David Blaine. Bow to the Master!

The tranquil Croy Bay and the Dunure to Ayr Coastal Path on the South Ayrshire coast are our primary locations today, on the way there we stop at the curious phenomena known as the ‘Electric Brae’ which is situated on the A719 coastal road between Ayr and Girvan. The reason for the Braes’ popular renown is the illusion that is created on the hill when a car owner stops his/her car on a downward part of the hill and releases the hand brake, the car will appear to travel up the hill under its own motion. At a conveniently placed lay-by there is an interpretation cairn offering the following concise explanation:

"The 'Electric Brae', known locally as Croy Brae.This runs the quarter mile from the bend overlooking Croy railway viaduct in the west (286 feet Above Ordnance Datum) to the wooded Craigencroy Glen (303 feet above A.O.D.) to the east.Whilest there is this slope of 1 in 86 upwards from the bend at the Glen, the configuration of the land on either side of the road provides an optical illusion making it look as if the slope is going the other way.Therefore, a stationary car on the road with the brakes off will appear to move slowly uphill.The term 'Electric Brae' dates from a time when it was incorrectly thought to be a phenomenon caused by electric or magnetic attraction within the Brae."

To illustrate this strange reversal of gravitational force we stop at a steep decline and record our wee car reversing up the Brae unaided, which can be viewed on the clip below.

On completion of our unusual and surreal experience we travel the short distance down to Croy Bay for a mask photo-shoot with the beautiful snow dusted Arran Hills as a backdrop. The stunning winter sun provides perfect light conditions for the celluloid captures but the cold wind blowing in from the North makes one wonder if the effects of Global Warming have bypassed Scottish shores.

From Croy Bay we travel the short distance up the coast to Dunure which is dominated by the presence of its strategically placed castle above a picturesque harbour. At the old port we change into attire more suitable for the invigorating winter breeze which is now blowing face-on as we set off on the nine mile walk along the coastline to Ayr beach. The path covers a host of underfoot terrains as we stride across beaches, rocky outcrops, sand dunes, old railway tracks, cliff climbs and finally a tar macadam stroll along the Ayr promenade. The salt air, freshening wind and stunning views gained along the way make the three and a half hour walk pass all too quickly as we arrive in Ayr at sundown.
As a reward for an eventful and industrious day we seek nourishment in the highly recommended Prestwick diner: The Pinewood Restaurant, which serves us with a beautifully prepared fare but portion sizes more suitable for teething children than hardy walkers who have just spent a winter’s day on the Ayrshire coast.