Deil's Dyke, Pict's Dyke or Celt's Dyke
in south-west lowland Scotland is a linear earthwork that roughly follows the contours that divide upland pasture from lowland arable land, effectively acting like the head-dykes of medieval and later times although its true purpose has not been settled. The Deil's Dyke, sometimes written as 'dike', is formed from an earthen berm of rounded form that varies from 2.0 to 4.0 m wide and a maximum of 0.7 m (2.3 ft) high, sometimes having a stone core. Where a fosse accompanies the bank it is usually an inconsequential 0.5 m (1.6 ft) or so in width on average and around 0.4 m (1.3 ft) deep, more often located on the uphill or outfield side. As a defensive structure the dyke has no obvious military value and its erratic route militates against it being a practical political boundary.
A section of the Deil's Dyke on Dalhanna Hill at New Cumnock
Deer come to drink at sheltered water courses and elricks often started at such points so that the animals could be driven from that area along the route that would lead to their point of capture.
The Glen of the Bar elrick in Galloway is a natural feature once utilised for red deer management.
New Cumnock is a village in East Ayrshire, Scotland. It expanded during the coal-mining era from the late 18th century, and mining remained its key industry until its pits were shut in the 1960s. The village is 5+3⁄4 miles southeast of Cumnock, and 21 miles east of Ayr.
Skyline of New Cumnock
New Cumnock Town Hall
Rigghead Opencast rail link near New Cumnock.
Rigghead opencast level crossing.
