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Home , Alloway, Ardrossan Castle, Blairquhan Castle, Burns Cottage, Crossraguel Abbey, Culzean Castle

Castles of Discover Ayrshire trails of Tourist Information Centres (TICs) Electronic Tourist Information discovery We have Tourist Information Points (ETIPs) Centres in , and on the We have web kiosks situated at where you can make the following venues, providing advance accommodation further tourist information: bookings and get ideas of what Walking Tours to see and do during your trip. Ayrshire Please drop in and visit us when • Castle, Galston you’re in the area. • Information Centre, • , Wandering Wild Tourist Information Centres • Airport, Prestwick Open all year • Magnum Leisure Centre, Irvine • 22 Sandgate, Ayr, KA7 1BW Castles of Ayrshire • The Pier, , The Isle of Isle of Arran Arran, KA27 8AU • Community Hall, Open summer Isle of Cumbrae A Burns Roundup • The Railway Station, Largs, • Cumbrae Card & Gift Shop, KA30 8AN Millport

For further information and to book accomodation in Ayrshire, The Isles of Arran & Cumbrae and the rest of www.visitscotland.com tel 0845 2255 121 great www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk has full details of many of the Central Ayrshire suggested walks. ways to explore Ayrshire www.ayrshiretrails.co.uk

Contact trails of discovery

Ayrshire is a land of spectacular scenery, awesome sunsets, ancient castles and enchanting gardens. It is also the birthplace of , whose love for his native soil was expressed in an extraordinary variety of poems, songs and ballads. Today the words still resonate at every gathering in the world where there’s an affection for Scotland

You can sense Burns’s presence in many of the places described in this booklet. Of course, these explorations are not meant solely for lovers of the bard. Whatever your interests and activities – wildlife, hill and coastal walks, historic landmarks, country parks – you’ll discover a great wealth of pleasures. contents Alloway Walking Tour Page 4 A stroll around Burns’s birthplace, with appropriate quotes from his poetry.

Wandering Wild Page 8 Explore spectacular coast and countryside, with plenty of walking opportunities and wildlife for the eagle eyed.

The Castles of Ayrshire Page 12 A journey through five centuries of history from ancient fortresses to magnificent mansions and tiny tower houses.

A Burns Roundup Page 18 Three trails that reveal a larger picture of the bard’s life. 4 Alloway Walking Tour trails of discovery 5

In following this picturesque trail you’ll come ‘Jolly Beggars’ and the ‘Deil’s awa wi the exciseman’- across the wellsprings of Robert Burns’s genius. “Wi quaffing and laughing They It includes a visit to the Alloway cottage where ranted and they sang.” he was born. The walk is partly based on his 7. Cross back to masterpiece, ‘Tam o Shanter’, and at various side of the road and walk south. Turn into the first road on the points in our description we’ve included right and go past the gateway appropriate quotes. It’s possible to complete to the car park. A few metres from the entrance, in the field it in an hour and a half, but it’s more enjoyable next to the fence, is an old well. if you make a day of it. “And he was aware of a gay ladie As she was at the 1. Driving to Alloway from Ayr 3. You’re now on Tam o wellwashing.” on the B7024, turn left into the Shanter’s route. Keep the wood Rozelle estate. Enjoy a coffee in on your left till you cross the the tearoom and have a look at path to Belleisle House. About “Wi quaffing and laughing They the Tam o Shanter paintings by the middle of the 11th fairway, ranted and they sang.” Goudie before starting the walk. 135 metres away you’ll see the “This truth fand honest Tam meikle stane marker – o Shanter as he frae Ayr ae a stone marker beside the night did canter.” woodland path. 8. You’re now in Greenfield “And past the birks and meikle Avenue, which was laid out by 2. Leave the estate on foot stane where drunken Charlie Robert’s father, . “A cotter howkin in a sheugh” the way you came in. Cross brak’s neck-bane” the road and turn right, go back past the entrance to the 4. A short distance into the 9. Cross the road, continue Belleisle estate and golf course, wood you’ll find a small path down Greenfield Avenue, turn and continue for about 80 which leads you to the Alloway left into Baird Road and then metres. Turn left through the Road, about 200 metres from first right into Cairn Crescent. wooden fence opposite the village smiddy. This was the A little further, on your left, you’ll Langlands Park. After the trees home of Agnes McClure, the see the ancient burial cairn midwife who delivered Burns. memorial. “The Gossip Keekit in his loof “And thro the whins and by quo scho:- ‘Wha lives will see the cairn the proof. This Waly boy will be Whare hunters fand the nae coof;’ I think we’ll ca’ him murder’d bairn” Robin.

