Cowton Burn

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Cowton Burn
Soggy banks of Cowton Burn - geograph.org.uk - 1514089.jpg
Cowton Burn
Location
Country Scotland
Physical characteristics
Source Mounth (eastern Grampian Mountains)
Mouth Cowie Water
  coordinates
56°59′23″N2°15′59″W / 56.98961°N 2.26636°W / 56.98961; -2.26636 Coordinates: 56°59′23″N2°15′59″W / 56.98961°N 2.26636°W / 56.98961; -2.26636

Cowton Burn is a stream that rises in the Mounth, or eastern range of the Grampian Mountains, on some of the northwest slopes of the Durris Forest west of Netherley, Aberdeenshire, Scotland. The Grid Reference for the headwaters is NO 925 823); Cowton Burn is a tributary to the Cowie Water. The Cowton Burn is crossed by the A957 road slightly northwest of Rickarton House. [1]

Contents

Watershed characteristics

The headwaters of the Cowton Burn rise in a coniferous forest area of the Durris Forest. The stream flows downslope on an easterly course as it makes its way to discharge to the Cowie Water. The stream generally has lush vegetation growing all the way to its margins throughout most of its course. The July flow rate is roughly six cubic feet per second in the headwaters reach. pH levels are slightly alkaline. [2]

History

The Roman Camp Raedykes occupied the northern higher ground of the central drainage area of Cowton Burn, whereas the east flank of Raedykes provides surface runoff to the Burn of Monboys. A number of historical analysts, including the 19th century researcher Gabriel Jaques Surenne and contemporary authors Watt and Hogan, hypothesize that the Battle of Mons Graupius was fought in or slightly east of Cowton Burn watershed. [3] Immediately above the confluence with the Cowie Water, one can look down and see expanses of Fetteresso Forest to the west, at the edge of which is the Rickarton House estate, founded by Colonel William Rickart Hepburn in the first decade of the 19th century. [4]

See also

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Rickarton House

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The B9077 road is a public highway in Aberdeenshire, Scotland that connects the city of Aberdeen to the southern part of Banchory. The road crosses River Dee on the King George VI Bridge in Aberdeen. Outside the city the road has two traffic lanes and runs along the south bank of the River Dee, and in many places provides good views of the river. The road provides access to several historic and prehistoric features in south Deeside including Balbridie, Bucharn and Maryculter House. The highway numbering has been changed since 1985. Other historic features in the general vicinity are Crathes Castle, Milton of Crathes, Netherley House and Muchalls Castle.

References

  1. United Kingdom Ordnance Survey Map Landranger 45, Stonehaven and Banchory, 1:50,000 scale, 2004
  2. C.M. Hogan, History of Muchalls Castle, Natural History Section, Lumina Press, Aberdeen (2005)
  3. Archibald Watt, Highways and Byways Round Stonehaven, Gourdas House Publishers, Aberdeen (1984)
  4. Archibald Watt, Highways and Biways around Kincardineshire, Stonehaven Heritage Society (1985)