Ardneil Bay
Bay in Ayrshire
Scotland
Ardneil Bay
Ardneil Bay is a picturesque bay located on the west coast of Scotland, specifically in Ayrshire. It is situated between the towns of West Kilbride and Seamill, and it forms part of the larger Firth of Clyde. The bay stretches for approximately 1.5 miles and offers stunning panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Ardneil Bay is renowned for its sandy beach, which is popular with both locals and tourists. The beach is relatively sheltered, making it an ideal spot for families and water sports enthusiasts. The clean and well-maintained sands provide a perfect playground for sunbathing, picnicking, or leisurely strolls along the shore.
The bay is also home to a variety of wildlife, including seabirds and marine life. Visitors may spot gulls, oystercatchers, and even seals basking on the rocks or swimming in the clear waters. Nature lovers can explore the nearby Ardneil Point, a designated Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), which offers opportunities for birdwatching and observing the unique flora and fauna of the area.
Ardneil Bay boasts excellent facilities, including ample parking, public toilets, and nearby cafes and restaurants. The bay is easily accessible, with a main road running parallel to the beach, allowing for convenient transportation and easy day trips from nearby towns and cities.
Overall, Ardneil Bay offers a tranquil and scenic coastal experience, combining natural beauty, recreational activities, and an abundance of wildlife, making it an attractive destination for visitors seeking a peaceful retreat or a day out by the sea.
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Ardneil Bay Images
Images are sourced within 2km of 55.69387/-4.8905395 or Grid Reference NS1848. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
The History of Portencross Castle, Link
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
The History of Portencross Castle Link
Mown field near Yonderfield
By the road to Portencross, with the hills of Arran visible across the Firth of Clyde in the distance.
View from Portencross Castle
The masonry on the right of the photo is part of the castle, a scheduled ancient monument built in phases from the fourteenth century (although it is on the site of earlier fortifications) and restored and maintained by the Friends of Portencross Castle
Mown grass in field north of Portencross
Flat farmland by the Firth of Clyde below Waterside Hill.
Portencross Castle from Millport
Looking across about 6km (3¾ miles) of water between Millport on Great Cumbrae to the castle at Portencross on the mainland. This stretch of water is known as the Fairlie Roads.
The castle dating probably from the C14th is a Designated Scheduled Monument - read more about it on the Canmore website here: Link
Looking down on Thirdpart Holdings
I believe this row of small-holdings was originally established after WW1 for returning servicemen - unless anyone knows better?
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
The History of Portencross Castle, Link.
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Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
The History of Portencross Castle Link
The Portencross Murder - Northbank Cottage
Northbank Cottage was the scene of the murder of Miss Mary Speir Gunn, on the evening of 18th October 1913.
Murder of Mary Speir Gunn Link
Northbank Cottage
Located on the raised beach at the foot of the old sea cliffs.
The North Harbour, Portencross
In the 1800s, around 30 fishing boats worked from Portencross. The pier was built in the early 20th century to accommodate Clyde steamers but its exposed location was always problematic.
Portencross Castle
See NS1748 : Portencross Castle for information. The water on the right-hand side was the Old Harbour.
Modern cottages at Portencross
The two houses on the left are called Sannox and Corrie, both named after places on the Island of Arran.
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle is a scheduled monument of national importance. It has been here since the mid 1300s.
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
The History of Portencross Castle Link
Portencross Castle
Robert the Bruce gave the surrounding lands of Arnele to the Boyd family for supporting him in the War of Independence. The Boyds built the castle on its present site. They enlarged it later in the 1300s and into the 1400s to its present L-shape. The original great hall and cellar are still intact.
The Boyds chose to put the castle on this spot to defend the sea routes and access to the islands of the Firth of Clyde and beyond. Portencross Castle is important because King Robert II (reign: 1371-1390) used it during the period when the Stewart dynasty was being established. The old harbour was once an important ferry port for access to Rothesay Castle and to the royal deer forest on Little Cumbrae (known locally as Wee Cumbrae).
The Friends of Portencross Castle (FOPC) undertook the conservation work on the castle to make the building safe to visit and hold local events. FOPC has been supported extremely well through grants and financial assistance from many organisations and individuals and through the work of volunteers.
FOPC raised just over £1million to take forward the conservation work on the castle. The main grant assistance came from Historic Scotland and Heritage Lottery Fund. The work finally began in 2009.
Ardneil Bay is located at Grid Ref: NS1848 (Lat: 55.69387, Lng: -4.8905395)
Unitary Authority: North Ayrshire
Police Authority: Ayrshire
What 3 Words
///majoring.daffodils.outbound. Near West Kilbride, North Ayrshire
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Portencross
Portencross (Scottish Gaelic: Port na Crois) is a hamlet near Farland Head in North Ayrshire, Scotland. Situated about three kilometres (two miles) west...
Portencross Castle
Portencross Castle, also known historically as Portincross Castle, is situated in Portencross, on the west coast of Scotland, about 3 km from West Kilbride...
Murder of Mary Speir Gunn
Mary Speir Gunn (31 August 1862 – 18 October 1913) was murdered in a shooting attack at the isolated Northbank Cottage near Portencross in North Ayrshire...
Seamill
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Nearby Amenities
Located within 500m of 55.69387,-4.8905395Man Made: geotechnical_cone_penetrometer_probe
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Ref: PCPT02
Lat/Long: 55.6938259/-4.8855661
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Ref: PCPT01
Lat/Long: 55.694378/-4.8850243
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Lat/Long: 55.6952505/-4.8846971
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