Bennane Hill

Hill, Mountain in Ayrshire

Scotland

Bennane Hill

Raised beach and old cliffline at Corseclays, north of Ballantrae Credit: Oliver Dixon

Bennane Hill is a prominent hill located in the southern part of Ayrshire, Scotland. It stands at an elevation of approximately 354 meters (1,161 feet) above sea level, making it a notable landmark in the region. The hill is situated near the village of Pinwherry, between the larger towns of Girvan and Barrhill.

Bennane Hill is part of the Galloway Hills range and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside. Its location in the heart of Ayrshire provides visitors with an opportunity to appreciate the diverse landscapes that Scotland has to offer, from rolling green hills to rugged moorlands.

The hill itself is primarily composed of granite, giving it a distinctive appearance and contributing to its durability over time. Its slopes are covered in heather, grasses, and various wildflowers, creating a beautiful tapestry of colors during the summer months.

Outdoor enthusiasts are drawn to Bennane Hill for its excellent hiking and walking trails. The ascent to the summit can be challenging, but the reward is well worth it. On a clear day, visitors can admire breathtaking views of the Firth of Clyde, the Isle of Arran, and even the distant peaks of the Scottish Highlands.

Overall, Bennane Hill is a captivating destination for nature lovers and those seeking a peaceful retreat in the Ayrshire countryside. Its natural beauty, coupled with its accessibility, make it a popular spot for locals and tourists alike.

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Bennane Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.136214/-4.9930289 or Grid Reference NX0986. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Raised beach and old cliffline at Corseclays, north of Ballantrae

Oliver Dixon

Driveway to Hilltop Cottage, Corseclays

Oliver Dixon

Sawny Bean's Cave

Port Balcreuchan and the cave of Sawny Bean, Ayrshire's infamous serial cannibal. Mr. Bean and his family are credited with killing and eating over 1000 hapless victims in the 16th century - kind of makes Hannibal Lecter look like a pussy cat!

Tony Page

Sunset over Balcreuchan Port

Parking lay bay on A77 above Sawny Bean's Cave, looking west towards the Irish Coast.

Tony Page

Corseclays Farm, near Ballantrae

On the B734. The hill in the distance is Knockdollan NX1184.

Oliver Dixon

Defunct main Ballantrae-Girvan road (formerly A77) showing present use as winter cattle feed station

Part of the old coaching road dating from the early 1900s, bypassed by a three-lane road on the other side of the hill. Area used to feed cattle in winter.

Keith Brown

Bennane Cave

This cave was the home, for many years, of Henry Ewing Torbet AKA Snib Scott a gentleman of the road

Keith Brown

Monument to Snib Scott

Erected by public subscription, constructed of stones from the shore by Mr Sparkhall of Ballantrae.

Keith Brown

From Bennane Head

Looking towards Ailsa Craig from the car park on the north side of Bennane Head. Northern Ireland is visible behind the Craig, with the Kintyre Peninsula to the right.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Down To Balcreuchan Port

Looking down from the cliff edge at the view point car park. The novel "The Grey Man", by S.R. Crockett, contains a stomach-churning account of Sawney Bean's cave, which lies underneath the land here.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Abandoned milk-shake bar

The view of a car parking area and an abandoned kiosk from which milk shakes were once sold.

Sandy Gemmill

The former A77 Ballantrae to Lendalfoot section

The view back towards Ballantrae and the new section of the A77 which crosses over the eastern shoulder of Bennane Hill. This section of road is still a public road, whereas to the north it is used only as a farm track.

Sandy Gemmill

The track/road to Bennane Cave

The former A77 road leading to the entrance to Bennane Cave NX0986 : Bennane Cave which can be seen on the right. The road is now used as a farm track and continues round the headland NX0986 : Defunct main Ballantrae-Girvan road (formerly A77) showing present use as winter cattle feed station. Ailsa Craig can be seen in the distance NX0299 : Ailsa Craig (from the Scottish mainland near Girvan).

Sandy Gemmill

Uneven coastal terrace along the A77 road

C Michael Hogan

Towards Bennane Lea

Looking along the beach to the north of Ballantrae towards the cottage at Bennane Lea. Viewed on a fine but chilly New Year's Day, with the snow-covered mountains of Arran providing a spectacular backdrop.

Mary and Angus Hogg

The Mouth of the Red Burn

Looking along the Clyde coast to the north of Ballantrae, where the Red Burn enters the sea. Viewed on New Year's Day. The beach was still frozen hard that morning, after a long spell of unusually cold weather.

Mary and Angus Hogg

The Cairn at Bennane Lea

This cairn was erected in memory of Henry Ewing Torbett, known as "Snib". He was a former bank clerk from Dundee who later lived the life of a hermit in a cave at Bennane Lea. He died in 1983, when he was seventy-one years old. For more information, see the Ayrshire Coastal Path website. Link

Mary and Angus Hogg

Snib Torbett's Cave at Bennane Lea

This cave was inhabited up to 1983 by Snib Torbet - see NX0986 : The Cairn at Bennane Lea. The walled frontage was built to house a smiddy when the road was being constructed round Bennane Head. A high cave lies inside, with another one going deep into the hillside. (Source: Ayrshire Coastal Path", by James A Begg). As I had no torch with me when I visited, I stayed in the outer cave.

Mary and Angus Hogg

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Bennane Hill is located at Grid Ref: NX0986 (Lat: 55.136214, Lng: -4.9930289)

Unitary Authority: South Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire