Auldnaw Glen

Valley in Ayrshire

Scotland

Auldnaw Glen

A new loch at Pennyvenie A closer look at the huge new lake at the Pennyvenie open-cast site. It’s as close as you can get for obvious safety reasons. Falling into this one would indeed be highly dangerous. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/1580590">NS5008 : Opencast lake</a> shows the lake in November 2009 when it wasn’t marked on the OS maps.
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. It took enforcement action by East Ayrshire Council in 2018 to make the sites safe. — A new loch at Pennyvenie Credit: Mary and Angus Hogg

Auldnaw Glen is a picturesque valley located in the region of Ayrshire, Scotland. Situated near the village of Dalrymple, it is known for its natural beauty and serene atmosphere. The glen stretches for approximately 1.5 miles and is surrounded by rolling hills and dense woodland, making it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts and hikers.

The glen is home to a variety of wildlife, including native birds, mammals, and plant species. Visitors can often spot red squirrels, roe deer, and a diverse range of birdlife such as woodpeckers and owls. The area is also rich in flora, with bluebells, primroses, and wild garlic carpeting the forest floor during springtime.

Auldnaw Glen offers several walking trails, ranging from easy strolls to more challenging hikes. The paths wind through the glen, taking visitors past babbling brooks, waterfalls, and ancient ruins. One of the highlights of the glen is the Auld Brig, a historic stone bridge dating back to the 18th century that spans a small river.

The glen provides a tranquil and peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its secluded location and unspoiled natural surroundings make it an ideal spot for picnics, photography, or simply enjoying the sounds of nature. Whether exploring the glen's enchanting woodlands or admiring the stunning views from the hilltops, Auldnaw Glen offers a memorable experience for all who visit.

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Auldnaw Glen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.356719/-4.3434857 or Grid Reference NS5109. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A new loch at Pennyvenie

A closer look at the huge new lake at the Pennyvenie open-cast site. It’s as close as you can get for obvious safety reasons. Falling into this one would indeed be highly dangerous. NS5008 : Opencast lake shows the lake in November 2009 when it wasn’t marked on the OS maps. 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. It took enforcement action by East Ayrshire Council in 2018 to make the sites safe.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Danger â deep water

A huge lake has been created at the Pennyvenie open-cast site. It’s well fenced-off with plenty warning signs to keep people away. It’s visible only if you stand on the piled-up rocks along the access road. NS5008 : Former opencast site east of Benbeoch views the lake from above from the slopes of Benbeoch in 2014. 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. It took enforcement action by East Ayrshire Council in 2018 to make the sites safe.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Old open-cast workings

This part of the Pennyvenie open-cast mine has been smoothed out. This was where the mining gave way to forest. A huge lake lies beyond the fence on the right.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Towards Benbeoch Craig

Looking towards Benbeoch Craig from the edge of the old Pennyvenie open-cast workings on a bright late-March morning.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Remains of Pennyvenie Colliery

It's now a black moonscape scene after the closure of the open-cast colliery. When we used coal in the early 1980s, Pennyvenie Splint was considered to be the best domestic low-smoke fuel around. NS4908 : North-eastern slope of Benbeoch viewed from the NE slope of Benbeoch shows what this place was like in October 2007.

Mary and Angus Hogg