Electric Brae
Where gravity plays tricks on the eye—a quarter-mile of pure optical illusion on Scotland's scenic coast.
Electric Brae is a famous gravity hill near Maybole in South Ayrshire, Scotland, where a quarter-mile stretch of road creates a powerful optical illusion. When you release your vehicle's handbrake, it appears to roll uphill against gravity, though the road actually slopes downward. This natural phenomenon has captivated visitors for generations and remains one of Scotland's most intriguing roadside attractions, offering stunning views of the Ayrshire coast and the Isle of Arran.
A brief summary to Electric Brae
- A719, Maybole, KA19 8JR, GB
- Duration: 0.5 to 2 hours
- Free
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Outdoor
- Mobile reception: 4 out of 5
Local tips
- Visit during daylight hours for the best visibility and to capture clear photographs of the illusion and surrounding landscape.
- Bring a picnic to enjoy in the scenic surroundings while marveling at the phenomenon and taking in views of the Isle of Arran.
- Test the illusion with a ball or other small object to see it roll uphill, and take turns experiencing the effect from different positions.
- Check weather conditions beforehand, as clear visibility enhances the visual impact of the surrounding landscape and the illusion itself.
- Combine your visit with nearby attractions such as Culzean Castle, Dunure village, and the coastal scenery of the Ayrshire coast.
For the on-the-go comforts that matter to you
- Seating Areas
- Information Boards
- Trash Bins
- Picnic Areas
Getting There
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Car from Ayr
From Ayr, take the A77 road heading south toward Maybole. Continue on the A77 until reaching the roundabout near Maybole, then exit onto the A719 toward the coast. Follow the A719 for approximately 3 miles south. Electric Brae is located on the right side of the road along this scenic coastal route, marked by a layby and stone information marker. Journey time is approximately 20–25 minutes. Parking is available in the dedicated layby.
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Bus from Ayr
From Ayr town center, take Stagecoach bus service 6 or 7 heading toward Maybole or Girvan. The journey takes approximately 30–40 minutes. Request the driver to stop at the Electric Brae stop along the A719, which is clearly marked. From the bus stop, the attraction is immediately visible and accessible. Service runs regularly throughout the day, though frequency may be reduced on Sundays.
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Train and Bus from Ayr
Take a train from Ayr station to Maybole station, a journey of approximately 10–15 minutes. Exit Maybole station and catch a local bus service 6 or 7 that runs along the A719 toward the coast. Disembark at the Electric Brae stop, approximately 5–10 minutes from Maybole station. The attraction is within walking distance of the bus stop. This option is ideal for those without a vehicle.
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Walking from Dunure
If visiting the nearby village of Dunure, Electric Brae is accessible via a scenic walking route along minor roads and coastal paths. The walk from Dunure village center to Electric Brae takes approximately 30–40 minutes depending on the exact route chosen. The terrain is generally manageable but includes some road walking along the A719, which has limited verges in places. This option offers excellent views of the Ayrshire coastline.
Electric Brae location weather suitability
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Clear Skies
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Mild Temperatures
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Any Weather
Discover more about Electric Brae
The Illusion That Defies Perception
Electric Brae is a gravity hill located on the A719 between Dunure and Maybole in South Ayrshire, Scotland. The quarter-mile stretch of road, known locally as Croy Brae, creates one of the most bewildering optical illusions in the world. When you stop your vehicle on the road and release the handbrake, the car appears to roll slowly uphill, as if pulled by some invisible force. This phenomenon has puzzled and delighted visitors for over a century, creating an experience that remains genuinely strange even when you understand the science behind it. The illusion is remarkably powerful and can even be captured in photographs. The road actually slopes upward at a gradient of 1 in 86 from the coastal bend overlooking Croy railway viaduct to the wooded Craigencroy Glen inland, gaining approximately 17 feet in elevation. However, the configuration of the surrounding landscape—the slopes of nearby fields and distant hillsides—creates a visual context that makes the road appear to slope in the opposite direction. Your brain interprets the landscape as the true reference point, causing the actual uphill slope to appear downhill and vice versa.A Name Born from Victorian Wonder
