Auchalton Meadow

This orchid-rich grassland is on the site of 19th Century lime workings. Kilns, spoil mounds, tracks and a small quarry can still be seen. Orchids, including fragrant orchid and greater butterfly orchid, thrive in these impoverished soils.

Why visit?

Highlights include:

  • Orchids and other wildflowers
  • Butterflies and other insects
  • Rural history and archaeology

Best time to visit?

  • Jun – Jul for orchids
  • Summer for plants and insects
  • Winter for archaeology

Visit for:

  • grasslands
  • wildflowers
  • archaeology

Other information

During the summer, the wildflowers attract large numbers of pollinating insects, including the Scotch argus butterfly.

Facilities

Hover for more information

VISITING THE RESERVE

How to get there

Directions

From Maybole (on the A77), take the B7023 south for 2 miles to Crosshill. Then take the minor road south to Glentrool. Continue past Cloyntie and a mile further on you will come to the reserve, at the junction with the road from Straiton.

Get directions

Getting onto the reserve

Enter through the field gate near the wooden sign. There are no made paths.

Access restrictions

We recommend that visitors avoid exploring the quarry for safety reasons. The reserve is grazed by livestock from October to March, with dog walking not advisable during this period.

Nearest town
Crosshill (2 mi / 3.2 km)
OS grid ref
NS335036
Landranger map
76

FURTHER READING

About Auchalton Meadow

Out & about

Nearby reserves
Dalmellington Moss
Grey Hill Grasslands
Feoch Meadows

Local group
Ayrshire

Links & downloads

Area leaflet

Reserve map

iSpot

Stay up to date with the Scottish Wildlife Trust by subscribing to our mailing list Subscribe now

Back to top