Location and Access

This is a stretch of the Firth of Clyde from the Waterside Inn (NS 207 460) to the Seamill Hydro (NS 202 471). Access is possible from the car parks on the A78. The nearest train station is at West Kilbride (2km). There is a path along the beach. There is also a good cycle path all along this part of the coast with good views of the Isle of Arran. The best time of year for birding is over the winter (and you avoid the crowds in the summer). This part of the coast is mostly rocky.

No access for wheelchairs – locked gate/wicket gate for pedestrians.

The coastal cycle route from Ardrossan to Largs follows the shore.

Birds

The rocks near the Waterside Inn give good views out to sea and are good for divers (the three commoner species) in winter, Manx Shearwater passing through, Black Guillemot, Gannet, Red-breasted Merganser, and a Little Auk was rescued here. The off-shore islets (Limpet Craig) are roosting sites for Shag, Cormorant, Eider.  The rocks are good for waders including Purple Sandpiper, Redshank, Turnstone, Oystercatcher, and Greenshank (one is resident most winters). Sedge Warbler and Stonechat can be seen in the gorse. The burn coming down the side of the Seamill Hydro is good for bathing gulls and ducks (Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Eider) while looking up the burn gives a chance of Grey Wagtail and Dipper. A Black Redstart has wintered here several times. Look at the rocks offshore (Brither Rocks) for sunbathing seals.

The tide-line is good for Rock Pipit (but check for Water Pipit too!) and passage White Wagtail. In late 2010 a lovely Shore Lark was in with the various pipits and wagtails feeding on the tide-line.  It is worth going through the duck flocks: Long-tailed Ducks crop up now and again in the winter, and a Green-winged Teal was here in December 2000.

Behind the pumping station is a rough field with a peaty pool. This is very good for Snipe and Jack Snipe (up to 6 at once) and it pays to stomp around the edge (in wellies!). The adjacent field often has large flocks of Curlew (over 200) and Lapwing.

Keep an eye on the fields and woods on the other side of the A78 for Buzzard, Kestrel and lots more Curlew. Also check out the flocks of crows for an occasional Hooded Crow (and hybrids).

Black Redstart at Seamill, ©Jim Duncan, 2002

Location and Access

These are a series of fishermen’s paths along the banks of the River Garnock and its Rye Water tributary, accessed from the town of Dalry in the Garnock Valley. Good footwear essential.

• The first walk follows the west bank of the River Garnock for 1km south to the car park at car auction house/ former brickworks (NS 295 480).
• The second is a circuit of 4km from the north-east edge of Dalry (NS 298 498) by footbridge over Rye, then north along the bank path to the River Garnock, and then upstream to Pitcon estate, and then west along the boundary of chemical factoryand return by B780.

There is a regular bus service along the A737, and Dalry has a mail-line rail station.

The area is accessible by bike from Dalry.

Birds

Grey Heron, Dipper, Kingfisher, Grey and Pied Wagtail, Common Sandpiper, Swift, Swallow, House and Sand Martin, and summer migrants such as warblers.

Location and Access

This is an area of mixed woodland planted in the 1990s, with a criss-cross of grassed paths. The woodland lies 4km east of Dalry along B707 and encompasses Bowertropping Wood and vicinity of Pencot Farm (NS 2 49). It extends from Blair Mine (NS 25 495) to the OS triangulation point near the farm (NS 28 488). Ideas for further development of the area include a pond or wetland. Cars can be parked at the old mine – but be security conscious. (Note: in June 2003 the entrance to the mine was blocked.)

There is a regular bus service along the A737, and Dalry has a mail-line rail station.

The area is 1.5km off National Route 7.

Birds

A changing scene worth ongoing observation as the habitat diversifies with growth. Expect woodland, scrub and farmland species including breeding Buzzard, Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Skylark, Magpie, Willow and Sedge Warbler, Mallard, Dunnock, Song Thrush, Swallow, Chiffchaff, Lapwing.

Location and Access

A fine wood and parkland laid out in the 1850’s surrounding Blair House (earliest part 12th century). Bombo Burn flows through the grounds before joining the River Garnock. The estate lies 2km south-east of Dalry along unclassified road past Dalry Station. There are metalled and unmetalled paths which are occasionally boggy. The grounds are private but access is permitted for walkers but no dogs or bikes, and the grounds are occasionally closed – please respect the owner’s wishes.

