Nith Bridge
Also within
Condition (NatureScot)
| Unit | Feature | Condition | Area (ha) | Assessed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| F1 | Quaternary of Scotland | Unfavourable Declining | — | 2025-05-02 |
Geology & landscape
Landscape processes: Glacial
Description
Nith Bridge The section at Nith Bridge, lying 10km south east of Cumnock, provides an important exposure in the glacial deposits of South-west Scotland and is a key reference site. It shows three layers of till and two interbedded layers of gravel. The respective sedimentary and lithological properties of these deposits illustrate the coalescence and interaction in this area of two ice masses with separate sources in the West Highlands and Southern Uplands. Nith Bridge is one of the best exposures available for interpreting the complicated pattern of ice flow associated with the growth and decay of the Late Devensian (last) ice sheet between approximately 33,000-15,000 years ago in South-west Scotland.