Balcreuchan Port

Bay in Ayrshire

Scotland

Balcreuchan Port

Sawny Bean's Cave Port Balcreuchan and the cave of Sawny Bean, Ayrshire&#039;s infamous serial cannibal. Mr. Bean and his family are credited with killing and eating over 1000 hapless victims in the 16th century - kind of makes Hannibal Lecter look like a pussy cat! — Sawny Bean's Cave Credit: Tony Page

Balcreuchan Port is a small bay located in Ayrshire, on the west coast of Scotland. Situated between the towns of Largs and Fairlie, it is nestled within the Firth of Clyde. The port is renowned for its picturesque natural beauty, with rocky cliffs and stunning views of the surrounding countryside.

The bay itself is relatively sheltered, making it a popular destination for boating and fishing enthusiasts. The calm waters provide a tranquil setting for leisure activities such as sailing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. Anglers can also be seen casting their lines from the shore or from small boats, hoping to catch a variety of fish that inhabit the area.

Balcreuchan Port is surrounded by rugged terrain, offering opportunities for hiking and exploring. The nearby hills and cliffs provide breathtaking panoramic views of the sea and the Arran Mountains in the distance. The area is rich in flora and fauna, making it a haven for nature lovers and birdwatchers. Seals and dolphins can sometimes be spotted swimming in the bay, adding to the charm of the location.

Although Balcreuchan Port is primarily a natural attraction, it does not offer extensive facilities or amenities. Visitors should come prepared with their own equipment and provisions. However, the nearby towns of Largs and Fairlie provide a range of services, including accommodation, restaurants, and shops, making it convenient for visitors to access the area.

Overall, Balcreuchan Port is a hidden gem in Ayrshire, offering a peaceful and scenic escape for those seeking to connect with nature and enjoy outdoor activities in a picturesque coastal setting.

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Balcreuchan Port Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.146029/-4.9850839 or Grid Reference NX0987. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Sawny Bean's Cave

Port Balcreuchan and the cave of Sawny Bean, Ayrshire's infamous serial cannibal. Mr. Bean and his family are credited with killing and eating over 1000 hapless victims in the 16th century - kind of makes Hannibal Lecter look like a pussy cat!

Tony Page

Sunset over Balcreuchan Port

Parking lay bay on A77 above Sawny Bean's Cave, looking west towards the Irish Coast.

Tony Page

Defunct main Ballantrae-Girvan road (formerly A77) showing present use as winter cattle feed station

Part of the old coaching road dating from the early 1900s, bypassed by a three-lane road on the other side of the hill. Area used to feed cattle in winter.

Keith Brown

Bennane Cave

This cave was the home, for many years, of Henry Ewing Torbet AKA Snib Scott a gentleman of the road

Keith Brown

Monument to Snib Scott

Erected by public subscription, constructed of stones from the shore by Mr Sparkhall of Ballantrae.

Keith Brown

From Bennane Head

Looking towards Ailsa Craig from the car park on the north side of Bennane Head. Northern Ireland is visible behind the Craig, with the Kintyre Peninsula to the right.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Down To Balcreuchan Port

Looking down from the cliff edge at the view point car park. The novel "The Grey Man", by S.R. Crockett, contains a stomach-churning account of Sawney Bean's cave, which lies underneath the land here.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Abandoned milk-shake bar

The view of a car parking area and an abandoned kiosk from which milk shakes were once sold.

Sandy Gemmill

The former A77 Ballantrae to Lendalfoot section

The view back towards Ballantrae and the new section of the A77 which crosses over the eastern shoulder of Bennane Hill. This section of road is still a public road, whereas to the north it is used only as a farm track.

Sandy Gemmill

The track/road to Bennane Cave

The former A77 road leading to the entrance to Bennane Cave NX0986 : Bennane Cave which can be seen on the right. The road is now used as a farm track and continues round the headland NX0986 : Defunct main Ballantrae-Girvan road (formerly A77) showing present use as winter cattle feed station. Ailsa Craig can be seen in the distance NX0299 : Ailsa Craig (from the Scottish mainland near Girvan).

Sandy Gemmill

Towards Bennane Lea

Looking along the beach to the north of Ballantrae towards the cottage at Bennane Lea. Viewed on a fine but chilly New Year's Day, with the snow-covered mountains of Arran providing a spectacular backdrop.

Mary and Angus Hogg

The Cairn at Bennane Lea

This cairn was erected in memory of Henry Ewing Torbett, known as "Snib". He was a former bank clerk from Dundee who later lived the life of a hermit in a cave at Bennane Lea. He died in 1983, when he was seventy-one years old. For more information, see the Ayrshire Coastal Path website. Link

Mary and Angus Hogg

Snib Torbett's Cave at Bennane Lea

This cave was inhabited up to 1983 by Snib Torbet - see NX0986 : The Cairn at Bennane Lea. The walled frontage was built to house a smiddy when the road was being constructed round Bennane Head. A high cave lies inside, with another one going deep into the hillside. (Source: Ayrshire Coastal Path", by James A Begg). As I had no torch with me when I visited, I stayed in the outer cave.

Mary and Angus Hogg

Inside Snib Torbet's Cave

This shot was taken in the outer cave. The small doorway leads into another cave which continues well into the hillside, but I had no torch with me to explore further. The cave was cut out by the sea at the end of the last Ice Age, when sea level was higher than it is now.

Mary and Angus Hogg

The Old Road Round Bennane Head

This was a beautiful section of the A77, albeit frustrating for drivers stuck behind lorries. It went round the face of Bennane Head, climbing to the north. The Ayrshire Coastal Path used to follow this route, but access has become problematic.

Mary and Angus Hogg