5. About 70 metres further on you’ll come to Burns Cottage, where Robert was born on 25th January, 1759. Burns epitaph to his father “From scenes like these old Scotia’s grandeur springs that and walk about 60 metres, then makes her lov’d at home turn left towards the 15th tee of rever’d abroad” the golf course. You’ll reach the Slaphouse Burn, which Tam 6. The village hall across the would cross on his way home. road from the cottage has “By this time he was cross marvellous plasterwork the ford whare in the snaw depicting scenes from the the Chapman smoor’d” Burns Cottage

6 Alloway Walking Tour trails of discovery 7

10. Carry on round the crescent 13. Go left up Auld Nick’s “Ae spring brought off her A lodge house at the bottom and turn right and right again. view to the Tam o Shanter master hale, of the road marks the entrance When you come to the main Experience, which has an audio- but left behind her ain to the hotel. Its foyer contains road, Kirk Alloway is about 100 visual presentation of the full grey tail.” superb carvings of scenes from metres on your right. This was the ‘Tam o Shanter’ poem. It’s a Burns’s songs and poems setting for Tam’s sight of the good spot for lunch. 17. You can see Dutch Mill “Still o’er these scenes my witches dancing. “And drouthy neebors, upstream from the Auld Brig. mem’ry wakes “When, glimmering thro’ the neebors meet.” It’s where William Burnes lived and fondly broods with groaning trees, while he built his cottage. miser-care” Kirk Alloway seem’d in 14. As you leave, the Burns Now it consists of private a bleeze, Monument, Memorial Gardens apartments. Photography and text Thro’ ilka bore the beams were and Statue House are to the left, “Whase life is like a weel - John Skilling glancing with life-size statues of Tam o gaun mill.” And loud resounding mirth and Shanter, Souter Johnnie dancing.” and Nanse Tinnock. 18. The trail now leads to the “And at his elbow Souter Johnnie path, one of Burns 11. Just across the road is Auld His ancient, trusty, drouthy favourite spots. Walk over the Nick’s View, the lane beside cronie.” Auld Brig, then under the road Glossary Alloway Parish Church. Tam saw bridge on the private road to Fand: Found the devil up this lane from the 15. The Burns Monument is well Doonholm estate, and turn Ae: One east window of Kirk Alloway – worth climbing for the views right on the main road. Smoor’d: Smothered and the devil would have of the Auld Brig and the Go northwards past the Auld Birks: Birches Waly: Big, sturdy viewed Tam being pursued by surrounding countryside. It was Kirk and take the first left into Coof: Rogue, fool, the warlocks and witches. dedicated with full Masonic Shanter Way. Past the bollards useless person “A winnock-bunker in the east, honours in 1823. at the end, take the steps Cotter: farmworker who there sat auld Nick, in “The chiels that bigget me were on your left and you’re on has a cottage as shape o beast.” Masons prime.” the path. part of his contract Howkin: Digging “Aft hae I rov’d by bonnie Sheugh: Trench 12. Alloway Parish Church 16. Going out through the back Doon.” Bleese: Blaze was built in 1857. Its beautiful garden gate you’re on the old Winnock-bunker: stained glass windows include road from the mouth of the 19. The trail finishes at the Window recess a memorial to Burns. Doon to over the Auld Belleisle House Hotel, set in a fine Drouthy: Thirsty Brig o Doon. This is where Tam’s Neebors: Neighbours “For sweet consolation to park. Follow the path as it leaves Souter: Cobbler Church I did fly.” grey mare Meg lost her tail to the river, cross Greenfield Road Nannie the witch. and go down to the left.

