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Birny Brae

Downs, Moorland in Ayrshire

Scotland

Birny Brae

Opencast mining in Nithsdale One of many areas of opencast mining in East Ayrshire, now presumably inactive as a result of the financial difficulties of Scottish Coal, which is in administration, with questions as to who will pay for the restoration of the landscape.
Opencast mining in Nithsdale Credit: M J Richardson

Birny Brae is a picturesque area located in Ayrshire, Scotland. Situated in the southern part of the country, it encompasses a mix of downs and moorland, making it a diverse and captivating landscape.

The downs of Birny Brae are characterized by gently rolling hills covered in a patchwork of vibrant green grass and wildflowers. These hills offer stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, with their gentle slopes providing an ideal setting for leisurely walks and hikes. The downs are also home to a variety of wildlife, including birds, rabbits, and occasionally, deer.

In contrast, the moorland of Birny Brae presents a wilder and more rugged terrain. Covered in heather and gorse, the moors create a rich tapestry of colors throughout the year, with vibrant purples and deep greens dominating the landscape. The moorland is also home to unique flora and fauna, such as the iconic Scottish Highland cows, which can often be spotted grazing peacefully in the vast open spaces.

Birny Brae offers visitors a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty and serene atmosphere make it a popular destination for nature lovers, hikers, and photographers. The area is also a haven for bird watchers, with a variety of species, including buzzards, kestrels, and skylarks, frequenting the skies above.

Overall, Birny Brae in Ayrshire is a captivating blend of downs and moorland, offering visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the stunning Scottish countryside and experience the unique charm of this picturesque location.

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Birny Brae Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.386036/-4.3191212 or Grid Reference NS5312. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Opencast mining in Nithsdale One of many areas of opencast mining in East Ayrshire, now presumably inactive as a result of the financial difficulties of Scottish Coal, which is in administration, with questions as to who will pay for the restoration of the landscape.
Opencast mining in Nithsdale
One of many areas of opencast mining in East Ayrshire, now presumably inactive as a result of the financial difficulties of Scottish Coal, which is in administration, with questions as to who will pay for the restoration of the landscape.
Opencast at Waterhead The remains of opencast mining in amongst the forestry; there is a lot in this area but since the demise of Scottish Coal its future, and any restoration, is in the balance.
Opencast at Waterhead
The remains of opencast mining in amongst the forestry; there is a lot in this area but since the demise of Scottish Coal its future, and any restoration, is in the balance.
Linn Burn The upper part of Linn Burn was in an unplanted part of the forest.
Linn Burn
The upper part of Linn Burn was in an unplanted part of the forest.
Former open-cast site near Dalgig This enormous hole in the ground is not visible from the valley floor. It illustrates the extent of the coal extraction that took place here around the turn of the 20th century. Letting it fill with water is about the only way of restoring the site to any sort of landscape. It will look really bare for a very long time while weathering and re-growth of vegetation take place. The nearby House of Water site is still used by Hargreaves Mining. The old landscape, including the farm buildings at Dalgig, no longer exists.
Former open-cast site near Dalgig
This enormous hole in the ground is not visible from the valley floor. It illustrates the extent of the coal extraction that took place here around the turn of the 20th century. Letting it fill with water is about the only way of restoring the site to any sort of landscape. It will look really bare for a very long time while weathering and re-growth of vegetation take place. The nearby House of Water site is still used by Hargreaves Mining. The old landscape, including the farm buildings at Dalgig, no longer exists.
Black Hill view Looking down from the cairn with the old open-cast workings visible in the background. Viewed in disappointing mid-July light.
Black Hill view
Looking down from the cairn with the old open-cast workings visible in the background. Viewed in disappointing mid-July light.
Cairn on Black Hill Not quite on the summit and accessible again since the trees have been felled.
Cairn on Black Hill
Not quite on the summit and accessible again since the trees have been felled.
Craigman Opencast Mine The road has a gate across it at this point. I'm unsure whether this mine is abandoned or awaiting restoration but there was no apparent activity on the site.
Craigman Opencast Mine
The road has a gate across it at this point. I'm unsure whether this mine is abandoned or awaiting restoration but there was no apparent activity on the site.
Castle Hill at Waterhead, New Cumnock Castlehill at Waterhead New Cumnock, with River Nith in the foreground
Castle Hill at Waterhead, New Cumnock
Castlehill at Waterhead New Cumnock, with River Nith in the foreground
Little Rigend Hill, New Cumnock Wee Rigen'slopes down to the River Nith
Little Rigend Hill, New Cumnock
Wee Rigen'slopes down to the River Nith
Forestry Road Forestry road
Forestry Road
Forestry road
Black Water Black Water burn
Black Water
Black Water burn
The bridge over Black Water burn The bridge over Black Water burn looking west.
The bridge over Black Water burn
The bridge over Black Water burn looking west.
The Edge of the Forest The Edge of the Forest.
The Edge of the Forest
The Edge of the Forest.
Forest Fire Break Forest fire break look out onto Loch Rig.
Forest Fire Break
Forest fire break look out onto Loch Rig.
Forestry Road Forestry road
Forestry Road
Forestry road
Forestry Road Forestry road
Forestry Road
Forestry road
Forestry Road Forestry Road
Forestry Road
Forestry Road
Forestry Road Forestry Road
Forestry Road
Forestry Road
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Birny Brae is located at Grid Ref: NS5312 (Lat: 55.386036, Lng: -4.3191212)

Unitary Authority: East Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///generally.ambitions.gratuity. Near Cumnock, East Ayrshire

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Stony Hill Tappet Hill Birny Brae

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