West Braes

Downs, Moorland in Ayrshire

Scotland

West Braes

Benchmark on Milestone Benchmark on top of milestone beside the B743.
Muirkirk 5 and-a-half miles on one side of the milestone,
Mauchline 8 and Ayr 19 on the other side.
Photo taken on the 18th March, 2022.
Benchmark on Milestone Credit: Rab McMurdo

West Braes is a region located in Ayrshire, Scotland, characterized by its diverse landscape featuring downs and moorland. Situated on the western coast of Scotland, West Braes offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the Firth of Clyde.

The downs in West Braes are rolling hills covered in lush green grasses and are a prominent feature of the area. These downs provide a picturesque backdrop for walkers, hikers, and nature enthusiasts, offering panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes. The terrain is relatively easy to traverse, making it an ideal location for outdoor activities such as picnicking, birdwatching, or simply enjoying a leisurely stroll.

In addition to the downs, West Braes is also home to expansive moorland. Moorland is characterized by its wide open spaces, heather-covered hills, and peat bogs. This unique ecosystem serves as a habitat for a variety of plants and wildlife, including birds, insects, and small mammals. The moorland in West Braes offers a sense of tranquility and isolation, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the area.

West Braes is also known for its historical and cultural significance. The region is dotted with ancient archaeological sites, including standing stones and burial mounds, providing a glimpse into its rich history. Moreover, the area is steeped in folklore and legends, adding an air of mystery and intrigue to the landscape.

Overall, West Braes in Ayrshire offers a captivating blend of downs and moorland, providing visitors with a unique and enchanting experience of Scotland's natural beauty.

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West Braes Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.512952/-4.2050949 or Grid Reference NS6026. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Benchmark on Milestone Benchmark on top of milestone beside the B743.
Muirkirk 5 and-a-half miles on one side of the milestone,
Mauchline 8 and Ayr 19 on the other side.
Photo taken on the 18th March, 2022.
Benchmark on Milestone
Benchmark on top of milestone beside the B743. Muirkirk 5 and-a-half miles on one side of the milestone, Mauchline 8 and Ayr 19 on the other side. Photo taken on the 18th March, 2022.
Old Milestone Mauchline 7  Ayr 18 on one side of the milestone,
Muirkirk 6 and-a-half on the other side.
Photo taken on the 18th March 2022.
Old Milestone
Mauchline 7 Ayr 18 on one side of the milestone, Muirkirk 6 and-a-half on the other side. Photo taken on the 18th March 2022.
Frail bridge over River Ayr at North Limmerhaugh Not part of the River Ayr Way but this frail bridge is for the use of fishermen.
Frail bridge over River Ayr at North Limmerhaugh
Not part of the River Ayr Way but this frail bridge is for the use of fishermen.
The River Ayr south of Crook Moss The River Ayr Way runs to the left of the river in the distance.
The River Ayr south of Crook Moss
The River Ayr Way runs to the left of the river in the distance.
Signpost and path for the River Ayr Way
Signpost and path for the River Ayr Way
B743 near North Limmerhaugh
B743 near North Limmerhaugh
B743 near Meath Hill
B743 near Meath Hill
Dead Man's Hole The Dead Man's Hole on the Water Ayr.
Dead Man's Hole
The Dead Man's Hole on the Water Ayr.
Garpel road end
Garpel road end
Tree pruning on the B743
Tree pruning on the B743
Fishermen's footbridge over the river Ayr
Fishermen's footbridge over the river Ayr
Moorland at Limmerhaugh Muir
Moorland at Limmerhaugh Muir
Erosion on a burn flowing off Meath Hill
Erosion on a burn flowing off Meath Hill
Merkland farm road end
Merkland farm road end
The Whitehaugh Water
The Whitehaugh Water
Mid-Heilar A small collection of farm buildings and a dwelling house located above the floodplain of the R.Ayr. The floodplain starts to widen here after the gorge section which extends downstream for about 2km from Upper Heilar.
Mid-Heilar
A small collection of farm buildings and a dwelling house located above the floodplain of the R.Ayr. The floodplain starts to widen here after the gorge section which extends downstream for about 2km from Upper Heilar.
Track to Upper Heilar Access to this track is restricted by a metal barrier at the entrance. A mature coniferous plantation extends on both sides of the track leading to Upper Heilar. There is access to the R. Ayr for members of Sorn Angling Club.
Track to Upper Heilar
Access to this track is restricted by a metal barrier at the entrance. A mature coniferous plantation extends on both sides of the track leading to Upper Heilar. There is access to the R. Ayr for members of Sorn Angling Club.
Paired River Terraces The branches of the tree point to the deeply incised valley of the R.Ayr. The flat grassy area just beyond the fence in the foreground and the similar grassy area on the opposite side of the valley are both part of the same former floodplain of the R. Ayr and are called river terraces. The glacial till which had been deposited in the valley during the glacial period, has been eroded by the outpouring of meltwater down the valley as the ice melted at the end of the glacial era. The R.Ayr to-day is a misfit stream flowing in a valley which could not have been created by the present river. Because the river terraces are virtual mirror images, they are referred to as 'paired terraces'. 
The 2 farms located on the gently sloping land in the distance, are Burntshield and Merkland.
Paired River Terraces
The branches of the tree point to the deeply incised valley of the R.Ayr. The flat grassy area just beyond the fence in the foreground and the similar grassy area on the opposite side of the valley are both part of the same former floodplain of the R. Ayr and are called river terraces. The glacial till which had been deposited in the valley during the glacial period, has been eroded by the outpouring of meltwater down the valley as the ice melted at the end of the glacial era. The R.Ayr to-day is a misfit stream flowing in a valley which could not have been created by the present river. Because the river terraces are virtual mirror images, they are referred to as 'paired terraces'. The 2 farms located on the gently sloping land in the distance, are Burntshield and Merkland.
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West Braes is located at Grid Ref: NS6026 (Lat: 55.512952, Lng: -4.2050949)

Unitary Authority: East Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///fulfilled.dripped.focus. Near Logan, East Ayrshire

Nearby Locations

West Braes Crook Moss

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