Kirk Alloway Brig o Doon 8 Wandering Wild trails of discovery 9

Explore spectacular coast and countryside, Upland Ayrshire This circuit leaves the sea air with plenty of walking opportunities and behind and takes you inland to wildlife for the eagle eyed. All routes can be explore the more remote parts of upland Ayrshire and the River driven in half a day but it’s more enjoyable Ayr Gorge. (45 miles approx) to make a full day of it. 1. Dean Castle Country Park, Clyde Muirshiel 4. Clyde Muirshiel Hen Harriers. Kilmarnock. A wildlife Take the B786 uphill and follow wonderland with good bird Regional Park the signs for Muirshiel Country watching, well made paths, This circuit can be started Park. These rare birds of prey mature oak woodland and anywhere but should be can be seen live on TV at the riverside walks. completed clockwise to get Visitor Centre during the season. the best views over the Clyde on Woodland and Moorland walks 2. Irvine Valley the Fairlie Moor Road. include the child friendly Windy (Galston//) (40 miles approx) Hill with great views from the top Take the A71. Stop in any village towards and the centre to enjoy one of the many 1. Largs. The sign posted walks Highlands. sign posted walks. Look out for start from the car park beside wildlife including peregrines or in the ferry to the Isle of Cumbrae 5. RSPB Lochwinnoch on the contrast the rides of Loudon (Scotland’s most accessible A760 opposite Lochwinnoch Castle Family Theme Park. island) on the A78. Railway Station. The reserve is great for bird watching with 3. Loudon Hill, dominates the 2. Haylie Brae View Point and hides, binoculars and walks skyline, continue on the A71 picnic area on the A760 is a round part of the Aird Meadows. towards it. This amazing outcrop perfect stopping off point for of volcanic rock with Robert the beautiful views out over the Firth 6. Dalry. Take the A737 south Bruce and Covenanter of Clyde to Cumbrae, Arran and past . The market town connections has panoramic Bute. Plus you can walk into provides a good stopping point views, great walks, a battlefield Largs from here or out on the for a number of walks that start and a very modern sculpture. hills of Clyde Muirshiel. at The Cross. Do the 12km Baidlandhill Walk for panoramic 4. Drumclog Memorial Kirk, built views over the Clyde or the path 1912, is the site of the 1679 battle along the south bank of the with the Covenanters. Turn right Caaf Water leads past a and drive the B745/B743 through beautiful waterfall to Pinnioch’s desolate moorland. Look out for Point. ospreys over the loch.

7. Fairlie Moor Road. Take the 5. is a mining village B780 for 1 mile and turn right just offering at least 5 different walks; Clyde Muirshiel after the cemetery along the turn left then first right to reach smallest road (single track with the car park. Walks include the 3. Castle Semple Loch, passing places) across the climb up the heather clad Cairn Lochwinnoch. Continue inland Regional Park for lots of fantastic Table. At 593 metres it’s the on the A760. There are swans countryside views and picnic highest hill in the area. Look out and other wildlife, plus a Visitor stops. for Hen Harriers over the moors. Centre and sign posted loch side and woodland walks in 8. /. 6. High Road to Sorn For views of Castle Semple Country Park. Turn left onto the A78 and follow upland Ayrshire, Airds Moss and The sign posted walk to the 500 signs for more good views, the battlefield of 1680. Take the year old Collegiate Church is wildlife watching and a coastal A70 towards Ayr then right onto well worth the sometimes walk at the 15th century the B743 to Sorn - a charming muddy paths. . little village. 10 Wandering Wild trails of discovery 11

