← Back✦ Historic site

Mercat Cross

WildlifeBirdsSeasonal

Dogs welcome

Getting here

55.65403, -4.69625

Open directionsv

Google Maps↗Driving directions Apple Maps↗Driving directions Waze↗Live driving navigation Google Transit↗Bus, rail or tram Apple Transit↗Bus, rail or tram

Visiting this summer

Seasonal nature notes and what to look for now

🌞Midsummer — early morning visits most comfortable; look for deer fawns in quieter clearings
🌿Foraging is at its best in summer here
🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days

🌤️ Visiting this summer

🌞Midsummer — early morning visits most comfortable; look for deer fawns in quieter clearings
🌿Foraging is at its best in summer here
🐕Dogs welcome — bring water in summer; the site has enough space to find shade on hot days

Good to know

🐕Dogs welcome

Bike parkingParking

Best for

6 activities

Wildlife

Very strong match

Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals; Multi-group wildlife — Amphibians, Birds, Mammals

Free

Bird watching

Very strong match

Birds — Wren, Mallard, Woodpigeon +80 more · last seen 2026; Birds — Wren, Mallard, Woodpigeon +80 more · last seen 2026

Free

Seasonal nature

Strong match

Plants — Hop, Cat's-ear, Ribwort Plantain +74 more · last seen 2026; Plants — Hop, Cat's-ear, Ribwort Plantain +74 more · last seen 2026

Free

Foraging

Strong match

Plants — Garden Thyme, Rowan, Meadowsweet +9 more foraging species

Varies

Insect spotting

Strong match

Insects — Common Green Grasshopper, Helophilus pendulus, Eristalis pertinax +46 more · last seen 2025; Insects — Common Green Grasshopper, Helophilus pendulus, Eristalis pertinax +46 more · last seen 2025

Free

Heritage

Strong match

Historic site

Free

Trails nearby

Within roughly 5 km

🚶

Walking

3 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby

Ayrshire Coastal PathWalking route170 km

Long-distance hiking route. A designated 'Scotland's Great Trail'.

Named routeLength 170 kmNational walking route

New Town TrailWalking route

Named routeLocal walking route

Whithorn Way - a Glasgow Cathedral to GirvanWalking route

This creation is Glasgow Cathedral to Girvan. Any route from Girvan is a busy road with no shoulders. Bus/Train to Barrhill and continue to Whithorn, the spiritual home of Saint Ninian..

Named routeRef WW-aRegional walking route

🚴

Cycling

90 signed routes nearby

Signed route nearby

Route 7Cycling route

Named routeRef 7National Cycle Network

NCN National Route 73Cycling route

Named routeRef 73National Cycle Network

EuroVelo 1 - Atlantic Coast Route - part United Kingdom 1Cycling route

Named routeRef EV1International cycle route

National Cycle Network Link RouteCycling route

Named routeRef (7) / (73)Regional cycle route

N/ACycling route56 m

Named routeLength 56 mNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface asphalt

