Auchinstarry Loch

Lake, Pool, Pond, Freshwater Marsh in Stirlingshire

Scotland

Auchinstarry Loch

Rowancraig Spring Made into a shrine. With the offering of an empty can of coke. — Rowancraig Spring Credit: Mick Garratt

Auchinstarry Loch is a picturesque freshwater loch located in Stirlingshire, Scotland. Nestled amidst the scenic landscapes of the Central Belt, it covers an area of approximately 11 hectares (27 acres). The loch is situated near the village of Kilsyth and is easily accessible by road, making it a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike.

Surrounded by lush greenery and rolling hills, Auchinstarry Loch offers a tranquil and serene setting. Its calm waters reflect the beauty of the surrounding landscape, creating a perfect backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The loch is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, attracting a variety of bird species, including swans, ducks, and herons. The surrounding woodlands provide a habitat for numerous small mammals and woodland birds.

Auchinstarry Loch also serves as a recreational spot for outdoor activities. Fishing is a popular pastime here, with the loch being well-stocked with fish such as brown trout. Anglers can enjoy a peaceful day on the water, surrounded by nature. Additionally, the loch is a great spot for leisurely walks and picnics, with well-maintained paths and designated picnic areas.

The loch is part of the larger Auchinstarry Marina complex, which offers amenities such as a café, boat hire, and a caravan park. Visitors can rent a boat or canoe to explore the calm waters, or simply relax and soak in the natural beauty of the surroundings. Auchinstarry Loch truly offers a peaceful retreat in the heart of Stirlingshire, providing a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

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Auchinstarry Loch Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.970289/-4.0522237 or Grid Reference NS7277. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Rowancraig Spring

Made into a shrine. With the offering of an empty can of coke.

Mick Garratt

The Antonine Wall, Croy Hill

Construction of the Antonine Wall began sometime after 140AD, running from Old Kilpatrick in the west to Bridgeness in the east. The section of the wall that once stood here was built by the Sixth Legion, and excavations have revealed that a fortlet once occupied the area in the picture.

Euan Nelson

The Antonine Wall, Croy Hill

On this section of the Antonine Wall was sited a fort which housed a Roman garrison of approximately 200 men.

Euan Nelson

Auchinstarry Marina, Kilsyth

Euan Nelson

Track to Bar Hill Roman fort

A good farm road leads walkers from Twechar to the Roman fort on Bar Hill. This picture looks back along this road from a point close to the fort.

Alec MacKinnon

Trees on Bar Hill

As seen in e.g. NS7075 : Barr Hill Roman Baths, the top of Bar Hill is sparsely wooded. These two trees stand on the western edge of the Roman fort area, and the picture looks west. Part of Twechar can be seen between them, as well as the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Alec MacKinnon

Field beside the "Military Way"

The picture was taken from the Military Way, as described in NS7176 : The Military Way. The muddy field with the grazing sheep lies immediately north of the track.

Alec MacKinnon

Croy Signs for walkers

These signs help walkers to negotiate the network of paths that takes in Croy Hill, the Forth and Clyde Canal, Bar Hill and Twechar, and of course other destinations further afield.

Alec MacKinnon

East side of Croy Hill

The line of the Antonine Wall runs left to right across the bottom of this picture and a small Roman fort lay to the right. The paths in the centre of the picture give access to or from the Forth and Clyde Canal.

Alec MacKinnon

Kilsyth from the air

With the Forth & Clyde Canal running the length of the photo on the right.

Thomas Nugent

Kilsyth and the Forth & Clyde Canal from the air

The disused Rowancraig Quarry is on the right.

Thomas Nugent

Croy railway station, Lanarkshire, 2016

Opened in 1842 by the Edinburgh & Glasgow Railway. View south west towards Lenzie and Glasgow. A lot has happened in the 3 years since NS7275 : Croy railway station, Lanarkshire, 2013 was taken. Electric wires have been erected through the station, the platforms have been extended and a new housing estate has appeared in the distance. More was to follow, in the shape of a new footbridge with lifts. See NS7275 : Croy railway station, Lanarkshire for a 2023 view from a similar camera position.

Nigel Thompson

Drumglass

Viewed from a Glasgow bound train leaving Croy station.

Thomas Nugent

Banton Loch from the air

Formerly known as Townhead reservoir. Built in 1772 to provide water to the nearby Forth & Clyde Canal . Speirs Island can be seen within the loch. On the site of the Battle of Kilsyth (1645).

Thomas Nugent