Brock Wood, Spott
One of the less well-know nature-reserved managed by Scottish Wildlife Trust Brock Wood is a magical wee patch of mixed woodland tucked away near to the village of Spott, just a bit inland from Dunbar. It is definitely worth approaching from the East side as this will bring you right past the ‘Witches Stone’, a memorial to the East Lothian Witches burnt alive during the infamous East Lothian witch trials of the 1500s. The stone itself is marked and surrounded by a metal cage. It is not the safest spot to park/walk up (no footpath) but the road is pretty quiet and its definitely worth a wee nosy o to pay your respects as there’s a bit of information and some cute tiles denoting various herbs and their medicinal uses around that time.
You can park in a wee layby next to the entrance to the reserve, its big enough for two maybe 3 cars but I have never seen another soul on any of my visits here. The entrance is marked by a wooden sign and you are straight into the woods. A well trodden muddy path leads you through tranquil mixed woodland. If I am honest, this is not the most exciting area of woodland I have set foot in, but I believe it is somewhat a haven for bird-watching and I took great delight in pointing out all of the little wooden bird boxes dotted about the place, and all the read berries on the rowan trees (birdy num nums!) to little Ozzy in the rucksack on my back. Where the path splits here take a right up the hill to make the most of your time in the wood listening to the sounds of nature and enjoying the peace. There is not much else to report until the path winds left and back on itself to the bottom of the slope where the brock burn runs to your left. You can access the burn easily and theres plenty of entertainment down here for adventurous kids (or adults!) and dogs. I for one, cannot resist a makeshift stepping-stone water crossing! So I led the way, with my little ducklings in tow, but because there is always one(!) wee Grayson slipped on a slimy stone and ended up on his bum in the middle of the burn. Thankfully, it was a lovely warm day and I am not a mother who worries about these things too much, so after a wee consolation cuddle we were off, wet bum and all.
Follow the path along the burn and on your left you will notice some rough steps heading back up to meet the original path (where you could have turned off earlier). Stick to the right, however and where the path forks, take the rough, pretty overgrown path that leads toward the water on your right. There is a old wooden bench nestled among an area of long grass and wildflowers and if you carefully enter the undergrowth in front you will find a curious brick structure here on the banks of the burn- there is quite a drop so proceed with care! I am not sure what this is/was, my guess is some kind of ruined watermill but it would be interesting to know more about it.
The mystery stone structure…
Looking back to the bench from the stone structure
Retrace your steps and rejoin the main path as it opens out into a open area where the stone structure we visited earlier becomes a curious brick wall to your right. Opposite a white house on your left the path forks- my exploratory nature made me take the path down to the right and I am so glad I did! This wee detour alone, is in my opinion, what makes Brock Wood worth a visit. Down this path you find a secluded glen, hidden from view from the path you just walked. The stream meets another tributary and forms a lush still pool, surrounded by ferns and under the canopy of the trees it is just a truly beautiful, tranquil spot. You will also notice the base of the huge brick wall, and most interestingly, a tunnel! A long brick lined tunnel that appears to cut through a cliff face towards where we earlier found the strange brick structure. Its easily explorable if you duck but at approximately 50m or so long, it was too claustrophobic and creepy for me (although I am certain that my curiosity to know what is on the other side will get to me eventually so watch this space...)! It’s a perfect doggy playground here so always worth spending a few moments watching them frolick about in the pool and bound about the bushes. Happy doggos mean a happy me!
Bid farewell to the pool and retrace your steps back to the main path and follow it as it winds through the woodland, ending abruptly at a road where the stream crosses as a ford- more fun for little wellied legs! Cross the road and re-enter the woods where the well, trodden path leads you up stairs and across wooden pathways for 10 minutes or so at waking pace before opening out onto the road right opposite where you parked your car, which is handy!