The term "Electric Brae" originated during the Victorian era when electricity was a new and mysterious phenomenon. Early visitors, unable to explain the strange behavior of their vehicles, attributed it to electrical or magnetic forces emanating from the nearby Isle of Arran. The Lowland Scots word "brae" simply means a hill-slope or hillside. As scientific understanding advanced, the true cause of the illusion became clear, yet the evocative name persisted. During World War II, General Dwight D. Eisenhower, who maintained a residence at nearby Culzean Castle, famously brought visitors to witness the phenomenon, introducing it to American military personnel stationed at Prestwick airbase.Landscape and Coastal Setting
Electric Brae sits within one of Scotland's most scenic regions. The A719 approaches from the south, offering magnificent views across Culzean Bay toward Culzean Castle perched on the cliffs. The road turns sharply inland at the famous corner, and from this vantage point, visitors can see the distant silhouette of the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig rising from the Firth of Clyde. The surrounding countryside is characterized by lush green fields, wooded glens, and the dramatic Croy railway viaduct visible to the west. The tranquil setting invites visitors to linger, breathe in the fresh coastal air, and appreciate the natural beauty that frames this remarkable optical illusion.Understanding the Science
Electric Brae belongs to a category of natural phenomena known as gravity hills, of which hundreds exist worldwide. The illusion operates on the same principle as the famous Ames room, in which visual perception can be manipulated by the arrangement of surrounding objects and surfaces. The human brain relies heavily on environmental context to judge slope and elevation. When the landscape on either side of the road slopes in a particular way, it can override the actual gradient of the road itself, creating a powerful perceptual reversal. This makes Electric Brae a fascinating study in how our eyes and brains interpret spatial relationships.A Roadside Experience
A layby has been thoughtfully constructed by South Ayrshire Council to allow visitors to safely stop and experience the phenomenon without blocking traffic. A stone marker at the site explains the optical illusion in detail, replacing earlier metal signs that were frequently taken by visitors as souvenirs. The experience is simple yet memorable: park your vehicle, release the handbrake, and watch as your car appears to defy gravity. Many visitors enjoy testing the illusion with balls or other objects, or photographing the bewildered expressions of companions experiencing the effect for the first time. The location has become a beloved pit stop on Scottish road trips, combining natural wonder with accessible entertainment.Iconic landmarks you can’t miss
Ayr Citadel
11.9 km
Explore Ayr Citadel, a 17th-century hexagonal fortress by the sea, rich in history and coastal charm.
Wallace's Monument, Ayrshire “Burnweil”
22.3 km
A proud Ayrshire landmark honoring William Wallace, Scotland’s legendary hero of independence and bravery.
Kingscross Viking Fort
24.9 km
Discover the ancient Viking fort and burial mound at Kingscross Point, where history meets breathtaking coastal vistas on the Isle of Arran.
Trinity Church (Former)
26.5 km
A majestic Gothic Revival landmark showcasing Victorian ecclesiastical architecture and Irvine’s rich religious heritage.
Wee Al's Bench
28.7 km
Breathtaking coastal vantage point where Arran's natural beauty meets centuries of island heritage.
Original site of Loch Doon Castle
29.7 km
Discover the relocated medieval stronghold of Loch Doon Castle, a polygonal fortress with deep ties to Robert the Bruce and Scottish history.
Lamlash Stone Circle
31.0 km
Ancient Neolithic gathering place where stone and sky converge on Arran's moorland.
Arran Heritage Museum
34.0 km
Explore the Isle of Arran's history and culture at Arran Heritage Museum, a captivating destination for all ages.
Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park
34.3 km
Explore the historical splendor of Brodick Castle, surrounded by enchanting gardens and breathtaking landscapes on the Isle of Arran.
Bruce’s Stone
36.5 km
Discover the historic site of Bruce’s Stone overlooking Loch Trool, where Scotland’s fight for independence echoes amid stunning natural beauty.
Portencross Castle
36.6 km
Explore the rich history and stunning views of Portencross Castle, a captivating historical landmark on Scotland's picturesque Ayrshire coast.
Hunterston Castle
38.8 km
Explore the rich history and stunning architecture of Hunterston Castle, a beautiful landmark in Scotland's scenic West Kilbride.
Machrie Moor Standing Stones
39.2 km
Discover the enchanting Machrie Moor Standing Stones, a captivating glimpse into Scotland's ancient history amidst stunning natural landscapes.
Devils Punch Bowl, Isle of Arran
39.7 km
Discover the breathtaking beauty of the Devil's Punch Bowl on the Isle of Arran, a stunning natural amphitheater with cascading waterfalls and panoramic views.
King's Caves
40.9 km
Explore the enchanting King's Caves on the Isle of Arran, where natural beauty meets rich Scottish history amidst stunning coastal views.
Unmissable attractions to see
Dunure Labyrinth
2.6 km
Discover the tranquil Dunure Labyrinth, a mystical coastal maze blending history, nature, and spiritual reflection in scenic Ayrshire.
