Brown Rig

Hill, Mountain in Ayrshire

Scotland

Brown Rig

Former opencast site near Stannery Knowe
Former opencast site near Stannery Knowe Credit: Leslie Barrie

Brown Rig is a prominent hill located in the picturesque region of Ayrshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of approximately 300 meters (984 feet), it offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape. The hill is situated within the expansive Galloway Forest Park, renowned for its diverse wildlife and stunning natural beauty.

Covered in heather and grasses, Brown Rig showcases the typical moorland characteristics of the area. The hill's slopes are gentle and undulating, making it accessible for hikers of various skill levels. Its summit provides an ideal vantage point for visitors to admire the rolling hills, dense forests, and sparkling lochs that define the Ayrshire countryside.

The hill is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, offering a range of activities such as hiking, birdwatching, and photography. Its tranquil environment and serene atmosphere make it an excellent spot for those seeking solace and a connection with nature.

To reach Brown Rig, visitors can follow well-marked trails that wind through the surrounding forest. Along the way, they may encounter various native species, including red deer, golden eagles, and red squirrels. It is advisable to check weather conditions before embarking on the hike, as the Scottish climate can be unpredictable, and appropriate clothing and footwear are essential.

Overall, Brown Rig in Ayrshire offers a serene and picturesque setting for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike, providing an opportunity to immerse oneself in the breathtaking beauty of the Scottish countryside.

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Brown Rig Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.376297/-4.3911778 or Grid Reference NS4811. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Former opencast site near Stannery Knowe
Former opencast site near Stannery Knowe
Former opencast site near Stannery Knowe
Former opencast site near Stannery Knowe
The Black Water This burn flows towards the north, changing its name to Burnock Water before joining the Lugar Water near Ochiltree. Viewed in the corner of the square.
The Black Water
This burn flows towards the north, changing its name to Burnock Water before joining the Lugar Water near Ochiltree. Viewed in the corner of the square.
Forest edge near Black Water There was no coal extraction in this area, leaving the forest on Greengate Rig to grow in peace.
Forest edge near Black Water
There was no coal extraction in this area, leaving the forest on Greengate Rig to grow in peace.
A track junction on Greengate Rig The tracks were made for Chalmerston Open-Cast Colliery. There’s not much change since 2014. Even the impromptu junction marker is still there – see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4297973">NS4910 : Track junction at former opencast site near Greengate Rig</a>
From 1997, planning consent for open-cast sites included the requirement to restore the land after mining operations stopped. When Scottish Coal went into liquidation in 2013, the Bond value failed to meet the restoration costs and, by 2018, the extensive higher-level sites were still in the same condition - no action at all.  Enforcement action by East Ayrshire Council in 2018 made the sites safe with some improvement work done on the low-level collieries. 2022 visits showed that the high-level sites are still black moonscapes.
A track junction on Greengate Rig
The tracks were made for Chalmerston Open-Cast Colliery. There’s not much change since 2014. Even the impromptu junction marker is still there – see NS4910 : Track junction at former opencast site near Greengate Rig From 1997, planning consent for open-cast sites included the requirement to restore the land after mining operations stopped. When Scottish Coal went into liquidation in 2013, the Bond value failed to meet the restoration costs and, by 2018, the extensive higher-level sites were still in the same condition - no action at all. Enforcement action by East Ayrshire Council in 2018 made the sites safe with some improvement work done on the low-level collieries. 2022 visits showed that the high-level sites are still black moonscapes.
More old open-cast on Greengate Rig At first glance, the area looks forested but the old colliery workings are there in the background with trees trying to grow through them.
More old open-cast on Greengate Rig
At first glance, the area looks forested but the old colliery workings are there in the background with trees trying to grow through them.
Forest on Greengate Rig Viewed from the colliery access road. The open-cast workings didn’t extend to this side of the Rig.
Forest on Greengate Rig
Viewed from the colliery access road. The open-cast workings didn’t extend to this side of the Rig.
A flooded quarry site The old quarry was already flooded in 2014 – see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4297981">NS4910 : Flooded excavation at former opencast site near Greengate Rig</a>
A flooded quarry site
The old quarry was already flooded in 2014 – see NS4910 : Flooded excavation at former opencast site near Greengate Rig
Greengate Rig view Taken from the old Chalmerston Colliery road, this view shows forest of varying ages. The test mast in the background on the right suggests that the area might become an energy park.
Greengate Rig view
Taken from the old Chalmerston Colliery road, this view shows forest of varying ages. The test mast in the background on the right suggests that the area might become an energy park.
Road on Greengate Rig Heading north towards Stannery Knowe on the road formerly used by Chalmerston Colliery vehicles.
Road on Greengate Rig
Heading north towards Stannery Knowe on the road formerly used by Chalmerston Colliery vehicles.
A trashed container A look inside the old container near Stannery Knowe. It has been well and truly trashed.
A trashed container
A look inside the old container near Stannery Knowe. It has been well and truly trashed.
An old container near Stannery Knowe This old container probably was used by the former open-cast colliery. It’s in a poor state now – see <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/7126399">NS4911 : A trashed container</a>
An old container near Stannery Knowe
This old container probably was used by the former open-cast colliery. It’s in a poor state now – see NS4911 : A trashed container
Coal and trees Viewed where the former Chalmerston Open-Cast Colliery meets the forest.
Coal and trees
Viewed where the former Chalmerston Open-Cast Colliery meets the forest.
Flooded open-cast site near Knockreach The old colliery site has filled up with water, a process which constitutes land restoration to some extent. Brown Rig is shown in the background. Viewed from the main access road in the next square.
Flooded open-cast site near Knockreach
The old colliery site has filled up with water, a process which constitutes land restoration to some extent. Brown Rig is shown in the background. Viewed from the main access road in the next square.
Knockguldron Cottage Knockguldron cottage in kyle forest.
Knockguldron Cottage
Knockguldron cottage in kyle forest.
Forestry Road
Forestry Road
Forestry Road Forest road junction
Forestry Road
Forest road junction
Forestry Road
Forestry Road
Show me another place!

Brown Rig is located at Grid Ref: NS4811 (Lat: 55.376297, Lng: -4.3911778)

Unitary Authority: East Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///crouch.raves.trending. Near Dalmellington, East Ayrshire

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Gibson's Hill Brown Rig

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