Main RouteCycling route47 m

Named routeRef 7Length 47 mNational Cycle NetworkTraffic-freeSurface asphalt

Wildlife to spot

13,117 records · National Biodiversity Network

Wildlife to spot

13,117 records · National Biodiversity Network

🐦

Birds85 species

springsummerautumnwinter

2026

Wren · Mallard · Woodpigeon · Carrion Crow · Grey Heron +80

WrenTroglodytes troglodytes2025
MallardAnas platyrhynchos2025
WoodpigeonColumba palumbus2025
Carrion CrowCorvus corone2025
Grey HeronArdea cinerea2025
BlackbirdTurdus merula2025
Little GrebeTachybaptus ruficollis2025
RobinErithacus rubecula2025
MagpiePica pica2025
GoldfinchCarduelis carduelis2025
BuzzardButeo buteo2025
MoorhenGallinula chloropus2025
TealAnas crecca2025
ChiffchaffPhylloscopus collybita2025
Blue TitCyanistes caeruleus2025
Reed BuntingEmberiza schoeniclus2025
Great TitParus major2025
Canada GooseBranta canadensis2025
SwallowHirundo rustica2025
Willow WarblerPhylloscopus trochilus2025
StonechatSaxicola rubicola2025
SnipeGallinago gallinago2025
Song ThrushTurdus philomelos2025
LapwingVanellus vanellus2025
Lesser Black-backed GullLarus fuscus2025
Mute SwanCygnus olor2025
DunnockPrunella modularis2025
Long-tailed TitAegithalos caudatus2025
Meadow PipitAnthus pratensis2025
Herring GullLarus argentatus2025
Sedge WarblerAcrocephalus schoenobaenus2025
WigeonMareca penelope2025
Little EgretEgretta garzetta2025
BlackcapSylvia atricapilla2025
ChaffinchFringilla coelebs2025
KestrelFalco tinnunculus2025
WhitethroatCurruca communis2025
GreenfinchChloris chloris
CurlewNumenius arquata2025
GoosanderMergus merganser2025
Coal TitPeriparus ater2025
CormorantPhalacrocorax carbo2025
Sand MartinRiparia riparia2025
BullfinchPyrrhula pyrrhula2025
JackdawColoeus monedula2025
SparrowhawkAccipiter nisus2025
Rock DoveColumba livia2025
Water RailRallus aquaticus2025
Mistle ThrushTurdus viscivorus2025
GreenshankTringa nebularia2024
Grasshopper WarblerLocustella naevia2025
PheasantPhasianus colchicus2025
GoldcrestRegulus regulus2025
RavenCorvus corax2025
GadwallMareca strepera2025
Black-headed GullChroicocephalus ridibundus2024
SiskinSpinus spinus2025
KingfisherAlcedo atthis2025
StarlingSturnus vulgaris2025
House MartinDelichon urbicum2025
OystercatcherHaematopus ostralegus2025
Great Black-backed GullLarus marinus2024
CootFulica atra2025
Great Spotted WoodpeckerDendrocopos major2025
JayGarrulus glandarius2025
SwiftApus apus2025
Grey WagtailMotacilla cinerea2025
TreecreeperCerthia familiaris2024
Cattle EgretArdea ibis2025
Greylag GooseAnser anser2025
ShovelerSpatula clypeata2025
Garden WarblerSylvia borin2025
Tufted DuckAythya fuligula2025
Pink-footed GooseAnser brachyrhynchus2025
SkylarkAlauda arvensis2025
LinnetLinaria cannabina2025
Lesser WhitethroatCurruca curruca2025
WoodcockScolopax rusticola2025
Barn OwlTyto alba2025
Common GullLarus canus2024
RedshankTringa totanus2024
Common SandpiperActitis hypoleucos2024
Mediterranean GullIchthyaetus melanocephalus2024
Pied WagtailMotacilla alba2024
Spotted FlycatcherMuscicapa striata2024

🦌

Mammals5 species

springsummerautumnwinter

2025

Roe Deer · Grey Squirrel · Rabbit · Weasel · Red Fox

Roe DeerCapreolus capreolus
Grey SquirrelSciurus carolinensis
RabbitOryctolagus cuniculus
WeaselMustela nivalis
Red FoxVulpes vulpes

🐸

Amphibians2 species

summerautumn

2025

Common Toad · Salamanders, Sirens and Newts

Common ToadBufo bufo
Salamanders, Sirens and NewtsCaudata2024

🐝

Insects49 species

summer

2025

Helophilus pendulus · Common Green Grasshopper · Eristalis pertinax · Marmalade Hoverfly · Hairy Shieldbug +44

