Upper Bar

Beach in Ayrshire

Scotland

Upper Bar

Ballantrae Spit Shingle spit at the mouth of River Stinchar with Downan Hill to South — Ballantrae Spit Credit: Mary and Angus Hogg

Upper Bar is a stunning beach located in Ayrshire, Scotland. Situated on the west coast, it offers visitors breathtaking views of the Ayrshire coastline and the vast expanse of the Firth of Clyde. With its golden sand and crystal-clear waters, Upper Bar is a popular destination for beachgoers and nature enthusiasts alike.

The beach stretches for approximately 2 miles and is backed by sand dunes, providing a picturesque backdrop for long walks and picnics. The dunes also serve as a natural habitat for a variety of plant and animal species, making it a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

The beach is easily accessible, with ample parking available nearby. There are also facilities such as toilets and a café, ensuring visitors have a comfortable and enjoyable experience. Lifeguards patrol the area during peak times, ensuring the safety of swimmers and water sports enthusiasts.

Upper Bar is a perfect spot for a range of activities, including swimming, sunbathing, and beach games. The clear waters also make it an ideal location for snorkeling and diving, allowing visitors to explore the marine life that inhabits the area.

The beach is known for its clean and well-maintained environment, as efforts are made to preserve its natural beauty. Visitors are encouraged to respect the beach and its surroundings, taking their litter with them and leaving the area as they found it.

Overall, Upper Bar in Ayrshire is a must-visit destination for anyone seeking a peaceful and picturesque beach experience in Scotland.

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Upper Bar Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.099394/-5.0092767 or Grid Reference NX0882. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Ballantrae Spit

Shingle spit at the mouth of River Stinchar with Downan Hill to South

Mary and Angus Hogg

The lane to Downam, near Ballantrae

Oliver Dixon

Kinnegar Beach

Shingle beach and enclosed lagoon on the south side of the mouth of the River Stinchar. In the summer, this is an important breeding site for little terns.

Oliver Dixon

Offshore rocks at Ballantrae

A small outcrop of tidal rocks outside Ballantrae Harbour just falls into this square. The square also includes a small portion of shingle beach further south.

Oliver Dixon

Bungalows at Garleffin

Oliver Dixon

Getting ready for firework night, Ballantrae Beach

A bonfire in construction on the shingle beach at Ballantrae.

Oliver Dixon

Breakwater at Ballantrae

This breakwater provides some shelter, but hardly qualifies as a harbour.

Oliver Dixon

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.

Oliver Dixon

A77 south of Ballantrae

This busy main road carries the bulk of traffic from central Scotland to the Irish ferries at Cairnryan and Stranraer.

Oliver Dixon

South Lodge, Laggan House

A 2 km driveway runs up the Stinchar valley from here to Laggan House.

Oliver Dixon

Rocky shore at Ballantrae

A few scraps of tidal rock on the seaward side of the breakwater at Ballantrae falls into this square. Bennane Head NX0986 in the distance on the far side of Ballantrae Bay.

Oliver Dixon

Kinnegar, Garleffin

Oliver Dixon

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.

Oliver Dixon

Laggan

At the lower end of the Stinchar valley.

Oliver Dixon

Road out

The hill in the distance has a wee cairn on top, road heads back to Ballantrae

Neil Cunningham

The mail must get through

view of Glenapp Castle drive

Keith Brown

Former Ballantrae Coup

For many years locals used the quarry as a dump until the Council became more involved now it is closed and a tiny skip is placed in the village about every 3 weeks.

Keith Brown