Cars can be left at either the north or south lodges (NS 06 472), taking care not to obstruct access. Buses and trains go through Dalry, about 2km away.

National Cycle Route 7 passes along the eastern boundary of the estate.

Birds

Woodland species abound in Spring including tits, finches, Chiffchaff, Willow and Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Treecreeper, Great Spotted Woodpecker. Dipper and Wagtails by the Burn. Sparrowhawk, Kestrel, Buzzard, Raven and Jay are present. Good for winter thrushes, Brambling and occasional Waxwing.

Location and Access

This is a small hill reservoir at 170 metres on the boundary of farm land with hedgerows and moor with young plantation. It is situated km west of Dalry off the minor road to Fairlie, signposted The Moor Road. It is owned by Dalry Garnock Angling Club and visitors should be considerate to the anglers and the adjacent farm. There is a picnic site with panoramic vistas of the Garnock valley. There is limited parking at the end of the farm track through the gate (please be aware of any livestock and don’t block farm access).

There is a regular bus service along the A737, and Dalry has a main-line rail station.

The area is accessible by bike from Dalry.

Birds

Loch and lochside:

Teal, Tufted Duck, Pochard, Mallard, Dabchick, Grey Wagtail. Breeding Common Sandpiper and Snipe.

Surrounds:

Reed Bunting, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Linnet, Meadow Pipit, Skylark, Sparrowhawk andHen Harrier.

Others:

Dotterel and White Wagtail have been seen on passage. Continue over The Moor Road for Red and Black Grouse, Short-eared Owl, other moorland species.

Location and Access

Situated at the south end of the island, Kildonan is signposted off the A841, km south of Whiting Bay. This road circumnavigates the island, following the shoreline closely along the east and west coasts but taking an inshore line along the south, including by Kildonan. The area in front of the Kildonan Hotel and opposite to Pladda Island is a good starting point for a peaceful birding walk.

Parking is available in the marked area (NS 034 207) to the right of the old coastguard tower. Access to the beach is by the steps going past the children’s play area then down along the beach towards the Kildonan hotel. A second marked parking area can be found if you carry on down the road to the old school house (now letting apartments), go on to the sea front, and walk to the right along the beach.

Another good area is along Auchenhew Bay (NS 017 207) nearby to the west. Leaving the last location, follow the road into Kildonan and use the car park opposite the village hall. Turning left, follow the road past the village store and post office, then the footpath onto the raised beach stretching west towards Bennan Head.

Birds

The Kildonan Hotel area is good for Turnstone and Purple Sandpiper foraging on the stone dykes. Dunlin, Ringed Plover, Curlew and Whimbrel also favour this area. Little Stint have been found on the pools above the strand line along with Knot and Black-tailed Godwit. Red-breasted Merganser and Eider are common on the sea. A good number of Manx Shearwater may be viewed offshore in the right season. Iceland Gull has been seen loafing with the resident gulls at low tide.

Passerines including Willow Warbler, Sedge Warbler and Common Whitethroat breed in the scrub area above the beach. Pied and White Wagtail along with Rock Pipit frequent the beach. Buzzard, Peregrine and Sparrowhawk are regular hunters above.

The walk to Auchenhew Bay gives good views of Stonechat, Wheatear and Common Sandpiper. Fulmar, Raven and Jackdaw breed on the Bennan Head cliffs to the west. Wigeon and Shelduck are present at the right time of year along the sea shore, along with Oystercatcher and Curlew. Plenty of Shag and Gannet can be seen on fishing trips from their colonies on the islands of Pladda and Ailsa Craig.

Location and Access

Brodick Country Park is located km north of the Caledonian MacBrayne ferry terminal in Brodick, along the main coastal road. The Park is open from dawn till dusk, with the exception of the Walled Garden which is open from 9am to 5pm. The reception centre and caf open at 10am, whilst the castle and reception centre open at 11am.

