Balnowlart Holm

Island in Ayrshire

Scotland

Balnowlart Holm

A77 north of Ballantrae This busy main road which carries the traffic from Central Scotland down to the Irish ferries at Cairnryan and Stranraer is a bit of a racetrack here where it crosses the raised beach just to the north of Ballantrae. Unfortunately, the position of this road next to the coast means that the whole fine 18 km length of coastline between Ballantrae and Girvan is effectively inaccessible to walkers and cyclists.
A77 north of Ballantrae Credit: Oliver Dixon

Balnowlart Holm is a small uninhabited island located off the coast of Ayrshire, Scotland. Situated in the Firth of Clyde, it is part of the larger archipelago known as the Cumbrae Isles. The island covers an area of approximately 2 hectares and is characterized by its rugged and rocky terrain.

Balnowlart Holm is known for its diverse wildlife, particularly its bird population. It serves as an important nesting site for various seabirds, including puffins, guillemots, and razorbills. The island's cliffs provide ideal breeding grounds for these species, which can be observed in large numbers during the breeding season.

Access to Balnowlart Holm is limited due to its protected status. It is part of the South Arran National Scenic Area and is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). As a result, visitors are not permitted to land on the island without prior permission from the relevant authorities.

Despite its uninhabited status, Balnowlart Holm holds historical significance. It is believed that the island was used as a defensive site during the Viking Age, with remains of a fortification structure still visible today. These archaeological remnants attract history enthusiasts and researchers alike.

Overall, Balnowlart Holm is a picturesque and ecologically important island in the Firth of Clyde. Its rugged beauty, rich birdlife, and historical significance make it a fascinating destination for nature lovers and history buffs alike.

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Balnowlart Holm Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.106293/-4.9732901 or Grid Reference NX1083. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

A77 north of Ballantrae This busy main road which carries the traffic from Central Scotland down to the Irish ferries at Cairnryan and Stranraer is a bit of a racetrack here where it crosses the raised beach just to the north of Ballantrae. Unfortunately, the position of this road next to the coast means that the whole fine 18 km length of coastline between Ballantrae and Girvan is effectively inaccessible to walkers and cyclists.
A77 north of Ballantrae
This busy main road which carries the traffic from Central Scotland down to the Irish ferries at Cairnryan and Stranraer is a bit of a racetrack here where it crosses the raised beach just to the north of Ballantrae. Unfortunately, the position of this road next to the coast means that the whole fine 18 km length of coastline between Ballantrae and Girvan is effectively inaccessible to walkers and cyclists.
A77 south of Ballantrae This busy main road carries the bulk of traffic from central Scotland to the Irish ferries at Cairnryan and Stranraer.
A77 south of Ballantrae
This busy main road carries the bulk of traffic from central Scotland to the Irish ferries at Cairnryan and Stranraer.
South Lodge, Laggan House A 2 km driveway runs up the Stinchar valley from here to Laggan House.
South Lodge, Laggan House
A 2 km driveway runs up the Stinchar valley from here to Laggan House.
Stream north of Ballantrae A narrow strip, one field wide and traversed by this stream, separates the A77 from the beach just north of Ballantrae.
Stream north of Ballantrae
A narrow strip, one field wide and traversed by this stream, separates the A77 from the beach just north of Ballantrae.
Laggan At the lower end of the Stinchar valley.
Laggan
At the lower end of the Stinchar valley.
Corseclays Farm, near Ballantrae On the B734. The hill in the distance is Knockdollan <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/gridref/NX1184">NX1184</a>.
Corseclays Farm, near Ballantrae
On the B734. The hill in the distance is Knockdollan NX1184.
Road out The hill in the distance has a wee cairn on top, road heads back to Ballantrae
Road out
The hill in the distance has a wee cairn on top, road heads back to Ballantrae
High Tide meets flooded River Stinchar Heavy rainfall combined with high winds and tides caused severe problems around Christmas 1982 and early January 1983
High Tide meets flooded River Stinchar
Heavy rainfall combined with high winds and tides caused severe problems around Christmas 1982 and early January 1983
Lagganholm Cottage under attack from floodwater Remarkably very little damage, apart from a pavement breaking up. All the local Stinchar bridges were under water.
Lagganholm Cottage under attack from floodwater
Remarkably very little damage, apart from a pavement breaking up. All the local Stinchar bridges were under water.
Ardstinchar Castle, Ballantrae Castle first built in 1421, in 1770 stones from the ruined castle were used to build a bridge over the river stinchar
Ardstinchar Castle, Ballantrae
Castle first built in 1421, in 1770 stones from the ruined castle were used to build a bridge over the river stinchar
Sunset  Ballantrae North Shore All alone with one's thoughts
Sunset Ballantrae North Shore
All alone with one's thoughts
Digger on Shore Digger travelling from Treatment works site to Pump Station site, Treatment works site about quarter mile north of Ballantrae.
Digger on Shore
Digger travelling from Treatment works site to Pump Station site, Treatment works site about quarter mile north of Ballantrae.
Plant Machinery Of course its shallow. Hill on the top left is Bennane hill with the main A77 road  just on the right.
Plant Machinery
Of course its shallow. Hill on the top left is Bennane hill with the main A77 road just on the right.
All at Sea This was an easier way to travel between sites than using the main road.
All at Sea
This was an easier way to travel between sites than using the main road.
Treatment Works Site Entrance to treatment works site taken from the shore facing inland.
Treatment Works Site
Entrance to treatment works site taken from the shore facing inland.
North Shore Sandy shore facing south with Ballantrae in the distance and drilling rig in the bay
North Shore
Sandy shore facing south with Ballantrae in the distance and drilling rig in the bay
Bend on A77 Photo taken from unclassified road to Auchairne south of Ballantrae, on the left is Ballantrae village and just right of centre is Ardstinchar castle.
Bend on A77
Photo taken from unclassified road to Auchairne south of Ballantrae, on the left is Ballantrae village and just right of centre is Ardstinchar castle.
Auchairne Junction Unclassified road meets the main A77 Stranraer road just south of Ballantrae.
Auchairne Junction
Unclassified road meets the main A77 Stranraer road just south of Ballantrae.
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Balnowlart Holm is located at Grid Ref: NX1083 (Lat: 55.106293, Lng: -4.9732901)

Unitary Authority: South Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///teacher.downward.decimals. Near Cairnryan, Dumfries & Galloway

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Located within 500m of 55.106293,-4.9732901
The data included in this document is from www.openstreetmap.org. The data is made available under ODbL.

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