Helophilus pendulusHelophilus pendulus
Common Green GrasshopperOmocestus viridulus
Eristalis pertinaxEristalis pertinax
Marmalade HoverflyEpisyrphus balteatus
Hairy ShieldbugDolycoris baccarum
Eristalis arbustorumEristalis arbustorum
7-spot LadybirdCoccinella septempunctata
Common DarterSympetrum striolatum
Platycheirus albimanusPlatycheirus albimanus
Eristalis horticolaEristalis horticola
Tree BumblebeeBombus hypnorum
Blue-tailed DamselflyIschnura elegans
Red-legged ShieldbugPentatoma rufipes
Strawberry Seed BeetleHarpalus rufipes
Limnephilus marmoratusLimnephilus marmoratus
Platycheirus granditarsusPlatycheirus granditarsus
Syritta pipiensSyritta pipiens
Eupeodes latifasciatusEupeodes latifasciatus
Black-horned GemMicrochrysa polita
Neophilaenus lineatusNeophilaenus lineatus
Marsh SnipeflyRhagio tringarius
Cuckoo-Spit InsectPhilaenus spumarius
Eupteryx urticaeEupteryx urticae
Cicadella viridisCicadella viridis
Athripsodes albifronsAthripsodes albifrons
Shore Sexton BeetleNecrodes littoralis
Pterostichus nigerPterostichus niger
Field GrasshopperChorthippus brunneus
Broad-bodied ChaserLibellula depressa
Black SnipeflyChrysopilus cristatus
Rhingia campestrisRhingia campestris
Common Red Soldier BeetleRhagonycha fulva
Xylota segnisXylota segnis
Syrphus vitripennisSyrphus vitripennis
Grypocoris (Lophyromiris) stysiGrypocoris (Lophyromiris) stysi
Broad CenturionChloromyia formosa
Aphodius fimetariusAphodius fimetarius
Leucozona lucorumLeucozona lucorum
Teuchestes fossorTeuchestes fossor
Volucella pellucensVolucella pellucens
Azure DamselflyCoenagrion puella
Fig GallTetraneura (Tetraneura) ulmi
Neoascia tenurNeoascia tenur
Large Red DamselflyPyrrhosoma nymphula
Yellow Meadow AntLasius flavus
Lasius platythoraxLasius platythorax
Dark-edged Bee-flyBombylius major
Nicrophorus vespilloidesNicrophorus vespilloides
Baccha elongataBaccha elongata2024

🌿

Plants78 species

summer

2026

Hop · Cat's-ear · Red Campion · Yarrow · Ribwort Plantain +73

HopHumulus lupulus2025
Cat's-earHypochaeris radicata2025
Red CampionSilene dioica2025
YarrowAchillea millefolium2025
Ribwort PlantainPlantago lanceolata2025
Rosebay WillowherbChamaenerion angustifolium2025
Prickly Sow-thistleSonchus asper2025
Germander SpeedwellVeronica chamaedrys2025
SelfhealPrunella vulgaris2025
Common Mouse-earCerastium fontanum2025
Upright Hedge-parsleyTorilis japonica2025
Himalayan BalsamImpatiens glandulifera2024
Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrageChrysosplenium oppositifolium
Lesser StitchwortStellaria graminea2025
Smooth Sow-thistleSonchus oleraceus2025
Oxeye DaisyLeucanthemum vulgare2025
Common KnapweedCentaurea nigra2025
KnotgrassPolygonum aviculare2025
Fat-henChenopodium album2025
Red CloverTrifolium pratense2025
ColtsfootTussilago farfara2025
NipplewortLapsana communis2025
Trailing St John's-wortHypericum humifusum2025
Field ScabiousKnautia arvensis2025
Musk-mallowMalva moschata2025
Bent GrassAgrostis2025
Curled DockRumex crispus2025
Wild AngelicaAngelica sylvestris2025
Herb-RobertGeranium robertianum2025
Creeping ButtercupRanunculus repens2025
Garden ThymeThymus vulgaris2025
CleaversGalium aparine2025
RowanSorbus aucuparia2025
Hedge MustardSisymbrium officinale2025
MeadowsweetFilipendula ulmaria2025
Meadow FoxtailAlopecurus pratensis2025
Yellow-rattleRhinanthus minor2025
FoxgloveDigitalis purpurea2025
Wood Crane's-billGeranium sylvaticum2025
Common NettleUrtica dioica2025
SneezewortAchillea ptarmica2025
SilverweedPotentilla anserina2025
Red Dead-nettleLamium purpureum2025
Sheep's SorrelRumex acetosella2025
Cock's-footDactylis glomerata2025
Wild CarrotDaucus carota2025
HogweedHeracleum sphondylium2025
Perforate St John's-wortHypericum perforatum2025
Greater Bird's-foot-trefoilLotus pedunculatus2025
Meadow ButtercupRanunculus acris2025
Cut-leaved Crane's-billGeranium dissectum2025
Perennial Rye-grassLolium perenne2025
DandelionTaraxacum2025
Common ChickweedStellaria media2025
Common RagwortJacobaea vulgaris2025
Yorkshire-fogHolcus lanatus2025
Hoary WillowherbEpilobium parviflorum2025
TansyTanacetum vulgare2025
Broad-leaved DockRumex obtusifolius2025
Red FescueFestuca rubra2025
White CloverTrifolium repens2025
Field Forget-me-notMyosotis arvensis2025
HawthornCrataegus monogyna2025
Sweet-WilliamDianthus barbatus2025
PoppyPapaver2025
BroomCytisus scoparius2025
Wild StrawberryFragaria vesca2025
Common BistortBistorta officinalis2025
Wild PearPyrus pyraster2025
Rue-leaved SaxifrageSaxifraga tridactylites2025
MoschatelAdoxa moschatellina2025
CuckooflowerCardamine pratensis2025
Pink PurslaneClaytonia sibirica2025
BluebellHyacinthoides non-scripta2025
Lesser CelandineFicaria verna2025
MontbretiaCrocosmia aurea x pottsii = C. x crocosmiiflora2024
Japanese KnotweedReynoutria japonica2024
Bluish-leaved HawkweedHieracium salticola2024