The Stagecoach bus service meets the ferry at Brodick, ask for the Castle Pedestrian Entrance at the Wineport. You can also walk to the Park via the “Fisherman’s Walk” along the beach. This involves walking along the main street of Brodick until Alldays shop, then walking along the beach until you reach a bridge. Taking this leads you through the Saltmarsh (site of the Snowy Egret in 2002!) and across the Golf Course, crossing a large river and then back to the beach. At the end of the strand, you’ll head back inland to a final bridge which eventually goes back to the road and signs to the entrance. By car, follow signs north to the Castle and take the main drive after km, up to the reception centre. Merkland Wood is a further half-mile from the Castle entrance and has limited unofficial parking places.

The Country Park covers around 200 acres of woodlands, pasture, meadows, access to seashore, ponds, woodland gardens and formal gardens. It encompasses the largest piece of mature broadleaved woodland on the island. The Park is also surrounded by Forest Enterprise land, through which the park trails run. This is mainly conifer plantation, but also contains some mature Oak and Beech woodland with Scots Pine and regenerating Birch.

Parking at castle and ranger centre. One woodland trail designed for wheelchairs. Refer to NTS web site for details.

Birds

Being an island, Arran is a curiosity as much for the birds that are not here, as much as for those that are. Woodpeckers are entirely absent from Arran, even though suitable habitat exists and they are present only miles away on Kintyre. The Park is a great place to see Barn Owl, with a pair nesting in a nest box in the gardens. Arran is one of Britain’s strongholds for these birds, as it is for the Hen Harrier which can be seen hunting in the pastures during the winter as well as more frequently up on the moorland. The Nightjar is an elusive possibility on midge ridden July nights. Although breeding status is unknown at present, they bred in good numbers during the 1990s in the newly cleared forestry areas. A good selection of seabirds and waders can be seen along the coast from the beach up to Corrie. Shelduck breed in this area, Redshank and Curlew are frequent, as are Common Sandpiper. Gannets from Ailsa Craig perform off the shore from as early as February, and Eiders and Red- breasted Mergansers are a beautiful autumn and winter sight. All the cliff-nesting seabirds frequent the Clyde with Guillemots, Manx Shearwater and Tysties (Black Guillemot) being great sites from just offshore. In spring, there is a good chance of seeing all species of Diver, though only Red- throated breed on the island and these can be heard flying over the castle returning to upland lochs. In these days of ever declining Song Thrush populations, they thrive in the mixed habitats of the park. Winter is a great time for Fieldfares and Redwings that feast on Arran’s abundant berry harvest. Bullfinches are frequent visitors to the gardens, pinching out fruit tree buds and seem to like Escallonia bushes which are a favourite wind tolerant shrub. Siskins abound in the park and are a feature of the less promising coniferous areas. Strangely enough, the north of the Island has quite a different bird life to the south, with species like Yellowhammer and Whitethroat being almost absent from the former whilst being regularly heard in the more gentle south. The woodland is great habitat for Wood Warbler, Blackcap and Spotted Flycatcher. Occasional sightings of Pied Flycatcher have occurred and nest boxes have been erected in the open woodland to encourage a pair to stay one day. Buzzards are seen all the time as are Kestrels and Sparrowhawks. Arran is superb for raptors in general, except for the Tawny Owls which inhabit the Country Park, as all of our island inhabitants are male!

Other wildlife attractions in the Country Park are the Common Seals that bask on the shore, sightings of Basking Sharks all around the coast and the Red Squirrel, which is not threatened by its American cousin and which, can be easily seen. There are no Foxes, Roe Deer, Stoats or Weasels on Arran, though we have a very healthy population of Otters and Badgers.

There are three main trails in the Country Park, which take around 1-2 hours to walk each. There are beautiful waterfalls and views along these routes as well as features of historical and geological interest. You are free to walk almost anywhere in the Park, exploring the fields and woods. Extensive habitat restoration projects have been undertaken to limit the spread of Rhododendron ponticum and we are hoping to restore parkland and agricultural habitats in the future.

Additional Information

The park is a great day out for all the family, with a child friendly castle which has lots of children’s activities, a world class garden, an adventure playground, nature room, restaurant and shop. The Ranger Service leads guided walks from Easter to September and hosts other family events. There are maps for garden orientation and trails leaflets. A brand new audio wand system provides a superb way to find out more about the woodland garden.