Dunure Castle
2.7 km
Dramatic medieval ruins on a rocky Ayrshire headland, steeped in Kennedy clan history and royal visits, with sweeping views over the Firth of Clyde.
Dunure Harbour
2.9 km
A timeless Ayrshire fishing harbour framed by cliffs and castle ruins, with sweeping sea views and a starring role in Outlander.
Culzean Castle
3.6 km
Discover Culzean Castle’s dramatic cliff-top grandeur, rich history, and sprawling parkland with gardens, beaches, and family-friendly adventures.
Baltersan Castle(Caisteal Baltersan)
5.2 km
Explore the evocative ruins of Baltersan Castle, a 16th-century Renaissance tower house nestled in the historic Ayrshire countryside near Maybole.
Crossraguel Abbey(Abaid Crossraguel
5.2 km
Explore the remarkably complete ruins of Crossraguel Abbey, a medieval Cluniac monastery steeped in Scottish history and scenic Ayrshire charm.
Heads Of Ayr Farm Park
6.5 km
A vibrant family farm park in Ayrshire offering animal encounters, adventure play, and seasonal events for all ages.
Heads of Ayr
6.8 km
Scenic Ayrshire peninsula with rugged cliffs, sandy beaches, family farm park, and modern holiday lodges near the vibrant town of Ayr.
Turnberry Castle, Robert the Bruce birthplace
8.2 km
Historic ruins on Scotland’s Ayrshire coast, birthplace of Robert the Bruce and a symbol of Scottish independence and heritage.
Turnberry Lighthouse
8.3 km
Historic 1873 lighthouse on Ayrshire coast blending maritime heritage, stunning sea views, and luxury golf resort charm.
Greenan Castle
8.4 km
Explore the rugged ruins of Greenan Castle, a dramatic 16th-century tower house perched on Ayrshire’s scenic sea cliffs with centuries of history and stunning views.
Burns Monument
9.1 km
A majestic Grecian-style monument and tranquil gardens honoring Scotland’s national poet, Robert Burns, in his birthplace of Alloway.
Alloway Auld Kirk
9.2 km
Explore the atmospheric 16th-century ruins of Alloway Auld Kirk, immortalized by Robert Burns in 'Tam o' Shanter' and steeped in Scottish literary history.
Robert Burns Birthplace Museum
9.3 km
Scotland's National Bard comes alive at his birthplace—a world-class museum celebrating genius, poetry, and timeless legacy.
Poet's Path
9.5 km
A scenic and accessible 500-meter walkway linking Robert Burns Birthplace Museum with historic landmarks that inspired Scotland’s national poet.
Essential places to dine
The Greenside Restaurant
5.5 km
A welcoming Maybole eatery offering generous portions, diverse menu, and friendly service in a cozy, clean setting.
Souters Inn
5.9 km
Historic Burns schoolhouse turned award-winning restaurant, blending Scottish heritage with contemporary culinary excellence.
The Balgarth Pines Bar & Restaurant
9.1 km
A welcoming modern British restaurant and bar in Ayr blending traditional flavors with contemporary dining in a relaxed setting.
The Secret Garden
9.3 km
A cozy family-friendly bistro in Ayr offering hearty British breakfasts, award-winning coffee, and delightful home baking daily.
The Coo Shed
10.5 km
Award-winning Ayrshire café serving farm-fresh food, homemade cakes, and afternoon teas in a charming countryside setting with an adjoining plant nursery.
Chestnuts Restaurant & Hotel
10.7 km
Cozy 3-star hotel and vibrant restaurant near Ayr’s beach, offering warm hospitality, diverse dining, and a welcoming bar atmosphere.
The Fox & Willow
11.2 km
A stylish gastropub and boutique hotel in Ayr offering unique dome dining, creative cocktails, and warm Scottish hospitality.
The Kylestrome Hotel & Restaurant
11.7 km
A modern, comfortable hotel with a celebrated restaurant in the heart of Ayr, offering easy access to local attractions and scenic riverside walks.
The Drunken Coo
11.7 km
Savor expertly crafted steaks and western comfort food in a cozy, stylish setting at The Drunken Coo, Ayr’s beloved steakhouse.
Mr Basrai's World Cuisine Ayr
11.7 km
A vibrant all-you-can-eat buffet in Ayr serving diverse global cuisines in a family-friendly, welcoming atmosphere.
