Bourtreehill was once lucky enough to be connected to a wide network of railway. The remains of the railways are exceptionally clear in this district and one can follow their lines for miles without meeting another person. Or a train.
Connected to the district branches of the mineral railways of the Ayrshire Coal Field, the network in and around Bourtreehill was fairly extensive. Not so long ago, one could walk to the bottom of the ancient Bourtree Hill and board a train for Carlisle which in turn could lead to London.
There was a brickworks as well as several coal mines or pits and the interior of the estate does appear to contain the remains of an older smelting system.
The river Annick, which still boasts a splendid set of early 17th century pillars supporting the modern bridge. Leading from Bourtreehill Estate is an old irrigation channel which drained water from the wooded hill and directed it towards the annick. The original masonry at the outflow is still visible though badly damaged.
Deep inside the undergrowth of Bourtreehill, three ruined buildings can still be discerned through the branches and rubble. Two great arches once stood in a clearing at the north of the woodland. One led into an octagonal central room with doorways on each side. This has been destroyed by the local populous. The other arch still stands proud but seemingly purposeless beside the ruins of its sister.
