The Tongue

Hill, Mountain in Ayrshire

Scotland

The Tongue

Summit of East Girt Hill Looking over a small cairn on the summit of East Girt Hill with Hill of Stake in the distance.
Summit of East Girt Hill Credit: Mark Nightingale

The Tongue is a distinctive hill located in Ayrshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of approximately 381 meters (1,250 feet), it is often referred to as The Tongue of Ayrshire or simply The Tongue. This prominent landmark is situated near the town of Beith and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.

The hill's unique name originates from its shape, resembling the tip of a tongue. It features a steep, pointed summit that gradually slopes down on all sides, creating a distinct and easily recognizable profile. The Tongue is composed of primarily sedimentary rocks, with sandstone and shale being the most prominent.

The hill is a popular destination for hikers and nature enthusiasts due to its accessibility and scenic beauty. A well-maintained trail leads to the summit, offering visitors an opportunity to enjoy a leisurely hike with breathtaking vistas along the way. From the top, one can admire the picturesque Ayrshire countryside, encompassing rolling hills, lush green fields, and charming villages.

The Tongue also holds historical significance, with evidence of human activity dating back to ancient times. Archaeological finds, including stone circles and burial mounds, suggest that the hill was a site of ritual and ceremonial importance for early inhabitants of the region.

Overall, The Tongue is a remarkable hill in Ayrshire, Scotland, renowned for its distinctive shape, stunning views, and cultural heritage. It attracts visitors from near and far, offering a captivating experience for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.

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The Tongue Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.811094/-4.7493217 or Grid Reference NS2760. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Summit of East Girt Hill Looking over a small cairn on the summit of East Girt Hill with Hill of Stake in the distance.
Summit of East Girt Hill
Looking over a small cairn on the summit of East Girt Hill with Hill of Stake in the distance.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #1 The remains of a de Havilland Dove on Box Law.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #1
The remains of a de Havilland Dove on Box Law.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #2 A View of one of the wings, with the aircraft registration still being discernible.  The stainless steel of the landing gear glints in the sunshine.  In the distance, a view over the Firth Of Clyde with the islands of Great Cumbrae, Little Cumbrae, Bute and Arran all evident.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #2
A View of one of the wings, with the aircraft registration still being discernible. The stainless steel of the landing gear glints in the sunshine. In the distance, a view over the Firth Of Clyde with the islands of Great Cumbrae, Little Cumbrae, Bute and Arran all evident.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #3 A small part of wreckage, south of the main cluster.  This appears to be part of the nosewheel gear installation.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #3
A small part of wreckage, south of the main cluster. This appears to be part of the nosewheel gear installation.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #4 In this shot, the two de Havilland Gipsy Queen piston engines are prominent.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #4
In this shot, the two de Havilland Gipsy Queen piston engines are prominent.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #5 A view of the leading edge of one of the wings, with the black de-icing strips evident.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #5
A view of the leading edge of one of the wings, with the black de-icing strips evident.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #6 A view of one of the bashed fuel tanks in a wing of the Devon.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #6
A view of one of the bashed fuel tanks in a wing of the Devon.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #7 The aircraft's registration (VP969), though faded, can still be clearly seen on this wing section.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #7
The aircraft's registration (VP969), though faded, can still be clearly seen on this wing section.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #8 This image shows the position of the fuselage, very little of which remains.  Beyond, the Gipsy Queen engines can be noted.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #8
This image shows the position of the fuselage, very little of which remains. Beyond, the Gipsy Queen engines can be noted.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #9 A closeup view of one of the Gipsy Queen engines remaining on site.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #9
A closeup view of one of the Gipsy Queen engines remaining on site.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #10 A broader view of the Devon crash site with a view towards Irish Law, the resting place of another aircraft, British European Airways G-AIVE which came to grief just over a decade prior to the Devon.
de Havilland Devon Wreckage - Image #10
A broader view of the Devon crash site with a view towards Irish Law, the resting place of another aircraft, British European Airways G-AIVE which came to grief just over a decade prior to the Devon.
Garnock spout Waterfall near the start of the river Garnock
Garnock spout
Waterfall near the start of the river Garnock
Murchan spout waterfall Murchan spout waterfall short burn/tributary flowing into the start of the river Garnock
Murchan spout waterfall
Murchan spout waterfall short burn/tributary flowing into the start of the river Garnock
Slaty Law Looking towards Slaty Law.
Slaty Law
Looking towards Slaty Law.
Bogs, Misty Law The Muirsheil Hills are notorious for rough boggy going. Even in a dry spell, dissected peat bogs like this still need avoiding.
Bogs, Misty Law
The Muirsheil Hills are notorious for rough boggy going. Even in a dry spell, dissected peat bogs like this still need avoiding.
East Girt Hill High ground between Misty Law and East Girt Hill. Bogs forming the headwaters of the Raith Burn.
East Girt Hill
High ground between Misty Law and East Girt Hill. Bogs forming the headwaters of the Raith Burn.
Fences, Hill of Stake Remains of a former electric fence beside the gates. These hills are grazed by sheep, easily restrained by normal fences. Electric fences don't last long in exposed upland locations, their remains can often be seen on Scottish Hills.
Fences, Hill of Stake
Remains of a former electric fence beside the gates. These hills are grazed by sheep, easily restrained by normal fences. Electric fences don't last long in exposed upland locations, their remains can often be seen on Scottish Hills.
Hill of Stake From East Girt Hill. The fence is a rare help in these hills, the navigation is quite interesting here. The fences are not marked on the OS 1:25 000 maps.
Hill of Stake
From East Girt Hill. The fence is a rare help in these hills, the navigation is quite interesting here. The fences are not marked on the OS 1:25 000 maps.
Show me another place!

The Tongue is located at Grid Ref: NS2760 (Lat: 55.811094, Lng: -4.7493217)

Unitary Authority: North Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///compiled.famed.clogging. Near Largs, North Ayrshire

Nearby Locations

Hardlaw Brae The Tongue

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