Mill Leat

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Ayrshire

Scotland

Mill Leat

Sand Dunes: Seafield At the southern end of Ayr Promenade — Sand Dunes: Seafield Credit: Jim Smillie

Mill Leat is a picturesque freshwater marsh located in Ayrshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 10 acres, it is a haven for various species of plants and animals. The site is often referred to as a lake, pool, pond, or freshwater marsh due to its unique characteristics.

Surrounded by lush greenery and bordered by reeds, Mill Leat is fed by a small stream that originates from nearby hills. The water in the marsh is still and calm, creating a tranquil atmosphere. The marshland is mainly composed of shallow water, making it an ideal habitat for aquatic plants such as water lilies, reeds, and sedges. These plants provide shelter and food for a wide range of animal species.

Bird enthusiasts will be delighted to find a diverse array of avian species at Mill Leat. Ducks, swans, and geese are commonly spotted gliding across the water's surface, while herons can be seen stalking their prey along the marshy edges. The marshland also attracts a variety of insects, including dragonflies and butterflies, which flit among the vegetation.

Mill Leat is not only a haven for wildlife but also a popular destination for nature lovers. Visitors can enjoy leisurely walks along the marsh's perimeter, immersing themselves in the serene surroundings. The calm waters offer opportunities for fishing, and the presence of benches and picnic areas make it an ideal spot for a peaceful afternoon outing.

In summary, Mill Leat in Ayrshire is a picturesque freshwater marsh that offers a diverse range of plants and animals. Its tranquil atmosphere, beautiful scenery, and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Mill Leat Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.432849/-4.6482404 or Grid Reference NS3218. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sand Dunes: Seafield

At the southern end of Ayr Promenade

Jim Smillie

The path along the seafront

On a hot afternoon the walk along the seafront was very pleasant.

Malcolm Neal

The tide is out

The sea is quite a way from the path as it is about low tide.

Malcolm Neal

Robert Burns' Birthplace

Poet Robert Burns was born in this cottage, typical for its time, on 25 January 1759

Anne Burgess

The Auld Brig O' Doon

Taken from the other Brig O' Doon Link. Gardens belong to the Brig O' Doon House Hotel (Costley & Costley Hotels) Link

"Brigadoon", Lerner and Loewe's classic Broadway fantasy Scottish musical, was probably based on this famous Scottish landmark in Alloway. Link

Simon Johnston

Brig O' Doon

The new Brig O' Doon. Alloway. Taken from the Auld Brig O' Doon Link. Robert Burns Country.

Simon Johnston

River Doon Millennium Bridge, Ayr

This striking foot- and cycle- bridge is the lowest crossing point of the River Doon (only just above the beach), and was completed in 2001. It links the main Ayr seafront with the Greenan Shore to the south. It lies on the National Cycle Network. Link

Oliver Dixon

Burns Cottage Doorway.

Detail of Rabbie Burns' Cottage in Alloway. The roof of this "auld clay biggin'" is thatched, the door and window are picked out in contrasting paint, and the window has a wooden shutter. Burns died in Dumfries.

Colin Smith

The Auld Kirk, Alloway.

This ruined kirkyard is near Burns Cottage. It is the place where Tam saw Cutty Sark and her coven dancing in Burns' poem, "Tam o'Shanter".

Colin Smith

Burns Monument, Alloway.

The monument stands between the old and new Alloway Brigs.

Colin Smith

Sunset from the Castle

We cycled up there from Ayr.

Andrya Prescott

Duck family on the water near the sands

We were on the little stone bridge. There had been quite an escapade with the ducklings having lost their mother - seems she found them OK. The water merges with salt water in about 10 yards.

Andrya Prescott

Greenan castle

A view looking southwest from the beach towards the remains of Greenan castle on an imposing clifftop site. The radio aerial masts on Brown Carrick Hill can be seen in the distance at right.

Phil Williams

Auld Brig o' Doon

The old bridge is immortalised in Robert Burns' best-know work, 'Tam o'Shanter'.

Anne Burgess

Caravans at Craig Tara holiday park, nr. Ayr

Most of the old chalets on this former Butlins site have now gone, replaced by caravans forming the current "Haven" site. Some buildings have been retained - that visible in the left middle distance is the old dining hall still in use as a restaurant facility.

John Willacy