Beacon Hill

Hill, Mountain in Ayrshire

Scotland

Beacon Hill

The River Ayr at Muirkirk from the air Muirkirk just makes an appearance at the bottom of the photo. The route of the GSWR Muirkirk Branch railway line can be seen running diagonally up from the lower left corner. — The River Ayr at Muirkirk from the air Credit: Thomas Nugent

Beacon Hill is a prominent hill located in Ayrshire, Scotland. Standing at an elevation of approximately 285 meters (935 feet), it offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding countryside and coastline. The hill is situated near the town of Largs, about 40 kilometers (25 miles) southwest of Glasgow.

Beacon Hill is a popular destination for both locals and tourists alike, thanks to its natural beauty and historical significance. The hill gets its name from the beacon that was once placed at its summit, which was used as a signal station during times of war. Today, only remnants of the original structure remain, serving as a reminder of its past.

The hill is accessible via several walking paths and trails, making it a popular spot for outdoor enthusiasts and hikers. The ascent to the top is relatively moderate, offering a pleasant and rewarding experience for individuals of various fitness levels. Along the way, visitors can enjoy the diverse flora and fauna that inhabit the surrounding area.

Once at the summit, visitors are rewarded with breathtaking views of the Ayrshire coastline, the Isle of Arran, and the Firth of Clyde. On clear days, it is even possible to catch a glimpse of the Irish coastline in the distance.

Beacon Hill is not only a natural wonder but also holds historical significance for the local community. Its accessibility, scenic beauty, and historical charm make it a must-visit destination for those exploring Ayrshire.

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Beacon Hill Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.513203/-4.1144306 or Grid Reference NS6626. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

The River Ayr at Muirkirk from the air

Muirkirk just makes an appearance at the bottom of the photo. The route of the GSWR Muirkirk Branch railway line can be seen running diagonally up from the lower left corner.

Thomas Nugent

Wellwood Rows

The Wellwood Rows stood on the high ground, where the trees are now, on the left bank of the Water Ayr.

Rab McMurdo

Wellwood House

Wellwood House once stood where the piles of debris lie, on the far side of the ruined bridge over the Water Ayr.

Rab McMurdo

Ruins at Knowehead

The water in this old byne at Knowehead was frozen solid. Knowehead was once a shepherd's place, then a sheepfold.

Rab McMurdo

Covenanters' grave close to Upper Wellwood, west of Muirkirk

This grave can be viewed from the River Ayr Way. There is an information board where the picture was taken from.

Colin Park

River Ayr Way below Beacon Hill close to Wellwood Bridge

The River Ayr Way has a good surface such as this over much of its length and provides many miles of good firm walking.

Colin Park

On River Ayr Way - Footbridge over River Ayr at Nether Wellwood

A modern footbridge bypasses the stepping stones which carries the River Ayr Way.

Colin Park

The River Ayr Way northwest of Nether Wellwood

The view shows a typical view of the good path which passes through this area

Colin Park

A70 north of Beacon Hill

Colin Pyle

A70 westbound at Wellwood

Colin Pyle

Powharnal Revisited

We wondered what would happen to the open cast sites when Scottish Coal collapsed. This part of the Powharnal site near Muirkirk has become a huge and extremely deep loch, visible from the road. NS6525 : Powharnal Open Cast Mine shows the site in full-scale operation.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Powharnal Open Cast Site Revisited

We wondered what would happen to the open cast sites when Scottish Coal collapsed. This part of the Powharnal site near Muirkirk has become a huge and extremely deep loch, visible from the road. NS6525 : Powharnal OCCS shows the site in full-scale operation in 2010.

Mary and Angus Hogg