Directions
From Ayr take the A719 south towards Dunure. Stop at the stone road marker, shown below. Over time several 'Croy Bay Electric Brae' metal signs were posted but too often they were carted away as 'souvenirs.' The cairn seems to be more permanent!
Inscription on cairn
"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.
Whilst 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."
Hill History
The brae was much enjoyed by US personnel serving at Prestwick Airport from the Forties on. New arrivals from across the Atlantic were rushed to see it at the first opportunity, and if dollars could have bought it, we would have lost it by now. General Eisenhower was most intrigued by the brae and brought visitors to see it from his flat at Culzean. At one time, Ayr County Council was receiving so many enquiries that it issued a special descriptive leaflet. Behind the apparently magical effects, science has a simple and prosaic explanation for the phenomenon, and it has nothing to do with electricity or unknown forces working along mysterious lines.
Instructions
WARNING. You are on a public road! Obey all traffic signs and rules. Where there are hills there are blind spots. Always bring someone to watch for other traffic. Never try the hill when the road is wet and slippery or during inclement winter weather conditions.
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After trying this natural phenomenon you may question it's causes. Well, we don't want to disappoint you, but whether it is called a Magnetic Hill, Gravity Hill, Mystery Hill or Electric Brae it is an optical illusion. It has nothing to do with magnetic fields, electricity or unknown forces working along mysterious lines.
Area Information
Ayrshire is a county on the west coast of Scotland, on the shores of the Firth of Clyde. It has not been an administrative unit since 1975, when it became part of the Region of Strathclyde. In 1996, under a further reorganization of local government in Scotland Ayrshire was divided into three districts: East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire, and South Ayrshire.
Ayrshire, the Poetic Heart of Scotland and the home of Open Golf, is a land of green rolling farmland and miles of sandy beaches. Ayrshire also offers a range of unique visitor attractions, which include 'Culzean Castle and Country Park', the jewel in the National Trust for Scotland's crown.
Ayrshire was the home of Scotland's National Bard, Robert Burns. His life and works are now celebrated at The Burns National Heritage Park in Alloway, South of Ayr, where he was born.
The area is a mecca for all golfers with some of the finest courses in Scotland. There are over 30 quality courses here, including the two Open Championship Courses at Turnberry and Royal Troon, and the Old Course at Prestwick where the first Open Championship was held in 1860.
| Credits |
| Hill History |
©1989 Ken Andrew. 'The Scots Magazine' (1989) |
| Picture(s) |
© 2003 Bob McIntyre. Used with permission |
| Area Information |
Compilation |
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