For more general information on Arran (e.g. ferry details) please see the Arran page.

We would be delighted to help with any additional information, please contact:

Location and Access

The Isle of Arran (19km by 42km) lies in the Firth of Clyde 28km west of the Ayrshire coast, 5km east of Kintyre peninsula. Its northern half is rugged, mountainous, remote country, good habitat for Golden Eagle and Red Deer. Goatfell (874m) peaks over the principal town of Brodick on the east coast. The south has gentler moorland, extensive conifer plantations with Red Squirrel and much of the island’s farmland. The climate is milder, the species range wider. Much of the coast is raised beach with a shoreline of rock or shingle, haunt of Otter, and steep escarpments. The wide diversity of habitat across the island results in a rich bird records list of over 200 species. The absence of Fox as a predator may contribute to Arran’s healthy population of raptors, notably Buzzard, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl. may be in cleared forest. Red-throated Diver breed on remote hill lochans. Significant absentees include Great Spotted Woodpecker, despite suitable habitat and being on nearby Kintyre. Most of Arran is a Site of Special Scientific Interest.

Mountains of the North

A good sample of northern habitat can be had on a 56km loop from Brodick: take B880 hill road, The String, to the west; fork right onto unclassified moor road to Machrie Bay; then by A841 main road north along the shore to Lochranza, east over The Boguillie pass and back along the shore to Brodick. Mountain, moor, shore and sea can be scanned all along the route. Walking tracks lead into the interior from several locations. Best part of Arran for birds of remote hill country, especially in spring/autumn: Golden Eagle, Raven, Red Grouse, Curlew, Wheatear, Meadow Pipit. Good for raptors in general: Buzzard, Peregrine, Merlin, Sparrowhawk; with Hen Harrier and Short-eared Owl in suitable terrain.

Hills and Moors of the South

A good sample of southern hill country can be had on a 50km loop from Brodick: take B880 hill road, The String, west to Blackwaterfoot on the coast; then south 10km along A841 to an unclassified road, The Ross, up Water of Sliddery valley, over the moors to Lamlash and back along A841 to Brodick. Walking tracks lead into the interior from several locations. Many of the usual moorland species can be seen. All year specialities include Hen Harrier, Short-eard Owl, Golden Eagle. Seasonally, the following are likely: Merlin, Whinchat, Tree Pipit, Grasshopper Warbler, Cuckoo, Twite.

South Coast, Kildonan & Auchenhew Bay

Beach/raised beach near Kildonan village (NS 017 207) signposted off A841 coast road some 20km south of Brodick. To reach Kildonan beach: from car park (NS 034 207) to right of old coastguard tower, pass play area to reach beach near hotel; or start at car park near old school house 1km to the west. Auchenhew Bay is reached from car park opposite village hall go left past shop/post office to path to west onto raised beach leading to Bennan Head (3km).

More Information

The Arran Natural History Society, c/o the Ranger Service, Brodick Castle Country Park, has produced several useful guides to the wildlife of Arran: The Arran Bird Report, Arran Flora and Where Can I See …? – a guide to finding Arran’s wildlife and plants – all available from the Tourist Information Office (The Pier, Brodick, KA27 8AU, 01770 03 776), or local shops.

Sea Crossing

There are two roll on-roll off ferries serving Arran, operated by Caledonian MacBrayne. The main one operates between Brodick on Arran (NS 022 60) (Phone: 01770 02 166) and Ardrossan in Ayrshire (NS 223 423) (Phone: 01294 463 470) taking 55 minutes to cross, sailing several times daily, with more in the summer. A smaller, 0 minute service operates between Lochranza on Arran (NR 925 510) and Claonaig on Kintyre (NR 875 560), April – Oct only. There is a secure car park at Ardrossan terminal.

Brodick ferry has lift from car deck for wheelchair users. Can stay in car on Lochranza ferry.

Arran’s roads are good for bikes (although they can be busy in season). National Route 73 links National Route 7 to Ardrossan, Arran and Kintyre.

Birds

For details of the birds and other wildlife on Arran please go to the individual pages.