Species observations from the last 10 years via NBN Atlas

Wildlife to spot

13,117 records · National Biodiversity Network

🐦

Birds85 species

springsummerautumnwinter

2026

Wren · Mallard · Woodpigeon · Carrion Crow · Grey Heron +80

WrenTroglodytes troglodytes2025
MallardAnas platyrhynchos2025
WoodpigeonColumba palumbus2025
Carrion CrowCorvus corone2025
Grey HeronArdea cinerea2025
BlackbirdTurdus merula2025
Little GrebeTachybaptus ruficollis2025
RobinErithacus rubecula2025
MagpiePica pica2025
GoldfinchCarduelis carduelis2025
BuzzardButeo buteo2025
MoorhenGallinula chloropus2025
TealAnas crecca2025
ChiffchaffPhylloscopus collybita2025
Blue TitCyanistes caeruleus2025
Reed BuntingEmberiza schoeniclus2025
Great TitParus major2025
Canada GooseBranta canadensis2025
SwallowHirundo rustica2025
Willow WarblerPhylloscopus trochilus2025
StonechatSaxicola rubicola2025
SnipeGallinago gallinago2025
Song ThrushTurdus philomelos2025
LapwingVanellus vanellus2025
Lesser Black-backed GullLarus fuscus2025
Mute SwanCygnus olor2025
DunnockPrunella modularis2025
Long-tailed TitAegithalos caudatus2025
Meadow PipitAnthus pratensis2025
Herring GullLarus argentatus2025
Sedge WarblerAcrocephalus schoenobaenus2025
WigeonMareca penelope2025
Little EgretEgretta garzetta2025
BlackcapSylvia atricapilla2025
ChaffinchFringilla coelebs2025
KestrelFalco tinnunculus2025
WhitethroatCurruca communis2025
GreenfinchChloris chloris
CurlewNumenius arquata2025
GoosanderMergus merganser2025
Coal TitPeriparus ater2025
CormorantPhalacrocorax carbo2025
Sand MartinRiparia riparia2025
BullfinchPyrrhula pyrrhula2025
JackdawColoeus monedula2025
SparrowhawkAccipiter nisus2025
Rock DoveColumba livia2025
Water RailRallus aquaticus2025
Mistle ThrushTurdus viscivorus2025
GreenshankTringa nebularia2024
Grasshopper WarblerLocustella naevia2025
PheasantPhasianus colchicus2025
GoldcrestRegulus regulus2025
RavenCorvus corax2025
GadwallMareca strepera2025
Black-headed GullChroicocephalus ridibundus2024
SiskinSpinus spinus2025
KingfisherAlcedo atthis2025
StarlingSturnus vulgaris2025
House MartinDelichon urbicum2025
OystercatcherHaematopus ostralegus2025
Great Black-backed GullLarus marinus2024
CootFulica atra2025
Great Spotted WoodpeckerDendrocopos major2025
JayGarrulus glandarius2025
SwiftApus apus2025
Grey WagtailMotacilla cinerea2025
TreecreeperCerthia familiaris2024
Cattle EgretArdea ibis2025
Greylag GooseAnser anser2025
ShovelerSpatula clypeata2025
Garden WarblerSylvia borin2025
Tufted DuckAythya fuligula2025
Pink-footed GooseAnser brachyrhynchus2025
SkylarkAlauda arvensis2025
LinnetLinaria cannabina2025
Lesser WhitethroatCurruca curruca2025
WoodcockScolopax rusticola2025
Barn OwlTyto alba2025
Common GullLarus canus2024
RedshankTringa totanus2024
Common SandpiperActitis hypoleucos2024
Mediterranean GullIchthyaetus melanocephalus2024
Pied WagtailMotacilla alba2024
Spotted FlycatcherMuscicapa striata2024

