Ardneil Hill
Hill, Mountain in Ayrshire
Scotland
Ardneil Hill
Ardneil Hill, located in Ayrshire, Scotland, is a prominent hill offering breathtaking views and natural beauty. Standing at an elevation of 334 meters (1,096 feet), it is classified as a hill rather than a mountain. Despite its relatively modest height, Ardneil Hill is a well-known landmark in the region.
This hill is situated near the small village of West Kilbride, making it easily accessible to locals and visitors alike. It is part of the Clyde Muirshiel Regional Park, which covers a vast area of scenic landscapes and diverse wildlife.
Ardneil Hill boasts a gently sloping terrain, covered with lush greenery and heather, creating a picturesque scene. The hill is popular among nature enthusiasts, hikers, and walkers, who can enjoy its numerous footpaths and trails. These paths cater to different levels of difficulty, accommodating both beginners and experienced walkers.
From the summit of Ardneil Hill, on a clear day, visitors are rewarded with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, including the Firth of Clyde and the Isle of Arran. The hill is also an excellent vantage point to observe the diverse birdlife that inhabits the area, such as peregrine falcons, red kites, and buzzards.
Additionally, Ardneil Hill has historical significance, with remnants of ancient settlements and archaeological sites scattered across its slopes. These artifacts provide insight into the rich history of the area and offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once called this place home.
A visit to Ardneil Hill promises a tranquil escape into nature, where one can appreciate the beauty of the Scottish countryside and immerse themselves in its rich heritage.
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Ardneil Hill Images
Images are sourced within 2km of 55.710715/-4.898981 or Grid Reference NS1750. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
The History of Portencross Castle, Link
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
The History of Portencross Castle Link
View from Portencross Castle
The masonry on the right of the photo is part of the castle, a scheduled ancient monument built in phases from the fourteenth century (although it is on the site of earlier fortifications) and restored and maintained by the Friends of Portencross Castle
Mown grass in field north of Portencross
Flat farmland by the Firth of Clyde below Waterside Hill.
Portencross Castle from Millport
Looking across about 6km (3¾ miles) of water between Millport on Great Cumbrae to the castle at Portencross on the mainland. This stretch of water is known as the Fairlie Roads.
The castle dating probably from the C14th is a Designated Scheduled Monument - read more about it on the Canmore website here: Link
Looking down on Thirdpart Holdings
I believe this row of small-holdings was originally established after WW1 for returning servicemen - unless anyone knows better?
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
The History of Portencross Castle, Link.
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Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
The History of Portencross Castle Link
The Portencross Murder - Northbank Cottage
Northbank Cottage was the scene of the murder of Miss Mary Speir Gunn, on the evening of 18th October 1913.
Murder of Mary Speir Gunn Link
West Kilbride - Forget Me Not
This lovely wrought ironwork sign and seat at the junction of the A78 and B782 was gifted by Lodge Royal Arch West Kilbride № 314.
Northbank Cottage
Located on the raised beach at the foot of the old sea cliffs.
The North Harbour, Portencross
In the 1800s, around 30 fishing boats worked from Portencross. The pier was built in the early 20th century to accommodate Clyde steamers but its exposed location was always problematic.
Portencross Castle
See NS1748 : Portencross Castle for information. The water on the right-hand side was the Old Harbour.
Modern cottages at Portencross
The two houses on the left are called Sannox and Corrie, both named after places on the Island of Arran.
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
The History of Portencross Castle Link
Portencross Castle
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
Ardneil Hill is located at Grid Ref: NS1750 (Lat: 55.710715, Lng: -4.898981)
Unitary Authority: North Ayrshire
Police Authority: Ayrshire
What 3 Words
///cope.snowstorm.eager. Near West Kilbride, North Ayrshire
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Nearby Amenities
Located within 500m of 55.710715,-4.898981Goldenberry Hill
Ele: 140
Natural: peak
Tourism: viewpoint
Lat/Long: 55.7124281/-4.8938985
Ele: 140
Man Made: survey_point
Ref: S4814
Lat/Long: 55.7122299/-4.8940418
Roman Battle Ground 1216
Historic: battlefield
Lat/Long: 55.7103058/-4.9013139
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