Location and Access

As the name indicates this is not a single location: rather it is an environmentally friendly way of taking in several good locations around Irvine, providing good birding opportunities and sites on route (many of which have their own location reports – follow the links).

The basic route is approximately 15.5 kilometres (9.6 miles), with an extension bringing this up to 24km. No sections of the route are difficult for either walking or cycling but in wet weather there are some short sections which can become muddy. Most of the route is on dedicated paths.

The route is convenient for Irvine railway station as the route branch which goes to Irvine harbour passes very close. There is considerable car parking space around the railway station and Eglinton Country Park has free car parking. Most buses pass through the centre of town.

The route, broadly speaking, encircles the built-up area of Irvine. As a result it can be accessed from a variety of points around the town. There are no facilities as such on the route but as the route passes close to the centre of Irvine and through Eglinton Country Park toilets, shops, pubs, cafes, restaurants, buses, and trains are never that far away – within half an hour’s cycling.

The southern and western sections of the route are now part of the SUSTRANS network and around the route there are numerous other paths that can be explored – especially in Eglinton Country Park.

Exploring the Route

For the sake of convenience it is simplest to divide the route into four sections and proceed in a clockwise direction.

Section One

This starts in the park (called the “Low Green”) beside the River Irvine near the Bridgegate Shopping Centre (NS 18 94) and ends where the route crosses the A78 (NS 07 419). From the park, follow the cycle path under the A737 (“Marress Road”) and up to the Burns statue. The path then skirts Irvine Moor and then passes Bogside Golf Course emerging at the SWT Garnock Floods reserve. Immediately after crossing the River Garnock the path goes right and goes under the A78. It is possible to get reasonable views of Kingfisher from the bridge (NS 07 419) which crosses the River Garnock at this point. Grey Wagtails are also present here and the mature trees along the river bank are attractive to Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps. This section is about .5 kilometres in length and provides, perhaps, the widest variety of habitats. These range from tidal estuary, to grassland and scrub, to wetland. Consequently, this section offers a wide range of bird species. These include wintering wildfowl and waders on the river estuary and wetlands areas, summering warblers (Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler) in the shrubby areas, resident finches, tits and thrushes. Kestrels and Buzzards are relatively common, especially near the railway line, and in winter substantial flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings are present.

Section Two

After going under the A78 the path follows the river and then joins another path. Turn right here, go over the bridge and follow the path through the houses until you reach the A737 Kilwinning to Irvine road. Go straight over (paying great care as this is a very busy road) and enter Eglinton County Park.

The main route through Eglinton CP adds just less than 4 km more to the journey and passes through a mixture of managed habitats. A number of birds probably not encountered so far can be seen in the park: Great Spotted Woodpecker, Sparrowhawk, Treecreeper and Goldcrest among them. There are a number of different routes through the park of varying lengths and habitats.

Section Three

This section begins where the route leaves Eglinton CP and enters the SWT reserve at Sourlie Wood (NS 42 418). For the next 4.5 kilometres it winds its way through Girdle Toll, Bourtreehill and Broomlands Park where it crosses the Annick Water and is itself crossed by the A78. The cycle path follows the path of an old railway, around Sourlie pond, and then passed Lawthorn Pond (NS 45 408) and down to the Irvine to Kilmarnock cycle path at NS 56 85. The adjoining flooded field is Capringstone Flash. The route now goes right along the cycle path to emerge at Newmoor Roundabout (NS 9 82).

In this section it will be mainly those species habituated to suburban style living that will be encountered. However, Kingfishers are present on the Annick Water and the Ayrshire Bird Report 2001 has records of Green Woodpecker at Perceton (NS 54 405) and Nuthatch at Stanecastle (NS 7 99) neither of which is far from this part of the route.

Section Four

From the A78 (NS 9 85) back to the Bridgegate Shopping Centre (NS 18 94) is about .5 kilometres in length and follows the bank of the Annick Water down to where it meets, and follows, the River Irvine back to the starting point. Otter are regular in this stretch.