🦌

Mammals5 species

springsummerautumnwinter

2025

Roe Deer · Grey Squirrel · Rabbit · Weasel · Red Fox

Roe DeerCapreolus capreolus
Grey SquirrelSciurus carolinensis
RabbitOryctolagus cuniculus
WeaselMustela nivalis
Red FoxVulpes vulpes

🐸

Amphibians2 species

summerautumn

2025

Common Toad · Salamanders, Sirens and Newts

Common ToadBufo bufo
Salamanders, Sirens and NewtsCaudata2024

🐝

Insects49 species

summer

2025

Helophilus pendulus · Common Green Grasshopper · Eristalis pertinax · Marmalade Hoverfly · Hairy Shieldbug +44

Helophilus pendulusHelophilus pendulus
Common Green GrasshopperOmocestus viridulus
Eristalis pertinaxEristalis pertinax
Marmalade HoverflyEpisyrphus balteatus
Hairy ShieldbugDolycoris baccarum
Eristalis arbustorumEristalis arbustorum
7-spot LadybirdCoccinella septempunctata
Common DarterSympetrum striolatum
Platycheirus albimanusPlatycheirus albimanus
Eristalis horticolaEristalis horticola
Tree BumblebeeBombus hypnorum
Blue-tailed DamselflyIschnura elegans
Red-legged ShieldbugPentatoma rufipes
Strawberry Seed BeetleHarpalus rufipes
Limnephilus marmoratusLimnephilus marmoratus
Platycheirus granditarsusPlatycheirus granditarsus
Syritta pipiensSyritta pipiens
Eupeodes latifasciatusEupeodes latifasciatus
Black-horned GemMicrochrysa polita
Neophilaenus lineatusNeophilaenus lineatus
Marsh SnipeflyRhagio tringarius
Cuckoo-Spit InsectPhilaenus spumarius
Eupteryx urticaeEupteryx urticae
Cicadella viridisCicadella viridis
Athripsodes albifronsAthripsodes albifrons
Shore Sexton BeetleNecrodes littoralis
Pterostichus nigerPterostichus niger
Field GrasshopperChorthippus brunneus
Broad-bodied ChaserLibellula depressa
Black SnipeflyChrysopilus cristatus
Rhingia campestrisRhingia campestris
Common Red Soldier BeetleRhagonycha fulva
Xylota segnisXylota segnis
Syrphus vitripennisSyrphus vitripennis
Grypocoris (Lophyromiris) stysiGrypocoris (Lophyromiris) stysi
Broad CenturionChloromyia formosa
Aphodius fimetariusAphodius fimetarius
Leucozona lucorumLeucozona lucorum
Teuchestes fossorTeuchestes fossor
Volucella pellucensVolucella pellucens
Azure DamselflyCoenagrion puella
Fig GallTetraneura (Tetraneura) ulmi
Neoascia tenurNeoascia tenur
Large Red DamselflyPyrrhosoma nymphula
Yellow Meadow AntLasius flavus
Lasius platythoraxLasius platythorax
Dark-edged Bee-flyBombylius major
Nicrophorus vespilloidesNicrophorus vespilloides
Baccha elongataBaccha elongata2024