Vista Bar & Restaurant
11.7 km
Contemporary dining with panoramic sea views and classic Scottish dishes at Ayr’s Horizon Hotel.
The Meridian Bier Cafe & Restaurant
11.8 km
A vibrant Ayr venue blending casual breakfasts, hearty pub fare, and world beers in a lively, welcoming atmosphere from dawn till midnight.
Cecchini’s Italian restaurant
11.8 km
Authentic Tuscan flavors and warm hospitality await you in the heart of Ayr at Cecchini’s Italian Restaurant.
The Tree House
11.9 km
A vibrant modern British restaurant and bar in Ayr’s heart, featuring fresh local dishes and a hidden urban garden terrace.
Stage Door Cafe
11.9 km
Cozy modern European cafe by Ayr’s Gaiety Theatre, serving fresh breakfasts and casual meals in a welcoming atmosphere.
Markets, malls and hidden boutiques
Aruna Art & Gifts
2.8 km
Discover unique handcrafted gifts in a charming harbour-side shop nestled in the historic village of Dunure, Ayr.
Treasures Gift Shop
7.1 km
Explore Ayr's Treasures Gift Shop – your destination for unique souvenirs and local crafts that capture the essence of this charming Scottish town.
L Occasionwear Ayr
11.7 km
Elegant ladies’ formalwear boutique in Ayr offering personalized service and curated occasionwear collections in a bright, welcoming setting.
BOOM!
11.8 km
Ayr’s vibrant gift and collectibles shop, packed with pop culture treasures from Harry Potter, Star Wars, Marvel, DC, and more.
The Original Factory Shop (Ayr)
11.9 km
Affordable shopping for fashion, beauty, and home essentials in the heart of Ayr with unbeatable discounts.
Beau Beau Boutique
12.0 km
Discover unique, elegant dresses and personalized service at Beau Beau Boutique, a charming fashion gem in Ayr’s historic Sandgate district.
Next
12.0 km
Next Ayr offers stylish, family-friendly fashion and accessories in the heart of Ayr Central, blending quality and convenience for all ages.
Bonmarché
12.0 km
Discover stylish, affordable women's fashion with friendly service in the heart of Ayr's vibrant High Street shopping district.
Keepsake Scotland
12.0 km
Ayr’s charming gift shop packed with Scottish souvenirs, quirky homewares, and unique keepsakes on the historic High Street.
Unique
12.1 km
Explore Unique in Ayr: Your go-to clothing shop for stylish, local fashion treasures.
Branded Outlet Store
12.1 km
Explore unbeatable fashion deals at Branded Outlet Store in Ayr, where quality meets affordability for every style enthusiast.
I Do Ayr
12.1 km
A welcoming bridal boutique in Ayr offering inclusive, elegant wedding dresses and haute couture fashion with exceptional personal service.
Honeyman Boutique
12.2 km
Discover timeless bridal elegance at Diane Honeyman Boutique, Ayr’s premier destination for designer wedding gowns and accessories.
Om Store UK
12.2 km
Discover a serene metaphysical sanctuary in Ayr’s High Street, offering crystals, incense, and spiritual treasures for mindful living.
In The Mix
15.8 km
Discover unique Scottish gifts and local crafts at In The Mix, Prestwick’s charming boutique on Main Street.
Essential bars & hidden hideouts
Wellingtons Lounge Bar
11.6 km
Step into Wellingtons Lounge Bar for handcrafted cocktails, live music, and a cozy 1920s vibe in the heart of Ayr’s vibrant social scene.
The Growler Taphouse & Kitchen
11.7 km
A lively bar and grill in Ayr offering exceptional craft beers, grilled delights, and a welcoming dog-friendly atmosphere.
The Twa Dugs
11.8 km
A lively, Burns-inspired Scottish pub in Ayr’s heart, known for unique ales, live music, and an inclusive, welcoming atmosphere.
Rabbies Bar
11.8 km
A vibrant Ayrshire pub blending Robert Burns heritage with lively sports, music, and welcoming Scottish hospitality.
The Ghillie Dhu
11.8 km
A vibrant bar and street food hotspot in Ayr’s Burns Statue Square, blending Scottish tradition with lively music and modern flavors.
Smiths Bar
11.8 km
A lively Scottish pub and restaurant in Ayr offering home-cooked meals, premium drinks, live sports, and a spacious beer garden for all ages and dog lovers.
Budd's Bar
11.8 km
A cozy, friendly, and accessible local bar in Ayr’s historic Burns Statue Square, perfect for casual drinks and socializing.
