Big Wood

Wood, Forest in Ayrshire

Scotland

Big Wood

Bridge over Huggin Craig Burn The burn runs downhill in a deep glen. The bridge, which looks new, is seen here as one approaches from the west. — Bridge over Huggin Craig Burn Credit: Alec MacKinnon

Big Wood, located in Ayrshire, is a dense forest covering a vast area of land. With its rich biodiversity and scenic beauty, it is a popular destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The wood is known for its large variety of tree species, including oak, beech, birch, and pine, which provide a diverse habitat for numerous wildlife species.

The forest is home to an array of wildlife, such as deer, foxes, badgers, and a wide variety of bird species. Birdwatchers often visit Big Wood to spot rare and migratory birds that make the forest their temporary habitat. The tranquil environment and peaceful atmosphere of the wood make it an ideal spot for birdwatching and wildlife photography.

Big Wood offers several walking trails and paths that enable visitors to explore the forest and enjoy its natural beauty. These trails are well-maintained and offer different levels of difficulty, catering to both casual walkers and more experienced hikers. Along the way, visitors can admire the towering trees, vibrant wildflowers, and the soothing sound of the nearby river flowing through the wood.

The forest also boasts a picnic area, providing a perfect spot for families and friends to enjoy a day out in nature. The picnic area is equipped with benches, tables, and barbecue facilities, making it an ideal place for outdoor gatherings and celebrations.

Overall, Big Wood in Ayrshire provides an enchanting escape from the bustle of city life, offering a peaceful haven for nature enthusiasts and a valuable habitat for diverse wildlife species.

Show me another place!

If you have any feedback on the listing, please let us know in the comments section below.

Big Wood Images

Images are sourced within 2km of 55.60796/-4.3605649 or Grid Reference NS5137. Thanks to Geograph Open Source API. All images are credited.

Bridge over Huggin Craig Burn

The burn runs downhill in a deep glen. The bridge, which looks new, is seen here as one approaches from the west.

Alec MacKinnon

Steps beside the Huggin Craig Burn

On the north side of this new-looking bridge these steps give a safe route to the side of the burn for pedestrians.

Alec MacKinnon

End-terrace on Maxwood Road

Alan Reid

Sunrise over a herd of Ayrshires

Alan Reid

Road through Maxwood Holdings

Alan Reid

Waterside, Galston

Alan Reid

Sheltered corner at Castle Hill

Alan Reid

Alton Burn

Running to the left through the rushes.

Alan Reid

Downhill to East Newton

Alan Reid

Cattle grazing on Judge's Hill

Alan Reid

Minor road south of Galston

This road runs between Sornhill and Newmilns. It is seen here from just east of the junction with minor road that goes to Priestland.

Alec MacKinnon

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

Show me another place!

Big Wood is located at Grid Ref: NS5137 (Lat: 55.60796, Lng: -4.3605649)

Unitary Authority: East Ayrshire

Police Authority: Ayrshire