Langley Plantation

Wood, Forest in Ayrshire

Scotland

Langley Plantation

End-terrace on Maxwood Road Credit: Alan Reid

Langley Plantation is a sprawling woodland located in Ayrshire, Scotland. Covering an area of approximately 500 acres, it is renowned for its natural beauty and rich biodiversity. The plantation is situated in a rural area, surrounded by picturesque rolling hills and lush green fields.

The woodland is primarily composed of native Scottish tree species, including oak, birch, and pine. These trees provide a dense canopy, creating a tranquil and secluded atmosphere. Langley Plantation is home to a diverse range of wildlife, including deer, foxes, squirrels, and a variety of bird species.

Visitors to Langley Plantation can enjoy numerous recreational activities. There are well-maintained walking trails that meander through the woodland, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The plantation is also a popular spot for birdwatching enthusiasts, who can spot rare and migratory bird species in the area.

Historically, Langley Plantation has been used for timber production, with sustainable logging practices ensuring the continued growth and maintenance of the woodland. The plantation is managed by a dedicated team of forestry professionals who work to preserve the natural habitat and promote the conservation of the area.

Langley Plantation is a peaceful retreat, offering visitors a chance to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in nature. With its scenic beauty and abundant wildlife, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.

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Langley Plantation Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.614823/-4.3747144 or Grid Reference NS5038. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

End-terrace on Maxwood Road

Alan Reid

Waterside, Galston

Alan Reid

Sheltered corner at Castle Hill

Alan Reid

Alton Burn

Running to the left through the rushes.

Alan Reid

Trees in Dark Wood

Alan Reid

Pastureland at Whatriggs

Whitelee wind turbines on the horizon.

Alan Reid

Downhill to East Newton

Alan Reid

Cattle grazing on Judge's Hill

Alan Reid

Barr Castle - Galston, East Ayrshire

The present tower dates from the 16th century and was the family seat of the Lockhart family until 1670. It passed to the Campbell's of Cessnock and was used as a domicile. It has been used as a barn, a grain store, a town jail, a cholera hospital, a wool store, a school and a religious meeting house. It was acquired by the Duke of Portland for the local Masonic Lodge, St Peter 331 in 1894, who have maintained it until the present day. Barr Castle used to be known as Lockhart’s Tower. One of the Lockharts of Barr is reputed to have been one of the men associated with returning Robert the Bruce's heart to Scotland after it had been lost in a battle abroad by James Douglas who carried it to the Crusades as a dying wish of the famous King. The Scottish Reformers William Wishart and John Knox preached in this place A.D. 1545 and 1556 respectively.

Raibeart MacAoidh

St Sophia's Church - Galston, East Ayrshire

St Sophia's church was constructed 1885-6 and designed by architect Sir Robert Rowand Anderson. The third Marquess of Bute commissioned Anderson to bring to Galston this echo of the Byzantine Empire. The church is a distinctive building based on Hagia Sophia in Istanbul, which the Marquess had visited and in memory of his mother Lady Sophia Hastings of Loudoun Castle. Built in red brick the church is cruciform in shape with a central round tower topped with a conical roof of red tiles.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Barr Castle - Galston, East Ayrshire

The present tower dates from the 16th century and was the family seat of the Lockhart family until 1670. It passed to the Campbell's of Cessnock and was used as a domicile. It has been used as a barn, a grain store, a town jail, a cholera hospital, a wool store, a school and a religious meeting house. It was acquired in 1894 by the Duke of Portland for the local Masonic Lodge, St Peter 331, who have maintained it until the present day. Barr Castle used to be known as Lockhart’s Tower. One of the Lockharts of Barr is reputed to have been one of the men associated with returning Robert the Bruce's heart to Scotland after it had been lost in a battle abroad by James Douglas who carried it to the Crusades as a dying wish of the famous King. The Scottish Reformers William Wishart and John Knox preached in this place A.D. 1545 and 1556 respectively.

Raibeart MacAoidh

Ruined building, not on map

Remains of a lime kiln, or similar, not sure.

Scott

Remains of Loudoun Castle c 2003

This view used to greet visitors to the now closed Loudoun Castle Theme Park. Image shows the castle as it was in 2003.

Tom Morrison

Small Burn

Small burn in Big Wood.

Scott

Site of Galston station, 1997

View NW approaching Galston village. The station had been on the right, on the ex-GSWR line which ran from Kilmarnock (to left) to Darvel (to right) under the road and was closed 6/4/64 to passengers, 6/7/64 to goods.

Ben Brooksbank