court! Eventually, we arrived at a large field used for parking during the open day, which was ideal as it seemed very busy!
We followed the road back to the entrance on foot and stopped to have our picnic on the benches here. Two peacocks visited us. Home bakes, teas, and coffees are offered as part of your entrance ticket, but as it was so busy, we just opted to leave this.
After our picnic, we decided to check out the signposted walks. The lady at the entrance kindly supplied us with a hand-drawn map of the various routes available and features to look out for on the way.
The Signposted Walks
Blackhills Garden remains a wild garden, characterized by a collection of wild-origin plants introduced from China and Tibet in the early 20th century. The planting approach emulates their Himalayan origins, with minimal pruning and no flower beds.
The Blue Route
The Blue route takes visitors through the first of the two valleys, known as the "kettle hole," around the old curling pond. This walk should take about an hour or less. Numerous alternate paths on the return journey ensure you won't get lost. Try one of the smaller paths for a more intimate experience.
The Red Route
The Red Route offers a longer walk through the second and larger of the valleys, "The Warren." This walk takes about an hour and a half to two hours at a leisurely pace. Many plants in this valley are wild species from China and Tibet.
Dragonflies & Newts at the Old Pond
We first followed the Blue Route, which arced around the Old Pond. The pond here was beautiful, and the banks were lined with rhodendrons. The water was packed with not only many types of dragonflies but newts, too! This was the first time I'd seen newts in the wild; it was amazing to see them kicking their legs and swimming on the north banks near the jetty.
Joining the Red Route
Once we reached the far side of the Old Pond, we followed the path around the New Pond and then opted to join the Red Route, as the Blue Route would take us back to the entrance.
The red route was lovely, with an undulating path passing through dense forests and crossing babbling brooks via small bridges. There are some unusual plants, including those with huge leaves.
We found the Fairy House just off the path. It is just a small shed but still a fun place for the kids to discover. We saw wild deer running through the valley, too!
Eventually, we rejoined the Blue Route and returned to the entrance. Unfortunately, we missed a few of the features on the map, including the standing stones, stone circle, and one of the viewpoints. There's always next year!
Blackhills House
Our final area to explore was the gardens of Blackhills House. The house itself is lovely, and the gardens are perfectly kept. Interesting features include a sculpted stone under a canopy, many milling stones and some more epic rhodendrons.
The girls found a tree swing, which they had great fun on before we returned to the car park to go home.
History of Blackhills Estate Woodland Garden
The garden's inception at Blackhills dates back to the early 20th century, initiated by Thomas North Christie, a retired tea planter. Christie was enthusiastic about the numerous new rhododendron species being discovered in the remote mountainous regions of Tibet and China. He cultivated these plants alongside other genera, such as Meconopsis, primula, and Gentian. However, the rhododendrons thrived, adapting splendidly to the thin layer of peaty soil in the valleys. Despite the soil's poor nutrient content compared to richer garden soils, the rhododendrons required no additional fertilisers or plant food.
From its inception, the garden was envisioned as an informal, wild haven where nature's harmony would prevail. Once established, the rhododendrons needed minimal assistance, requiring no pruning and occasional weeding. The abundance of naturally regenerating seedlings is a testament to their contentment.
Rhododendron Species
Blackhills Garden boasts around 360 different rhododendron species, predominantly of wild origin, with many collected from the Himalayas. Additionally, species from North America, Central Asia, and Northern Europe are present. Approximately half of these species were planted between 1920 and 1935, with subsequent additions by Thomas Christie's successors over the past twenty years. Today, Blackhills Garden is renowned for its diverse and extensive rhododendron collection, including many hybrids that bloom in vibrant hues, particularly in May.
How to get to Blackhills Estate
From the east on the A96:
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Travel westwards along the A96 until you arrive at Lhanbryde.
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Halfway along the Lhanbryde bypass, take a left turn to reach the B9103.
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Turn left onto the B9103.
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A short distance to the south, you will see a white sign marked "Blackhills" turn right.
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Continue on the minor road south until you reach a fork. Take the right fork with a green sign marked "Blackhills".
From the west on the A96:
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Leave Elgin on the A96 travelling east.
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Before you reach Lhanbryde, take a right turn to join the B9103.
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Follow step 4 above from the easterly directions.
The estate can also be accessed from the south via Rothes on the B9103 and the A941. If you are planning a visit, remember that it is only open to the public two days per year in late spring.
FAQs about Blackhills Estate
Is Blackhills open to the public?
Yes, but only on two days of the year in late spring. Check the Blackhills website for their open days each year. It is possible to arrange a visit outside these days by making an appointment via email: office@blackhills.co.uk.
Can I take my dog to Blackhills on the open days?
Yes, but kept on a lead at all times.
Are there toilets at Blackhills Estate?
Yes, there are a couple of toilet blocks near the picnic benches at the main entrance, where you pay. Accessible toilets are also available.
Where else is there to see near Blackhills Estate?
You are spoiled for choice in this area; here are a few fantastic places you can visit:
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The Famous Glen Moray Distillery
Conclusion - A beautiful woodland setting
Blackhills Estate is only open to visitors two days per year, so it's worth marking it on your calendar as a place to visit next spring. The walks here are utterly enchanting, and there are many interesting things to see along the way. All money raised is given to charity (Keiran's Legacy)—an ideal day out with the family in Moray.
All information was correct at the time of writing, please check things like entry costs and opening times before you arrive.
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