🌿

Plants78 species

summer

2026

Hop · Cat's-ear · Red Campion · Yarrow · Ribwort Plantain +73

HopHumulus lupulus2025
Cat's-earHypochaeris radicata2025
Red CampionSilene dioica2025
YarrowAchillea millefolium2025
Ribwort PlantainPlantago lanceolata2025
Rosebay WillowherbChamaenerion angustifolium2025
Prickly Sow-thistleSonchus asper2025
Germander SpeedwellVeronica chamaedrys2025
SelfhealPrunella vulgaris2025
Common Mouse-earCerastium fontanum2025
Upright Hedge-parsleyTorilis japonica2025
Himalayan BalsamImpatiens glandulifera2024
Opposite-leaved Golden-saxifrageChrysosplenium oppositifolium
Lesser StitchwortStellaria graminea2025
Smooth Sow-thistleSonchus oleraceus2025
Oxeye DaisyLeucanthemum vulgare2025
Common KnapweedCentaurea nigra2025
KnotgrassPolygonum aviculare2025
Fat-henChenopodium album2025
Red CloverTrifolium pratense2025
ColtsfootTussilago farfara2025
NipplewortLapsana communis2025
Trailing St John's-wortHypericum humifusum2025
Field ScabiousKnautia arvensis2025
Musk-mallowMalva moschata2025
Bent GrassAgrostis2025
Curled DockRumex crispus2025
Wild AngelicaAngelica sylvestris2025
Herb-RobertGeranium robertianum2025
Creeping ButtercupRanunculus repens2025
Garden ThymeThymus vulgaris2025
CleaversGalium aparine2025
RowanSorbus aucuparia2025
Hedge MustardSisymbrium officinale2025
MeadowsweetFilipendula ulmaria2025
Meadow FoxtailAlopecurus pratensis2025
Yellow-rattleRhinanthus minor2025
FoxgloveDigitalis purpurea2025
Wood Crane's-billGeranium sylvaticum2025
Common NettleUrtica dioica2025
SneezewortAchillea ptarmica2025
SilverweedPotentilla anserina2025
Red Dead-nettleLamium purpureum2025
Sheep's SorrelRumex acetosella2025
Cock's-footDactylis glomerata2025
Wild CarrotDaucus carota2025
HogweedHeracleum sphondylium2025
Perforate St John's-wortHypericum perforatum2025
Greater Bird's-foot-trefoilLotus pedunculatus2025
Meadow ButtercupRanunculus acris2025
Cut-leaved Crane's-billGeranium dissectum2025
Perennial Rye-grassLolium perenne2025
DandelionTaraxacum2025
Common ChickweedStellaria media2025
Common RagwortJacobaea vulgaris2025
Yorkshire-fogHolcus lanatus2025
Hoary WillowherbEpilobium parviflorum2025
TansyTanacetum vulgare2025
Broad-leaved DockRumex obtusifolius2025
Red FescueFestuca rubra2025
White CloverTrifolium repens2025
Field Forget-me-notMyosotis arvensis2025
HawthornCrataegus monogyna2025
Sweet-WilliamDianthus barbatus2025
PoppyPapaver2025
BroomCytisus scoparius2025
Wild StrawberryFragaria vesca2025
Common BistortBistorta officinalis2025
Wild PearPyrus pyraster2025
Rue-leaved SaxifrageSaxifraga tridactylites2025
MoschatelAdoxa moschatellina2025
CuckooflowerCardamine pratensis2025
Pink PurslaneClaytonia sibirica2025
BluebellHyacinthoides non-scripta2025
Lesser CelandineFicaria verna2025
MontbretiaCrocosmia aurea x pottsii = C. x crocosmiiflora2024
Japanese KnotweedReynoutria japonica2024
Bluish-leaved HawkweedHieracium salticola2024

Species observations from the last 10 years via NBN Atlas

Wildlife to spot

Photos

📷 kim traynor · Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0

Kilwinning mercat cross, Main Street

1 / 15

Events & activities nearby

Switch provider to compare local events, tours and bookable activities.

Bookable tours

Weather for this location

Next 14 days

Loading local forecast…

Nearby places

Useful places within 5 km

🌱Formal GardenUrban park1.9 km→🌱Almswall ParkUrban park500 m→🌱Ardeer ParkUrban park3.7 km→🌱Trindlemoss LochUrban park4.4 km→🌱McGavin ParkUrban park800 m→🏞️EglintonCountry park2.3 km→

Own or manage this place?

Claim this listing to keep details accurate, add photos, and highlight what makes it special — free.

Claim this page

How was your visit?

How useful was the information on this page?

id: 8d5fa3ea-6054-4b1f-a913-6895d2e87e8b