Ashentree Glen

Valley in Ayrshire

Scotland

Ashentree Glen

Former post office, Rankinston Credit: Humphrey Bolton

Ashentree Glen is a picturesque valley located in Ayrshire, Scotland. Nestled amidst rolling hills and lush greenery, this idyllic glen offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle of city life. The name "Ashentree" is derived from the abundance of ash trees that dot the landscape, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere.

The glen stretches for approximately two miles, encompassing a diverse range of natural beauty. Its meandering river, known as the Glen Water, adds to the charm of the surroundings, providing a soothing soundtrack as it flows through the glen. The river is a haven for wildlife, attracting various species of birds, otters, and even the occasional deer.

Visitors to Ashentree Glen can enjoy leisurely walks along the well-maintained pathways that wind their way through the valley. The terrain is gentle, making it accessible to people of all ages and fitness levels. Along the way, there are several picturesque spots to pause and take in the breathtaking views, including a small waterfall that cascades into a crystal-clear pool.

The glen is also home to an abundance of flora, with wildflowers carpeting the meadows during the spring and summer months. Bluebells, primroses, and orchids are just a few of the species that add bursts of color to the landscape.

Ashentree Glen is a true hidden gem in Ayrshire, offering visitors a peaceful retreat in the heart of nature. Whether you are seeking a tranquil stroll, a picnic by the river, or simply a place to immerse yourself in the beauty of the Scottish countryside, this enchanting valley is sure to leave a lasting impression.

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Ashentree Glen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.39288/-4.4729863 or Grid Reference NS4313. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Former post office, Rankinston

Humphrey Bolton

The main street, Rankinston

Humphrey Bolton

Community buildings, Rankinston

Humphrey Bolton

War Memorial, Rankinston

Humphrey Bolton

Houses in a cul-de-sac, Rankinston

Humphrey Bolton

Road to Dunstonhill

Elliott Simpson

Road to Drongan near Knockshinnoch

Elliott Simpson

B730 near Dalmaca

Elliott Simpson

Onion weathering

The restoration company has marked the edge of some new tracks with big boulders. The black ones are a soft type of sparkly basalt which breaks down very easily. This shot shows the layers of rock peeling off like the inside of an onion. In some cases, the rock had disintegrated into coarse black sand.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Going up Dunston Hill

The new tracks on this restored open-cast site are shown on the really big scale maps but not yet on the Landranger or Explorer series. This road leads to the restored Dunston Hill which is marked by a set of boulders on the top.

Mary and Angus Hogg

New loch near Dunston Hill

Mines Restoration Ltd have carried out a lot of work in this area. A 2013 aerial view of the old open-cast colliery site is shown at NS4312 : Disused opencast mine at Polnessan with a closer view at NS4312 : Dunston Hill opencast mine taken in 2014, showing the "moonscape" land that was produced by this extraction method.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Dunston Hill view

Viewed looking up Smithston Burn, this view shows old moorland and forestry that was untouched by the open-cast extraction. The high ground on the skyline has been restored after the collapse of the colliery companies.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Power lines crossing Smithston Burn

Smithston Burn flows down between the blocks of forestry. The power lines, which come from the wind-farm on Windy Standard, are shown on the very large-scale maps but have not yet appeared on the Landranger or Explorer series.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Restored mine workings at Dunston Hill

The restoration work continues along the hillside to join up with Lethanhill, near Patna.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Old workings on Dunston Hill

These small workings come from an earlier time of mineral extraction, not the recent open-cast activity.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Dunston Hill restoration

Mines Restoration Ltd have carried out a lot of work in this area after the collapse of the open-cast colliery companies. Signs beside the new track warn walkers of dangerous deep water though the loch isn’t visible from there. A minor deviation from the road gives sight of this new loch which, judging by the older photos of the site, is very deep with steeply-sloping sides and certainly dangerous. For a 2014 view, taken from a different point, see NS4312 : Dunston Hill opencast mine where the typical open-cast “moonscape” land is evident. There’s a 2013 aerial shot at NS4312 : Disused opencast mine at Polnessan. The loch and the new roads are shown on the very large-scale maps but have not yet reached the Landranger or Explorer series. Older mining activity here dates from the 19th century. When these mines closed, restoration work wasn’t done and the sites were left to be reclaimed by the moorland vegetation. NS4312 : Old Bing shows what the land here was like in 2007.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Dunstonhill Colliery restoration site

Mines Restoration Limited have carried out extensive work on this old open-cast site. The smoothed-over skyline contrasts well with the spoil heaps of 2014 - see NS4213 : Dunstonhill Surface Mine

Mary and Angus Hogg