Airie Hill

Hill, Mountain in Kirkcudbrightshire

Scotland

Airie Hill

Airie Hill is a prominent landform located in the region of Kirkcudbrightshire, Scotland. Situated in the southern part of the country, this hill, also known as Airie Knowe, stands at an elevation of approximately 258 meters (846 feet) above sea level. It is a part of the wider Galloway Hills, which are renowned for their stunning natural beauty and rich biodiversity.

Covered in lush green vegetation, Airie Hill offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape, including the nearby towns of Castle Douglas and Kirkcudbright. The hill is predominantly composed of granite, which gives it a rugged and distinctive appearance. Due to its relatively moderate height, Airie Hill is a popular destination for hikers and walkers of all abilities, providing a challenging yet manageable climb.

The area surrounding Airie Hill is characterized by a diverse range of flora and fauna. Visitors can expect to encounter a variety of plant species, including heather, gorse, and purple moorgrass, as well as various types of mosses and lichens. The hill also serves as a habitat for an array of wildlife, such as red deer, roe deer, and a variety of bird species, including buzzards and kestrels.

In addition to its natural beauty, Airie Hill also holds historical significance. It is believed to have been used as a site for ancient burial grounds, with several stone cairns and burial mounds discovered in the vicinity. These archaeological remains provide insights into the area's rich cultural heritage and offer a glimpse into the lives of the people who once inhabited this land.

Overall, Airie Hill in Kirkcudbrightshire stands as a captivating natural landmark that combines scenic beauty, recreational opportunities, and historical intrigue, making it a must-visit destination for nature enthusiasts and history buffs alike.

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Airie Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 54.992729/-4.1565156 or Grid Reference NX6268. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Airie Hill and Grobdale

View of Airie Hill from the south, a glimpse of pre-forestry Galloway.

Richard Webb

Dismantled railway between Stroan Loch and Loch Skerrow

Although closed to public traffic, those staying at Airie farmhouse are free to drive this track. A 4x4 is advised! It is open to the public and it is possible to walk all the way along the old railway track to Gatehouse of Fleet. Remote and peaceful.

Ann Cook

Access point into Scottish Woodlands near Airie

This track was once the railway from Dumfries to Stranraer.

Bob Peace

Old railway track near Airie

Image taken looking east from a small bridge spanning an unnamed burn.

Bob Peace

Dismantled railway near Airie farm.

This part of the old railway track is running across moorland. Shrubs and small trees line its path.

Ann Cook

Scrubland between the dismantled railway and the Black Water's of Dee

This wet land is a mixture of reeds, heathers, mosses and grass.

Ann Cook

A Bridge Near Airie

One of many small bridges on this section of the former Portpatrick Railway.

James T M Towill

The Former Portpatrick Railway In The Forestry

This section passes through plantations on the northern slopes of Airie Hill.

James T M Towill

Airie Burn

Approaching Loch Skerrow Halt, the vista over the surrounding countryside includes the 'valley' of the Airie Burn.

James T M Towill

Grobdale Lane/Airie Burn Confluence

Viewed from a recently-replaced bridge on the former route of the Portpatrick Railway, the Grobdale Lane enters from the bottom of shot to meet the Airie Burn flowing from right to left of shot.

James T M Towill

Loch Skerrow

One of the countless picturesque lochs in Galloway. This photograph was taken to the east of the former Loch Skerrow Halt.

James T M Towill

Remains Of Loch Skerrow Halt's Westbound Platform

The westbound platform, of concrete construction, supported by brick pillars. The pines in view can clearly be seen in period photographs of the station.

James T M Towill

Behind The Platform

An photograph taken behind the remains of the westbound platform at Loch Skerrow Halt - note Loch Skerrow in the distance.

James T M Towill

Remains Of Loch Skerrow Halt's Eastbound Platform

Of similar brick and concrete construction as the nearby westbound platform, but shorter. Loch Skerrow can be seen in the distance.

James T M Towill

Behind The Platform Too

Another 'behind the platform' shot at the remains of Loch Skerrow Halt - this time, the eastbound platform. Remains of the water tank which once stood here can be noted in the foreground. In the background, the remains of the railway cottages can be seen.

James T M Towill

Railway Cottage Remains, Loch Skerrow Halt

This particular section of remains has a fireplace still evident.

James T M Towill

Building Remains, Loch Skerrow Halt

The remains of a large, Belfast style sink can be noted in the foreground. In the structure behind, there is a round metal structure recessed into concrete, and behind it a chimney-like brick structure. The remains of the railway cottages are off to the right, out of shot.

James T M Towill

Water Supply From The Grobdale Lane

This is a canalised section of water, from the Grobdale Burn to the north, which was used to supply the station and thus trains with water. According to a source I've read, this extra effort was apparently due to the presumption that it was purer and less likely to cause corrosion (than water direct from Loch Skerrow).

James T M Towill

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Airie Hill is located at Grid Ref: NX6268 (Lat: 54.992729, Lng: -4.1565156)

Unitary Authority: Dumfries and Galloway

Police Authority: Dumfries and Galloway