Electric Brae
Experience the baffling 'uphill' roll of your car at Electric Brae, a fascinating gravity hill and optical illusion on Scotland's Ayrshire coast.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best for optical illusion
Electric Brae
Best Time
Best for optical illusion
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Experience the baffling 'uphill' roll of your car at Electric Brae, a fascinating gravity hill and optical illusion on Scotland's Ayrshire coast.
"It's an optical illusion where the road is down the hill but you think it’s up the hill hence the confusion."
🚗 Put Car in Neutral
Experience the illusion by putting your car in neutral and letting it roll 'uphill'.
⚠️ Be Road Aware
Traffic passes frequently. Be super careful and never block the road.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The Gravity Hill Experience
A719, South Ayrshire
Witness the baffling phenomenon of your car appearing to roll uphill in neutral. A true optical illusion!
Scenic Coastal Views
Along the A719
Enjoy stunning coastal vistas and the dramatic landscape of South Ayrshire as you approach the brae.
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Ailsa Craig Views
South of Dunure
On a clear day, catch a glimpse of the distinctive island of Ailsa Craig in the distance.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Understand the Illusion
Safety First on the Road
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Put Car in Neutral
Experience the illusion by putting your car in neutral and letting it roll 'uphill'.
⚠️ Be Road Aware
Traffic passes frequently. Be super careful and never block the road.
↔️ Facing South is Best
For the best effect, stop facing south with the stone inscription on your left.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera to document this unique optical illusion!
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Put Car in Neutral
Experience the illusion by putting your car in neutral and letting it roll 'uphill'.
⚠️ Be Road Aware
Traffic passes frequently. Be super careful and never block the road.
↔️ Facing South is Best
For the best effect, stop facing south with the stone inscription on your left.
📸 Capture the Moment
Bring your camera to document this unique optical illusion!
📍 Location Accuracy
It's a specific stretch of the A719, south of Dunure. Look for signs.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors are captivated by the Electric Brae's unique optical illusion, where cars appear to roll uphill. While the phenomenon itself is a hit, the primary concern is the safety of stopping on this active road. The scenic coastal views are also frequently praised, making it a worthwhile, albeit cautious, stop.
"Visited the spot where your car goes up the hill when on neutral gear. It is an optical illusion where the road is down the hill but you think it’s up the hill hence the confusion. Please note that you have to be super careful when stopping as the traffic will be passing."
Roobik Eskandari
"The Electric Brae is a gravity hill in South Ayrshire, Scotland, where a freewheeling vehicle will appear to be drawn uphill by some mysterious attraction. It's just an optical illusion caused by the shape of the hills, but it's a really good one!"
Fatema's Channel
"A strange place, this hill confuses people.
Water appears to run uphill, cars roll uphill.
All a strange optical illusion"
Peter Mabon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Electric Brae is located on the A719 road in South Ayrshire, Scotland, south of Dunure. It's a well-known spot, so follow signs for the 'Gravity Hill' or 'Electric Brae'. Many visitors combine a trip here with exploring the Ayrshire coast.
Public transport options are limited. While buses may run along the A719, it's best to check local timetables. Driving is the most convenient way to reach Electric Brae and explore the surrounding scenic routes.
If coming from the south (e.g., Cairnryan), it's a scenic drive north along the coast towards Ayr. If coming from Glasgow, head south towards Ayr and then follow the coastal road.
There isn't a dedicated parking lot. You'll need to find a safe place to pull over on the side of the road, ensuring you don't obstruct traffic.
Yes, cycling is a great way to experience the area. The A719 is a scenic route, but be mindful of vehicle traffic.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Electric Brae is a natural phenomenon and a public road. There are no tickets or entry fees required to visit.
As it's a public road, Electric Brae is accessible at any time. However, visiting during daylight hours is recommended for safety and to best observe the optical illusion.
There is no admission fee. The experience is free for all visitors.
While technically accessible, visiting at night is not recommended due to safety concerns with traffic and the reduced visibility of the optical illusion.
No, there are no age restrictions. It's a family-friendly attraction, but adult supervision is crucial due to the road traffic.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
It's a gravity hill, an optical illusion caused by the surrounding landscape. The road appears to slope downhill, but it's actually uphill, making cars in neutral seem to roll 'uphill'.
Stop your car on the designated spot (facing south is often recommended for a better effect), put it in neutral, and watch as it appears to roll uphill.
You must be extremely careful. Pull over as far as possible and be aware of passing traffic. Never stop in a way that obstructs the road.
The area offers beautiful coastal scenery, views of Ailsa Craig, and is close to attractions in Ayr and the surrounding Ayrshire countryside.
Yes, walking and cycling are possible, but always be mindful of vehicles. The views are also enjoyable on foot or by bike.
📸 📸 Photography
Capture your car appearing to roll uphill. Experiment with different angles and ensure you have a clear view of the road.
The stretch of road itself is the main attraction. Stopping safely on the side allows for the best vantage points.
Use a wide-angle lens to capture the road and your vehicle. Consider a tripod for sharper images, especially if there's moving traffic.
Absolutely! Videos are very popular for showing the Electric Brae effect. Ensure you film safely from your vehicle or a secure roadside spot.
Daylight hours are essential. Early morning or late afternoon can offer softer light and potentially fewer cars.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Combine your visit with a picnic stop along the scenic Ayrshire coast. The beautiful views and the novelty of the gravity hill make for a memorable family outing. Remember to bring snacks and drinks, as facilities are limited in this rural area. The drive itself along the A719 is also very picturesque, adding to the overall family adventure.
🚗 Road Trippers & Day-Trippers
It’s an ideal spot for a short, memorable detour. You can easily spend 15-30 minutes here experiencing the illusion and taking photos. Pair it with a visit to nearby Culzean Castle or a stroll along the beaches for a fuller day trip experience. The scenic drive on the A719 is a highlight in itself.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
Consider visiting during the golden hours of sunrise or sunset for dramatic lighting, though safety on the road remains paramount. The surrounding coastal scenery also provides excellent opportunities for landscape photography. Remember to be patient, as you might need to wait for a suitable gap in traffic to get your shot.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Science Behind the Illusion
+1 Instead, it's a sophisticated optical illusion created by the surrounding topography. The road appears to slope downwards, but in reality, it's subtly angled upwards. This distortion in the horizon line and the surrounding landscape makes it difficult for our brains to accurately judge the true gradient of the road.When you place your car in neutral, it doesn't defy gravity; it simply follows the actual, gentle downhill slope of the road. However, because your brain is interpreting the scene as uphill, the movement appears to be against gravity. This effect is enhanced by the visual cues of the landscape, such as the distant sea and hills, which can further mislead the eye. It's a testament to how our perception can be easily fooled by clever environmental design.
+1Many visitors are fascinated by this natural wonder. Some TikTok videos showcase the experience, with creators expressing surprise and wonder at their car seemingly rolling uphill.
However, the scientific explanation is widely accepted, making it a fun and educational stop for anyone interested in how our eyes and brains interpret the world around us.Experiencing Electric Brae Safely
Many travelers recommend stopping on the stretch of road facing south, with the stone inscription on your left, for the most pronounced effect.
Social media content often highlights the fun of this unique stop, with many users sharing videos of their cars seemingly defying gravity.
However, these videos also implicitly show the need for caution. Remember, the goal is to have a memorable experience, not to create a hazard. Always prioritize safety over capturing the perfect shot or experiencing the illusion.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit