Author Archives: Kev

Eglinton Country Park

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:

The Ranger Service
The Visitor Centre
Eglinton Country Park
Irvine KA12 8TA
Phone:
01294 551776
Fax:
01294 556467

Ailsa Craig

Rising dramatically out of the Firth of Clyde the volcanic plug of Ailsa Craig reaches a height of 388 metres (NX 019 999) and creates an imposing spectacle for all those travelling south from Ayr. “Paddy’s Milestane” lies just over 19 km west of Girvan and is well known as a former source of curling stones, fashioned from its granite. Until recently, the seabird colony faced problems largely due to the presence of Brown Rats. The well-documented removal of these (see Ailsa Craig – Before and After the Eradication of Rats in 1991 by Bernard Zonfrillo) has further improved the situation for some breeding species e.g. Herring Gull and Fulmar. The species which gives rise to much of Ailsa Craig’s importance is the Gannet. Since the 1950s when an estimated 5000 pairs bred on the island, the population has steadily risen to around 5,000 pairs by 2000.

Designated as an SSSI the main problem facing those wishing to visit the island is a combination of transport and weather. Girvan is easily reached by both road and rail, but very few boats run regular trips. The best of these is organised by Mark McCrindle whose boat, the Glorious, can take up to 12 people. May and June are the best months to visit, but the position of the pier on Ailsa Craig makes landing impossible if the wind is off the east. The preserved sea-going paddle-steamer Waverley provides another excellent chance to view the seabird colony, along with other seabirds during summer months as it runs regular trips from Ayr and other ports along the Clyde.

Birds

The Gannet colony is Ailsa Craig’s major feature and is mostly situated along the south-west cliffs, but is spreading northwards. Other seabirds which breed in large numbers include Herring Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull and Great Black-backed Gull along with Kittiwake. Guillemot and Razorbill also breed along with Fulmar. Smaller numbers of Shag, Eider and Black Guillemot breed, and the Puffin is making a steady, if slow, comeback. A wide range of transient seabirds such as Manx Shearwater, Storm Petrel, Arctic Skua, and maybe one of our scarcer visitors like Sooty Shearwater, can be seen by taking a trip on the PS Waverley. Like most offshore islands, the relatively small area of Ailsa Craig means that it can be easily scoured for migrants – if you can land there at the right time of year! Some recent rarities have included Alpine Swift, Bluethroat, Woodchat Shrike and Red-backed Shrike, while it’s worth remembering that commoner mainland species such as Yellowhammer constitute an Ailsa Craig “rarity.”

Dean Castle Country Park

Location and Access

Dean Castle Country Park is located at the north end of Kilmarnock (NS 436 95). The park is open from dawn till dusk and is free of charge. If you are unfamiliar with Kilmarnock’s one way system, the simplest way to get to the park is to by-pass the town centre completely! This can be done by heading north for Glasgow on the A77 until you reach the junction at the Meiklewood Interchange on the outskirts of the town. This is sign-posted ‘Kilmarnock B7038’- there is also a brown tourist sign which says ‘Dean Castle Country Park – 2 miles’. This junction is the fourth Kilmarnock turn-off if you are travelling from Ayr or the second one if you are travelling from Irvine via the Bellfield Interchange. Heading south from Glasgow take the first available turn-off for Kilmarnock (just after Fenwick). From this junction drive down the B7038 past the new housing estate at Southcraig to the roundabout next to the Howard Park Hotel / BP garage. Bear left at this roundabout and continue on down Glasgow Road. Take the fifth turning on the left onto Dean Road. The main entrance to the Country Park is halfway along this road. It takes about 15 minutes to walk to the park from the bus or railway stations in Kilmarnock town centre and the No.4 bus service to and from Glasgow passes right by Dean Road.

The Country Park is a compact 200 acre site, comprising of a variety of habitats, including mixed woodland, conifer plantation, semi-natural oak woodland, areas of scrub and open pasture. The Fenwick and the Craufurdland Waters run through the site and merge to form the Kilmarnock Water near the park boundary. A network of trails allows easy access to all areas of the park and there are plenty of quiet corners to explore.

< Disabled parking. Network of metalled and unsurfaced paths, some rough and steep. Plan of tracks available. Contact Ranger Service for further details (see end).

Easy ride from the town centre, bus & rail stations, and National Cycle Route N73.

Birds

Despite the park’s urban location it a attracts a good variety of birds and is well worth a visit in spring and early summer, although there is plenty of interest at other times of the year as well. The park is surrounded on three sides by houses, so birds usually associated with gardens can be readily seen, these include Collared Dove, Song Thrush, Wren, Blackbird, Dunnock, Robin, House Sparrow and Starling. To the northeast the park borders onto dairy farmland where Yellowhammer, Goldfinch, Rook and Black-headed Gull can be seen throughout the year. In the autumn and winter months, large flocks of Fieldfares and Redwings frequent this area, along with smaller numbers of Meadow Pipits and Pied Wagtails.

Sparrowhawk and Tawny Owl are resident breeding species in the woodlands, both are a common sight around the area in front of the castle. Kestrel and Buzzard breed nearby and can often be seen hunting over the open fields of the park. Many of the more common Ayrshire species are also resident in the woodlands. Coal, Blue, Great and Long-tailed Tits are a familiar sight, Treecreepers and Goldcrests are also regularly seen. There are good numbers of Chaffinches, Greenfinches, Bullfinches and Siskins as well as one or two pairs of Great Spotted Woodpecker and Mistle Thrush. Dippers and Grey Wagtails frequent the rivers and Kingfishers have been seen now and again at some of the quieter pools. During the summer, Willow Warblers, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps breed throughout the park and there is a small area of semi-natural Oak woodland where Wood Warbler has been heard on occasion. Spotted Flycatchers, Swifts, Swallows and House Martins also make a welcome addition to the bird-life found in the park at this time of year. An old flooded quarry is the only significant area of still water in the park, Mallard and Wigeon are the two duck species seen most often amongst the exotic wildfowl, although other species such as Goosander and Goldeneye turn up from time to time. Grey Herons nest nearby and there are often Lesser Black-backed Gulls and Cormorants on the small island. Early morning visits are best as the park can become very busy, particularly at the weekends and during the holidays, although there are some areas where very few people visit at any time! Trail leaflets are available from the Visitor Centre or the Ranger Office next to the castle.

Additional Information

The castle which gives is name to the country park consists of a 14th Century keep and a 15th Century palace, both of which can be visited on one of the free public tours which run each afternoon. There is also a visitor centre with a well stocked tearoom and an interpretation area where you can find out more about the social and natural history of the park. During the summer months, the countryside ranger service runs a varied programme of events. More details of these events and further information about the country park can be obtained from:

East Ayrshire Countryside Ranger Service,
Dean Castle Country Park,
Dean Road,
Kilmarnock
KA3 1XB.
Phone:
01563 522702
Email:
rangers@east-ayrshire.gov.uk

Pow Burn, Prestwick

Location and Access

The sites lie on the west side of Prestwick Airport and at top end of Prestwick Golf course (old), to the north side lies the Royal Troon Golf Club and to the east side St. Andrew’s Caravan Park. Cut off the A79 and go over the railway bridge and park near to the entrance to the Caravan Park (NS 46 278). Alternative route: from Prestwick seafront car park (north) walk along the shore until you reach the estuary.

Short tarmac esplanade from north beach car park (surface rough in places).

National Cycle Route 7 passes both car parks.

Habitat

Lyme grass and Sand Couch, Yellow dune into Marram grass / Lyme grass and Grey dune into fixed dune. Dune grassland with Burnet Rose (native). Japanese Rose (introduced) has dominated parts of the dune on the Royal Troon Golf Course close to the Pow Burn. Rank neutral grassland has colonised the top soil . Small sections of saltmarsh grassland and mudflats exposed at low tide.

Birds

This area can provide a wide variety and, often, surprising amount of bird life (over 130 species recorded) at any time of the year. It is particularly good after a big storm, as the inner estuary offers good protection. Also check it out during migration (spring and autumn) as there are often birds moving through on passage. Below is a list of the birds that have been seen in this area:

Red-throated Diver, Black-throated Diver, Little Grebe, Great Crested Grebe, Red-necked Grebe, Slavonian Grebe, Gannet, Cormorant, Shag, Grey Heron, Mute Swan, Whooper Swan, Greylag, Canada, Brent Geese, Shelduck, Wigeon, Teal, Mallard, Shoveler, Pochard, Tufted, Scaup, Long-tailed Duck, Eider, Velvet Scoter, Common Scoter, Goldeneye, Red-breasted Merganser, Goosander, Hen Harrier, Osprey, Kestrel, Merlin, Peregrine, Sparrowhawk, Buzzard, Goshawk, Grey Partridge, Water Rail, Moorhen, Oystercatcher, Ringed Plover, Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lapwing, Knot, Sanderling, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, Ruff, Jack Snipe, Snipe, Black-tailed Godwit, Bar-tailed Godwit, Whimbrel, Curlew, Redshank, Greenshank, Green Sandpiper, Common Sandpiper, Turnstone, Black-headed-Gull, Common Gull, Lesser Black-backed Gull, Herring Gull, Great Black-backed Gull, Glaucous Gull, Iceland Gull, Little Tern, Sandwich Tern, Common Tern, Arctic Tern, Black Tern, Guillemot, Razorbill, Woodpigeon, Feral Pigeon, Stock Dove, Collared Dove, Cuckoo, Short-eared Owl, Swift, Kingfisher, Skylark, Sand Martin, Swallow, House Martin, Meadow Pipit, Rock Pipit, Yellow Wagtail, Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Dipper, Wren, Dunnock, Robin, Stonechat, Whinchat, Wheatear, Ring Ouzel, Blackbird, Song Thrush, Fieldfare, Redwing, Mistle Thrush, Grasshopper Warbler, Sedge Warbler, Willow Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blue Tit, Coal Tit, Long-tailed Tit, Great Tit, Magpie, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch, Greenfinch, Goldfinch, Linnet, Twite, Snow Bunting, Yellowhammer and Reed Bunting. Little Egret and Surf Scoter have both been recorded once.

Most species are birds on passage. Breeding species shown in bold.

Girvan

Location and Access

There are 5 way-marked walks starting at Shallochpark car park (NX 964 182) to the south of Girvan esplanade. Details of the routes can be had from www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk or from a leaflet available from tourist information centres. Coming by car, the park is off the A77 Girvan-Stranraer road, by the sea just south of the roundabout on the outskirts of Girvan. There is a regular bus service, Ayr-Stranraer, along A77 and trains from Ayr. From the railway station, 2km distant, an interesting birdwatching approach on foot is past the harbour and along the esplanade. If using a bike, the A77 is unsuitable and pedestrians must be given right of way on the esplanade, or walk the bike at this stage.

One of the best routes is to Laggan Loch, following the blue markers, a walk of some 7km for which 2.5 to hours should be allowed. East across the Shallochpark roundabout, a minor road leads left up towards housing and at a gate on the right at the first bend the track signed Hill Path to Barr is the first stage of the walk, best followed clockwise back to Shallochpark.

Off-road tracks unsuitable for wheelchair users.

Good along the esplanade with priority to pedestrians. Avoid the A77.

The Path and Habitat

Initially, the route is up through woodland, over the railway line, and on upwards with Dow Hill to the right. It then crosses open moorland with extremely wet and boggy patches to Laggan Loch, scarcely more than a marsh with a little water. Stout footwear is essential. Just beyond, at 260m altitude, the route diverges south from the hill path to Barr, and forks right from the longer (17km) red marker walk, to join a good track west over the shoulder of Laggan Hill. Over a gate with a “Danger of Death” sign, the route passes through fields with livestock, possibly including bulls, steeply down to Brochnell Farm on the A714 and back by the roadside path to Shallochpark.

Birds

On the coast, Gannet, Arctic and Sandwich Tern are likely in season, and various gulls and waders on the shoreline. The woodlands at the start of the route are good for tits, Wren, Goldcrest, Blackbird and Song Thrush. The open moor and grassland is very good for Buzzard, Raven and Kestrel. Meadow Pipit and Skylark are abundant in season and Wheatear is possible. Around Laggan Loch, there is Sedge, Grasshopper and Willow Warbler. Carrion Crow and Rook are readily seen. In the hedgerows, for example near the railway and Brochnell Farm, there is Long-tailed Tit, Chiffchaff and Robin. Flocks of Linnet can be seen in the fields beside the A714.

Other Information

Snacks, ices drinks can be had at a part-time kiosk in Southpark CP. There is a good range of cafes, restaurants and pubs in Girvan.

Doonfoot to Alloway Old Railway

Location and Access

There is good birding in the Alloway/Doonfoot area on the stretch of the former Ayr-Girvan coastal railway line which lies between Burton Farm road entrance (NS 14 182), just south of Doonfoot on the A719, through to Maybole Road, Ayr (A79), near its junction (NS 48 182) with the A77 Ayr-Stranraer trunk route. The overall length is about 4km with several access points and a good bus service to either end. Cars may be parked by the kerbside, with due consideration to residents and safety, in the Browncarrick district, just south of a roundabout on A719, and on the Maybole Road. Both ends and other access points are easily reached by cycle and there are plans to make the route a local cycleway.

Until the path is developed, parts are very muddy. The most rewarding section is between Burton and the River Doon.

Rough unsurfaced track often muddy in wet weather.

Easily accessed via local roads and byway network.

Birds

The path passes along former embankments and cuttings, now overgrown, providing good shellter for a range of resident and passage birds. The habitat ranges across gardens, hedgerows, woodland and farmland. Good views of the River Doon are had from the former railway bridge adjacent to where the path passes through a tunnel at Alloway. Spring to early summer is the best period.

The following species could be expected depending on the time of year: Grey Heron,Mallard, Goosander, Pheasant, Wood Pigeon,Swift, Swallow,House Martin,Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren,Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird,Song Thrush,Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch,Greenfinch,Goldfinch, Bullfinch.

Cairn Table

Location and Access

Muirkirk is a small town which lies 24 miles inland from Ayr close to the Lanarkshire border. Cairn Table is the highest of the hills which dominate the moorland landscape to the south of Muirkirk, rising 593m above sea level. The hill takes its name from the two large prehistoric cairns which stand on the summit. There is also a more modern cairn which serves as a memorial to local people who died in the First World War.

The hill is accessed by a well used track (known locally as the March Dyke) up the north-west slope which starts near the public car park at Kames (NS 697 265). Access to the car park is on Furnace Road, just off the A70 which runs through the middle of the town. If you are driving into Muirkirk from the west, take a right turn just before the Coachouse Inn (approximately 200m before the traffic lights), watch for the sign which says “camp site and golf course”. Follow the road round past the industrial estate and the car park is on your left just before the sandstone school building. There is an information board in the car park which has the route up to the hill detailed on it. From the start of the walk it is 4km to the summit using the direct path which should take between an hour and 90 minutes, depending on how fit you are and how often you stop to look at the wildlife! From the summit you can follow other paths toward the Gappell Water and the track from Muirkirk to Sanquhar, then head back to the car park via Tibbie’s Brig. This gives a total walk of 10km.

The view from the summit of Cairn Table is superb, giving a panoramic view of much of south and central Scotland (and beyond), as shown by the indicator on the right.

These are rough hill tracks, steep in places. 00 – 400mm wide access gate at start (cattle barrier?).

Approach along A70 requires great care.

Birds

The area of open moorland around Muirkirk is one of the most significant upland heath sites in Southern Scotland and has been designated a Site of Special Scientific Interest and a Special Protection Area because of its assemblage of breeding birds. Much of the land is managed as grouse moor which helps to conserve many of the plant and animal species associated with this particular type of habitat. Ling heather, purple moor grass and Sphagnum mosses form a mosaic of vegetation which is attractive to a wide range of invertebrates, mammals and birds.

Hen Harrier, Merlin and Short-eared Owl breed in the area around Cairn Table and with a bit of luck all three species can be seen on a walk up the hill. Kestrel and Buzzard are also usually present. The site is important for breeding Golden Plover and other waders such as Curlew, Snipe, Redshank and Dunlin. Stonechat, Twite and Skylark breed as well and can typically be seen close to the path. Spring and early summer are the best times to visit.

Other Nearby Sites

There is a selection of alternative walking routes around this area, all of these are detailed on the information board in the car park at Kames and also in a leaflet of Muirkirk walks which is available locally, or visit the Ayrshire Paths website. Particularly energetic birders could tackle the Sanquhar Road Walk, a 28 km trail which follows an old drove road across the moor, you would however need to arrange a pick up at the other side or walk all the way back again! The whole area around Muirkirk is rich in history, from Mesolithic and Neolithic remains, to Covenanting memorials and more recent industrial heritage sites, so wherever you choose to walk you are sure to see something of interest.

Public Transport

A regular bus service operated by Stagecoach runs between Cumnock and Muirkirk. The X76 leaves the bus station in Cumnock at 45 minutes past each hour and makes the return journey at 15 minutes past each hour during the day. Early morning and evening buses are less regular so it’s best to check with Stagecoach for the most up to date information. Connections to Cumnock are available from Kilmarnock and Ayr bus stations.

Ness Glen

Location and Access

The outflow river from Loch Doon plunges down Ness Glen at NS 476 013 and onwards to Bogton Loch. The Glen is a Site of Special Scientific Interest. Its west bank lies mainly on private land but the east bank is readily accessible on foot. Other surrounding ground is also good birding.

From the A713 Dalmellington-Castle Douglas road, 2km SE of Dalmellington, take the byway to Loch Doon and in 4km, over the dam, there isa small car park and visitors’ centre (with toilets). The upper reaches of the gorge and the outflow can be scanned from here. There is good birding all along this stretch of road and the outing can start from a car park where the byway leaves A713. About 1 km short of the dam, however, a walking track leads down the east side of the glen, providing excellent birding and leading eventually right through to Bellsbank/Dalmellington. The continuation of this track east of the byway is also a right of way.

There is a regular bus service along the A713 and the byway is ideal for cycling, leading as it does along the shores of Loch Doon and onwards into the Galloway Forest and to national and local cycle networks.

Rough unsurfaced woodland tracks, steep and narrow in places.

The byway is very suitable for cycling.

Birds

The gorge has a good mixture of broadleaf and relict pine wood and the pleasantly animated stream is attractive to birds. Among the interesting diversity of species that can be expected are Goosander, Buzzard, Cuckoo, Tree Pipit, Redstart, Wood Warbler, Pied Flycatcher, Spotted Flycatcher and Crossbill.

Loch Doon

Location and Access

Loch Doon is a major reservoir for Ayrshire and is a Site of Special Scientific Interest because of the Arctic Charr which breed there. It is 9km long and set high in the Ayrshire part of the Galloway hills. The beautiful vistas of moorland and forest attract the outdoor enthusiasts – walkers, cyclists, fishers, picnickers and, of course, birdwatchers. The surround hills provide some of the best hill walking in Ayrshire and much of the land is managed by Forest Enterprise and is accessible to the public via a network of forest trails.

From the A713 Dalmellington-Castle Douglas road, 2 km SE of Dalmellington,take the byway signed to Loch Doon. Buses pass this road end regularly. It is a long walk in along the byway but excellent cycling. After the initial climb to the north end of the loch, the byway runs attractively along the west bank past grassland, scrub and moorland with patches of woodland. There are many possible stopping places and a number of tracks onto the moor. Beyond the public roadway, forest tracks lead on for walkers and cyclists – one is a signed cycle route through the hills to Barr and Straiton in South Ayrshire.

Narrow country road. View loch and surrounds from car parks or park by verge. No safe refuges for wheelchair users to avoid passing traffic.

Quiet, level cycling.

Birds

The reservoir’s stony shore has limited life, though Grey and Pied Wagtail and Common Sandpiper are regulars. The waters may have Goosander, Merganser, Goldeneye, Tufted and other duck. On the moors are Meadow Pipit, Stonechat, Grasshopper Warbler, Wheatear and Skylark. Peregrine, Buzzard and Raven may be overhead and a glimpse of hunting Merlin may be had. There is an easily accessible track onto the lower slopes of Craiglee Hill, just behind the remains of Loch Doon Castle (NS 484 951) where all four of these species can be seen regularly. Early-rise birdwatchers should look out for the Blackcock leks in season. The pine and mixed woodlands have appropriate species, including Goldcrest and Crossbill.

Shalloch on Minnoch

Location and Access

Shalloch on Minnoch (NX 405 907) is the highest hill in Ayrshire and is the focal point of some fine moorland and hill birding for those fit and energetic enough to explore the tops. From Straiton, take the hill road south towards Newton Stewart. This road is part of the South Ayrshire National Byway cycling network and connects with National Cycle Route 7 and the Galloway Forest ride from Loch Doon to Barr. The walking in these hills can be heavy going through long tufted grass with boggy areas, especially at lower levels. It is generally very wet underfoot in the mild climate. Above about 600 metres, however, the terrain becomes drier and more pleasant and the views magnificent. Forest plantations can make access verging on the impossible, which must be taken into account when choosing a route up. The longest but driest route, some 5km as the crow flies and 400 metres up, is from the car park and picnic site (NX 97 958) by the River Stinchar. This is 11.5 km from Straiton at an altitude of 80 metres. Follow the Newton Stewart Road until beyond the plantation and then climb south by Cairnadloch at 467 metres, Caerloch Dhu at 659 metres and across a dip to Shalloch on Minnoch at 769 metres. A ridge can be followed further south to Tarfessock at 696 metres. Alternatively, but wetter, start from the layby at the summit of the pass (NX 81 937) at an altitude of 430 metres and climb by Shalloch at 542 metres to Caerloch Dhu and thence to Shalloch on Minnoch. 7.2 km beyond Stinchar Bridge, and over the pass, the road meets another hill road (National Cycle Route 7) at Rowantree Toll (NX 53 907). From the car park and picnic site there, views of the Merrick and other Galloway Hills can be had and the surrounding moors, forests and hills scanned. Nearby, a forest track leads SW to the former Shalloch on Minnoch Farm, following the Water of Minnoch and Shalloch Burn. The path to the hills beyond the farm has been absorbed into a plantation, is virtually impenetrable and is not recommended. The 2km of track, however, can be rewarding birding.

Off-road tracks unsuitable for wheelchair users.

On local byway network.

Birds

Among the species to be expected on a trip to this wild area are Buzzard, Merlin, Red Grouse, Black Grouse, Golden Plover, Curlew, Grey Wagtail, Tree Pipit, Dipper, Spotted Flycatcher, Wheatear, Raven and Crossbill. The terrain is right for Golden Eagle. Though birding while hill walking in this magnificent area is rewarding for the energetic, many of the species may be sighted from the road or on easy strolls from the car parks.

David Bell

The memorial monument at the third car park (NX 53 907) is to David Bell, a cyclist of some repute who for thirty years contributed to a local newspaper under the pen name of The Highway Man. His articles told of the cycling trips he made all over south-west Scotland. He died in 1965 at the age of 58 years. Details of his life are on the memorial. This is an appropriate stop for modern day cyclists before climbing north over the pass.