Ashbeugh Glen

Valley in Ayrshire

Scotland

Ashbeugh Glen

Old coal bing These old spoil heaps often become prominent features of the ex-mining landscape, particularly from the days before land restoration was required.
Old coal bing Credit: Mary and Angus Hogg

Ashbeugh Glen is a picturesque valley located in Ayrshire, a county in southwest Scotland. Situated near the village of Ashbeugh, this glen is renowned for its stunning natural beauty and tranquil atmosphere.

The glen is characterized by its lush greenery, with towering trees lining the sides and a meandering river flowing through the middle. The river, known as Ashbeugh Water, adds to the charm of the glen, creating a soothing ambiance as it cascades over small waterfalls and meanders through rocky outcrops.

The valley is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts, as it is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna. Birdwatchers will be delighted to spot various species of birds, including herons, kingfishers, and dippers. Additionally, red squirrels, deer, and foxes can be spotted in the glen, making it a popular destination for nature lovers.

For outdoor enthusiasts, Ashbeugh Glen offers a network of well-maintained walking trails that wind through the valley, providing breathtaking views at every turn. These trails cater to all levels of fitness and offer an opportunity to explore the glen's natural wonders at a leisurely pace.

Visitors to Ashbeugh Glen can also enjoy a picnic by the riverside, taking in the peaceful surroundings and immersing themselves in the tranquility of nature. The glen is easily accessible, with a car park and designated picnic areas available for convenience.

Overall, Ashbeugh Glen in Ayrshire is a hidden gem that offers a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Its natural beauty, diverse wildlife, and well-maintained trails make it a must-visit destination for those seeking a peaceful retreat in the heart of Scotland.

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Ashbeugh Glen Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.341259/-4.3406641 or Grid Reference NS5107. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Old coal bing These old spoil heaps often become prominent features of the ex-mining landscape, particularly from the days before land restoration was required.
Old coal bing
These old spoil heaps often become prominent features of the ex-mining landscape, particularly from the days before land restoration was required.
You ain’t seen me, right! On returning to the access road for Pennyvenie Colliery, I spotted this toad crossing the tarmac. I managed to grab a couple of shots then left him (or her?) to seek shelter from the full sunshine and drying wind.
You ain’t seen me, right!
On returning to the access road for Pennyvenie Colliery, I spotted this toad crossing the tarmac. I managed to grab a couple of shots then left him (or her?) to seek shelter from the full sunshine and drying wind.
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
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.
Danger – 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. <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/4191846">NS5008 : Former opencast site east of Benbeoch</a> 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.
Danger – 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.
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.
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.
Towards Benbeoch Craig Looking towards Benbeoch Craig from the edge of the old Pennyvenie open-cast workings on a bright late-March morning.
Towards Benbeoch Craig
Looking towards Benbeoch Craig from the edge of the old Pennyvenie open-cast workings on a bright late-March morning.
Towards Benbeoch Craig from Pennyvenie A late-March view from the old open-cast mine at Pennyvenie Colliery looking towards Benbeoch Craig.
Towards Benbeoch Craig from Pennyvenie
A late-March view from the old open-cast mine at Pennyvenie Colliery looking towards Benbeoch Craig.
At Pennyvenie Heaped up black rock at the old open-cast site.
At Pennyvenie
Heaped up black rock at the old open-cast site.
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. 
<a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/2723412">NS4908 : North-eastern slope of Benbeoch</a> viewed from the NE slope of Benbeoch shows what this place was like in October 2007.
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.
Former colliery base The OS maps still show buildings on this site but there's nothing left now. The high ground on the left has been regraded and left for nature to take its course. The high ground on the right, in the background, wasn't part of the collieries and the clear-felled forest there is being replanted.
Former colliery base
The OS maps still show buildings on this site but there's nothing left now. The high ground on the left has been regraded and left for nature to take its course. The high ground on the right, in the background, wasn't part of the collieries and the clear-felled forest there is being replanted.
Into the Pennyvenie Colliery site The lower parts of the old colliery site have been regraded and partly restored. Brockwell Energy Ltd has been granted planning consent for a wind farm development.
Into the Pennyvenie Colliery site
The lower parts of the old colliery site have been regraded and partly restored. Brockwell Energy Ltd has been granted planning consent for a wind farm development.
Forest track near Benbain The track that climbs up the hill continues for about 4 Km. The route on the left ends abruptly at the old Pennyvenie open-cast site.
Forest track near Benbain
The track that climbs up the hill continues for about 4 Km. The route on the left ends abruptly at the old Pennyvenie open-cast site.
Power line through the forest The line connects a new sub-station with the larger Coylton Sub-station.
Power line through the forest
The line connects a new sub-station with the larger Coylton Sub-station.
Upper Beoch Road This private road leads to Upper Beoch Farm, now the premises of Emmer Ltd., manufacturers of specialist plastic containers.
Upper Beoch Road
This private road leads to Upper Beoch Farm, now the premises of Emmer Ltd., manufacturers of specialist plastic containers.
Beoch Lane view The forest planting stopped above the level of this low-lying area occupied by Beoch Lane.
Beoch Lane view
The forest planting stopped above the level of this low-lying area occupied by Beoch Lane.
Forest edge The forest stretches downhill to Beoch Lane.
Forest edge
The forest stretches downhill to Beoch Lane.
Forest track for Rig Hill This is one of the forest access tracks that lead to Rig Hill. A lot of recent clear-felling has taken place in this area.
Forest track for Rig Hill
This is one of the forest access tracks that lead to Rig Hill. A lot of recent clear-felling has taken place in this area.
Upper Beoch access road The signs make it clear that this is not the way to reach the New Cumnock electricity sub-station.
Upper Beoch access road
The signs make it clear that this is not the way to reach the New Cumnock electricity sub-station.
Show me another place!

Ashbeugh Glen is located at Grid Ref: NS5107 (Lat: 55.341259, Lng: -4.3406641)

Unitary Authority: East Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

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Located within 500m of 55.341259,-4.3406641
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 55.3437767/-4.3367576
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 55.337029/-4.3412143
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 55.3388779/-4.3380761
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 55.3404856/-4.3353
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 55.3424746/-4.3333742
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 55.3400616/-4.3345678
Power: portal
Lat/Long: 55.3445642/-4.3364266
Power: portal
Lat/Long: 55.3438032/-4.3354717
Power: tower
Lat/Long: 55.3384324/-4.3374324
Power: transformer
Lat/Long: 55.3436064/-4.3349326
Power: transformer
Lat/Long: 55.344125/-4.3346563
Power: transformer
Lat/Long: 55.3448647/-4.3366143
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