The Market Inn
11.9 km
A warm, traditional Scottish pub in Ayr offering lively football viewing, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors alike.
Tbar
11.9 km
A quirky and lively pub in Ayr offering excellent cocktails, live music, and a welcoming atmosphere for a memorable night out.
Crumbs & Cocktails
11.9 km
A vibrant Ayr bar blending creative cocktails, live music, karaoke, and a warm, welcoming atmosphere for memorable nights out.
Mulligan's Ayr
12.0 km
A vibrant Irish sports bar in Ayr offering lively music, extensive drinks, and a welcoming atmosphere for all ages and tastes.
Billy Bridges Bar
12.1 km
Experience authentic Ayr nightlife with local ales, friendly vibes, and lively events at Billy Bridges Bar, your cozy Scottish pub retreat.
Wee Windaes
12.1 km
A cozy, traditional Scottish pub in Ayr offering warm hospitality, authentic atmosphere, and a welcoming local vibe.
The Fort Bar
12.1 km
A welcoming harbourside pub in Ayr offering friendly service, great drinks, and a cozy atmosphere steeped in Scottish tradition.
The Smoking Goat bar and grill
12.1 km
A vibrant basement bar and grill in Ayr offering award-winning ambiance, live entertainment, and diverse, inclusive dining options.
Nightclubs & after hour spots
Notion Ayr
12.0 km
Discover the vibrant nightlife at Notion Ayr, an exceptional events venue in the heart of Ayr, perfect for unforgettable social experiences.
Ayr Ex-Services Club
12.1 km
A friendly and lively social club in Ayrshire offering great music, community spirit, and vibrant weekend nights.
Printhouse Ayr
12.1 km
Experience Ayrshire’s vibrant nightlife and live music scene at Printhouse Ayr, where music and atmosphere unite for unforgettable nights.
Pitchers Bar and Nightclub
26.6 km
A vibrant and inclusive nightclub in Irvine’s heart, offering lively music, dancing, and a welcoming atmosphere until the early hours.
The Club
30.2 km
A vibrant nightlife hotspot in the heart of Kilmarnock, offering lively music and a welcoming atmosphere for locals and visitors.
Vienna's Nightclub
55.5 km
Experience Paisley’s vibrant nightlife at Vienna's Nightclub, where energetic music and lively crowds come alive every weekend.
Fantoosh
55.5 km
A lively, intimate nightclub in Paisley’s heart, perfect for energetic nights with friends and local beats.
Skye Nightclub & Lounge
55.7 km
Energetic nightclub and lounge in East Kilbride offering vibrant nightlife, music, and drinks in a stylish setting.
Downtown Nightclub
55.8 km
Experience East Kilbride’s vibrant weekend nightlife at Downtown Nightclub, a hub of music, dancing, and late-night energy in the town centre.
Club 69 Paisley
56.2 km
Dive into Paisley’s legendary underground techno scene at Club 69, where pulsating beats and vibrant vibes keep the night alive.
The Scottish Honky-Tonk
56.5 km
Discover the lively Scottish Honky-Tonk on the Isle of Bute for an authentic experience filled with music, hospitality, and local charm.
The Shed
58.4 km
Dive into Shawlands' glitzy two-floor nightclub where chart bangers, R&B, hip-hop, and 80s cheese anthems fuel unpretentious Southside partying till the early hours.
The Galloway Bar
60.5 km
Discover the charm of Wigtown at The Galloway Bar, where locals gather for great drinks and unforgettable experiences.
Sub Club
61.6 km
Glasgow’s legendary underground nightclub, Sub Club, pulses with cutting-edge sound and authentic dance culture in an intimate basement setting.
Classic Grand
61.6 km
Glasgow's ultimate electronic music haven in a reborn cinema, where thunderous beats and euphoric crowds collide until dawn.
For the vibe & atmosphere seeker
- Unique
- Quirky
- Scenic
- Adventurous
For the architecture buff
- Viewpoints
- Landmarks
For the view chaser and sunset hunter
- Panoramas
- Iconic Views
- Waterfront
For the social media creator & influencer
- Instagrammable
- Photo Spots
- Selfie Spots
- Viral Moments
For the eco-conscious traveler
- Public-Transport Accessible
- Low Impact
For the kind of experience you’re after
- Roadtrip Stop
- Day Trip
- Photowalk
- Myth & Legends
For how adventurous you want the journey to be
- Easy Access
Location Audience
- Family Friendly
- Solo Friendly
- Couple Friendly
- Senior Friendly
- Child Friendly
- Pet Friendly
