Auchenroy Hill

Hill, Mountain in Ayrshire

Scotland

Auchenroy Hill

The River Doon A downstream view taken on a bright mid-March morning. — The River Doon Credit: Mary and Angus Hogg

Auchenroy Hill is a prominent hill located in the picturesque region of Ayrshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of approximately 230 meters (755 feet), it offers breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside and is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

The hill is characterized by its gently sloping terrain, covered in lush greenery and dotted with a variety of native plant species. The landscape is predominantly composed of grassy slopes, heather moorland, and scattered patches of woodland, creating a diverse and visually appealing environment.

Auchenroy Hill is known for its rich historical significance. It is believed to have been inhabited since prehistoric times, with evidence of ancient settlements and burial sites found in the vicinity. Visitors can explore the remnants of these ancient communities, gaining insight into the lives and cultures of early inhabitants.

The hill also boasts a network of well-maintained walking trails, making it an ideal location for leisurely hikes and outdoor activities. These trails offer varying levels of difficulty, catering to both experienced hikers and beginners. Along the way, visitors may encounter a range of wildlife species, including deer, rabbits, and various bird species, further enhancing the natural appeal of the area.

Auchenroy Hill is easily accessible, with nearby parking facilities and public transportation options available. It is a popular destination for locals and tourists alike, offering a peaceful and picturesque retreat from the bustling urban areas. Whether for a leisurely stroll, a challenging hike, or simply to admire the panoramic views, Auchenroy Hill is a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts in Ayrshire.

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Auchenroy Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.319814/-4.4514564 or Grid Reference NS4405. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The River Doon

A downstream view taken on a bright mid-March morning.

Mary and Angus Hogg

At the River Doon

This wooden bridge crosses the burn to give access to the river bank.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Footpath to the River Doon

The footpath follows the course of a small burn. Viewed on the edge of the square.

Mary and Angus Hogg

On the old extraction site

The old OS maps show a gravel pit at this site but the grassy mound with its rocky core doesn’t really match this description. The old OS maps show other nearby sites as whinstone or freestone quarries. It’s an interesting site even though its origin is unclear. I’ll keep looking.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Strange mound on the moorland

A closer look at the strange mound on the moorland above the Doon Valley. The site is grassy because it lies above the moorland and is well drained. There certainly has been extraction of some kind here.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Moorland view

Looking across the moor from the strange mound. The old OS maps show a gravel pit at this site but what’s on the ground doesn’t really match this description. I would have expected a gravel pit to be adjacent to the mound on a low-lying site extracting post-glacial outwash deposits. The grassy mound has a rocky core and there’s some evidence of extraction.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Moorland mystery

I had passed this site many times and often wondered what it was. The old OS maps show a gravel pit here but what’s on the ground doesn’t really match this description. I would have expected a gravel pit to be adjacent to the mound on a low-lying site extracting post-glacial outwash deposits. There’s nothing to suggest this on the ground. It’s an interesting site even though its origin is unclear. I’ll keep looking. See also NS4306 : The Red Burn and a curious mound

Mary and Angus Hogg

Auchenroy eggs

If you like tasty double-yolkers, this is the place to come.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Towards the former Chalmerston Colliery

This view taken in spring 2022, long after low-level coal extraction work had ceased, shows that some re-grading has been done on the lower slope that’s visible from the road. See NS4607 : Former colliery site and NS4808 : Former Chalmerston Open-Cast Colliery Beyond that and out of sight, the more recent open-cast workings that covered hundreds of acres around Benbeoch Crag remain as a black moonscape with some new lochs. See NS4809 : Former colliery site on Benbraniachan and NS5008 : Danger – deep water These high-level sites were made safe only after enforcement action was taken by East Ayrshire Council against the landowner in 2018. Scottish Coal went into liquidation in 2013 leaving seriously insufficient funds for land restoration. For a 1996 view, see NS4506 : Chalmerston Colliery in action 1996

Mary and Angus Hogg

Chalmerston Colliery in action 1996

The older Chalmerston coal workings at the Dalmellington end of the Doon Valley viewed in 1996 from the other side of the valley looking towards Craigmark Hill. The same view taken in spring 2022, after extraction work had ceased NS4506 : Towards the former Chalmerston Colliery, shows that some re-grading has been done on the lower slope that’s visible from the road. See also NS4607 : Former colliery site and NS4808 : Former Chalmerston Open-Cast Colliery Beyond that and out of sight, the more recent open-cast workings that covered hundreds of acres around Benbeoch Crag remain as a black moonscape with some new lochs. See NS4809 : Former colliery site on Benbraniachan and NS5008 : Danger – deep water These high-level sites were made safe only after enforcement action was taken by East Ayrshire Council against the landowner in 2018. Scottish Coal went into liquidation in 2013 leaving seriously insufficient funds for land restoration.

Mary and Angus Hogg