Arnsheen Forest

Wood, Forest in Ayrshire

Scotland

Arnsheen Forest

Horse Chestnut flowers All going well, there should be a good crop of conkers here in the autumn.
Horse Chestnut flowers Credit: Mary and Angus Hogg

Arnsheen Forest is a picturesque woodland located in Ayrshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 100 acres, it is a haven for nature enthusiasts and a popular destination for outdoor activities. The forest boasts a diverse range of flora and fauna, making it an important habitat for wildlife.

The woodland is predominantly composed of native tree species such as oak, birch, and beech, which create a rich and varied environment. The forest floor is carpeted with a lush understory of ferns, mosses, and wildflowers, adding to its natural beauty. The dense canopy provides ample shade, making it an ideal spot for a leisurely stroll or a peaceful picnic.

Arnsheen Forest is crisscrossed with a network of well-maintained trails, allowing visitors to explore its various sections. These trails cater to different levels of difficulty, ensuring there is something for everyone, from casual walkers to experienced hikers. Along the way, visitors may encounter various wildlife species such as red squirrels, deer, and a diverse range of birdlife.

In addition to its natural beauty, Arnsheen Forest offers recreational activities such as mountain biking and horseback riding. There are designated tracks and paths for these activities, providing a thrilling experience for adventure enthusiasts.

Overall, Arnsheen Forest is a tranquil and captivating destination that offers a delightful escape into nature. Its diverse ecosystem, well-maintained trails, and recreational opportunities make it a must-visit location for those seeking a serene woodland experience in Ayrshire.

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Arnsheen Forest Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.049855/-4.7148287 or Grid Reference NX2676. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Horse Chestnut flowers All going well, there should be a good crop of conkers here in the autumn.
Horse Chestnut flowers
All going well, there should be a good crop of conkers here in the autumn.
An old quarry Beside the B7027, this overgrown site holds a shallow pool of water with marshy edges. Even after a long spell of dry weather, the pool was still there.
An old quarry
Beside the B7027, this overgrown site holds a shallow pool of water with marshy edges. Even after a long spell of dry weather, the pool was still there.
Loch Nahinie revisited This tiny roadside loch has become more overgrown since my previous visit <a href="https://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/476093">NX2777 : Loch Nahinie</a> with water lilies now in abundance. Roadside views have also become more obscured. I had to scramble down a banking to get clear of the foliage.
Loch Nahinie revisited
This tiny roadside loch has become more overgrown since my previous visit NX2777 : Loch Nahinie with water lilies now in abundance. Roadside views have also become more obscured. I had to scramble down a banking to get clear of the foliage.
Loch Maberry The road follows the shoreline here, giving lovely views and good access to the loch. This end of the loch lies in South Ayrshire. The other end is in Dumfries & Galloway.
Loch Maberry
The road follows the shoreline here, giving lovely views and good access to the loch. This end of the loch lies in South Ayrshire. The other end is in Dumfries & Galloway.
Road to Killgallioch This comfortable road was built to access the site of Killgallioch windfarm. A forestry road branches off to the left.
Road to Killgallioch
This comfortable road was built to access the site of Killgallioch windfarm. A forestry road branches off to the left.
Crossroads west of Arnsheen The right track leads onto a long loop that eventually leads back to this spot. A network of forestry tracks leads to the plantations around Arnsheen.
Crossroads west of Arnsheen
The right track leads onto a long loop that eventually leads back to this spot. A network of forestry tracks leads to the plantations around Arnsheen.
Road junction with wind turbines A few forestry tracks meet at this point. The view is towards the open moorland with the wind turbines.
Road junction with wind turbines
A few forestry tracks meet at this point. The view is towards the open moorland with the wind turbines.
View over the wind farm From the forestry track, the view opens towards an open stretch of just harvested trees, and beyond the wind turbines.
View over the wind farm
From the forestry track, the view opens towards an open stretch of just harvested trees, and beyond the wind turbines.
Drumlamford Loch This part of the loch is separated from the larger body of water by a peninsula that is connected to the east side of the loch, and extends almost entirely to the north shore. Drumlamford Loch is a quite beautiful area of wildlife protection, in the midst of miles of forestry plantations.
Drumlamford Loch
This part of the loch is separated from the larger body of water by a peninsula that is connected to the east side of the loch, and extends almost entirely to the north shore. Drumlamford Loch is a quite beautiful area of wildlife protection, in the midst of miles of forestry plantations.
Road to the windfarms A new road has been built, solely for access to the windfarms Arecleoch and Killgallioch. It makes use of a former forestry track, but is a lot wider and smoother than a typical forestry road.
Road to the windfarms
A new road has been built, solely for access to the windfarms Arecleoch and Killgallioch. It makes use of a former forestry track, but is a lot wider and smoother than a typical forestry road.
Conifers and turbines The landscape here is mostly heavy forestry with wind farms. Combined with the lack of people, it feels slightly apocalyptic.
Conifers and turbines
The landscape here is mostly heavy forestry with wind farms. Combined with the lack of people, it feels slightly apocalyptic.
Old guidepost This unique structure on the B7027 shows the way to the three farmsteads near the end of the lane which goes no further than the banks of the River Cree.  The same three names are on the other side.
Old guidepost
This unique structure on the B7027 shows the way to the three farmsteads near the end of the lane which goes no further than the banks of the River Cree. The same three names are on the other side.
View from Arnsheen The view west from Arnsheen Farmhouse
View from Arnsheen
The view west from Arnsheen Farmhouse
Arnsheen Farmhouse Arnsheen Farmhouse on the Drumlamford Estate
Arnsheen Farmhouse
Arnsheen Farmhouse on the Drumlamford Estate
Loch Nahinie This attractive small loch is right by the roadside going south-east from Barrhill on the B7027.
Loch Nahinie
This attractive small loch is right by the roadside going south-east from Barrhill on the B7027.
Open Area A small open area in the forested land south-east of Barrhill.  The red colour comes from the Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) growing among the grass.  This area held a lot of butterflies.
Open Area
A small open area in the forested land south-east of Barrhill. The red colour comes from the Common Sorrel (Rumex acetosa) growing among the grass. This area held a lot of butterflies.
Country Road The B7027 south-east from Barrhill.
Country Road
The B7027 south-east from Barrhill.
Loads Of Logs
Loads Of Logs
Show me another place!

Arnsheen Forest is located at Grid Ref: NX2676 (Lat: 55.049855, Lng: -4.7148287)

Unitary Authority: South Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire

What 3 Words

///chats.complains.coping. Near Newton Stewart, Dumfries & Galloway

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Arnsheen Forest

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