From Newmoor Roundabout the path follows the River Annick around the Thistle Hotel to emerge at NS 1 84 on the B7081. Cross over this road and continue on the cycle path beside the river. This passes a couple of ponds (Milgarholm Ponds) that are worth checking out. The path goes under the A71 at the Bailey Bridge (NS 24 82) and then continues downstream along the River Irvine until the starting point is reached.

It is possible to turn upstream at the Bailey Bridge to the A737. The SWT Shewalton reserve is 1.5km along the road on the left-hand side at NS 26 70.

Through this section a good variety of passerine species, including Sedge Warblers and Willow Warblers and possibly Reed Bunting, can be expected during the summer months and in winter, in the planted areas, flocks of tits, finches, and thrushes are likely to be seen, especially among the alders.

Extension

It is possible to extend the route by another 8km by taking a more southerly path through Dreghorn. At NS 50 85 go up Station Brae into Dreghorn. At the traffic lights so straight over and follow the road down to the river at NS 57 78. On the right is a cycle path that follows the River Irvine down to the chemical factory at NS 46 68. In Spring the path along the river is good for Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Grasshopper Warbler, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler and Whitethroat. The moor to the north of the river is good for Kestrel. The area near the bridge has a Sand Martin colony and Common Sandpiper can be seen on the gravel. Goosander and Heron have been seen on the river.

Go past the chemical factory (pausing to savour its attractive aroma) and at the roundabout turn left onto the B7080. This passes Oldhall Ponds (an SWT reserve worth exploring either side of the road) and then at the Meadowhead roundabout go straight over heading for the paper factory. The cycle track then turns right (signposted for Irvine station) and skirts around Shewalton pond. This is a roosting site for gulls feeding on the nearby landfill, and a variety of ducks, including occasional Long-tailed Duck. There is a quiet woodland SWT reserve at NS 7 57 opposite the paper factory which is good for Siskin, Goldcrest, Coal Tit, and Redpoll.

The cycle path crosses the A78 by a pedestrian bridge and then continues between Western Gailes and Glasgow Gailes Golf Courses. It then goes through a moor with gorse that is good for Stonechat. The path proceeds through Irvine Beachpark until it comes out at the Harbourside with views across Bogside Flats. This is one of the best birding locations in Ayrshire. The path continues along the side of the River Irvine and then past Fullarton Church until it emerges at the Low Green, the starting point.

General Notes

Around 80 species of birds could reasonably be seen over the course of the year. In addition, early morning journeys can quite easily result in close encounters with Roe Deer and Foxes.

Location and Access

Eglinton Country Park is situated just off the A78 Ayr to Greenock road, on the outskirts of the town of Irvine.

Eglinton Country Park is 1000 acres, created around the ruins and the estate of Eglinton Castle, it includes formal gardens, woodland, river, loch and Visitor Centre. A ranger service provides an interpretative service and guided walks, there are also self-guided trails and facilities for cycling, horse riding and angling.

The Visitor Centre includes a history exhibition and a gift shop, Tearoom, picnic areas and children’s play area. Wheelchair access and facilities for disabled visitors. A Guided Walks and Events Programme is available from Easter. The mixture of river, loch, agricultural land and woodland attracts a variety of birds.

Disabled parking. Extensive network of metalled and un-metalled paths. Rough steep tracks through some woods.

On network of local cycle ways connecting with National Route 7. This forms part of the Irvine Circular Trail.

Birds

Resident breeding species include:

finches, tits, thrush, Pheasant, Grey Partridge, Tawny Owl, Kestrel, Sparrowhawk, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Skylark, Yellowhammer.

Resident (but non-breeding):

Buzzard.

Winter visitors:

Fieldfares, Redwings, occasional Waxwings and sightings of Hen Harrier and Kingfisher.

Wildfowl include:

Goldeneye, Wigeon, Tufted and Mallard ducks with Whooper Swans and geese on passage. Also Woodcock, Snipe, Curlew and Lapwing.

Summer migrants:

Swifts, Swallows and Martins; Willow, Sedge and Grasshopper Warblers, Blackcap and Chiffchaff.

Usual sightings of various songbirds, water fowl and birds of prey, can be interspersed with the exotic (White Stork, Black Swan) and the unbelievable (a Flamingo!).

Additional Information

Further information may be had from:

Phone:

01294 551776

Fax:

01294 556467