7. River Ayr Way at Failford. The The Valley, immortalised by 7. just off the A719, has Scottish Wildlife Trust provides Burns, provides a narrow road to a harbour with a pebbly shore good access to their reserve the pretty village of Barr, the and a ruined castle. This is just of semi-natural oak woodlands focal point for six excellent walks one stopping place to admire and planted woods with walks that all start to the east of the the spectacular views along the along the Ayr Gorge. Otters, village. Turn right at the church to , bats, roe deer and red squirrel onto Stinchar Rd/Changue Rd. and Arran. can be spotted and the sandstone river gorge is home 8. Croy Brae, on the A719 is an to great spotted woodpecker, optical illusion known as Electric kingfisher, redstart, garden Brae which has puzzled and warbler, nuthatch, buzzard and delighted travellers for over 80 sparrow hawk and many others. years. Please watch out for other cars also working out the 8. River Ayr Way at Auchincruive. illusion. Turn right downhill just Take the B743 past . after the Brae, to Croy Shore to This estate, contains 5 Robert build a sandcastle or have a Adam designed buildings picnic on the sandy beach. including a magnificent neo- classical mansion house. Park at 9. Culzean Castle & Country Oswald Hall to enjoy one of the River Ayr at Failford Park on the A719 is wonderful sign posted walks. place to wander all day. 3. . Take the small There are gardens, woodland Glenginnet Road from Barr. Stop and coastal walks, cliffs, a swan “Wherever you go, in the Village Square to enjoy pond, adventure play areas don't just look one of the trails and the and wildlife including a red wonderful art sculptures. The deer herd. straight ahead - Bargany Estate Gardens have often the greatest splendid woodland walks and Text - Fiona Carswell, picnic areas. James Brown inspiration comes Photographs - Andrew Scott from looking all 4. Take the B741 to this Martin, Alister Firth. charmingly pretty 18th century around.” Carrick Country planned village. Park in the This circuit takes you round the village car park and follow a heart of Carrick exploring pretty sign posted route, or climb up rural villages, scenic B roads and the hill to the monument. the Carrick coast road for great views of Turnberry Lighthouse 5. Culroy Road (B7024) is an and Alisa Craig. (60 miles) attractive alternative to the A77. Or if you don’t mind meeting 1. Girvan. A harbour town with tractors on a small, single track a museum and art gallery, craft road detour over Brown Carrick outlets and half day walks. Plus Hill (198 metres) for a fantastic boat trips for fishing, diving or view of Ayr Bay and the Islands. bird watching around the spectacular island of Ailsa Craig 6. Heads of Ayr on the A719 with its puffins and tens of has intriguing geology because thousands of gannets. of the cliffs and faults; it is now home to the popular Heads of 2. Barr via the Stinchar Valley. Ayr Farm Park with a wide range Take the A714 past Pinmore for 8 of animals and fun filled miles and turn left onto the B734. activities.

Walker on beach 12 The Castles of Ayrshire trails of discovery 13

The castles of Ayrshire offer fascinating insights 7. Castle gardens, famous glen, heritage into a noble past. Besides ancient ruins you’ll (private house). trees, childrens adventure play Return to the A78, leave it north areas and The Secret Forest are discover spectacular views, lively visitor of the junction with the B782 other attractions within the (West Kilbride) and go grounds. Access: The castle is attractions and delightful gardens. northwards along an unclassifed open for guided tours in July Northern Ayrshire extravagant romantic revival road. This tower house was and August. Exterior from Easter 1. with knights in armour and originally built about 1400 by to October (preserved ruin). jousting. More information the Hunter family, hereditary Your tour starts in Castle Street, in the visitor centre. Huntsmen to the Kings of Scots. 9a. Castle Irvine. The northwest tower of Access: Open all year. It is now the Hunter Clan (private house). this home of the Montgomerie Museum. Access: May be Take the A78 through Largs to Earls of Eglinton is possibly 4. Castle (ruin). viewed from the road. The the southside of Skelmorlie. An 14th century, the rest late Take the A78 to Ardrossan, public may see the interior on imposing mansion house 16th century. There are fine follow signs to ferry and turn the annual open day, usually in developed from the original carved stone mouldings round left into Hill Place. An earlier September. tower on the north end, which windows and doors and on castle on this site was captured was erected about 1500 as a bosses in the vaulted entrance. by from the 8. (private house). stronghold of the Montgomerie Mary, Queen of Scots is reputed English. Several fragments of a Take the A78 to Fairlie family. Most of the rest of the to have visited in 1563. powerful fortress remain. The and turn into Glen Road/ building is red sandstone - a fine Access: Exterior only. views over Ardrossan, Castlebank Drive. This four-storey example of Scots baronial and the Firth of Clyde are square tower was built around architecture from the 1850s. 2. (preserved ruin). spectacular. 1520. It has well preserved Access: May only be viewed Take Bank Street and Manson Access: Exterior only. chequered corbelling and four from the public road. Road, Ivine (A736). This minor angle turrets. seat of the Montgomeries dates 5. (private house). Access: The building has been 10. Castle (ruin). from the 16th century. The fairly Take the A78 north and then bought for conversion to a Take the A78 to Largs and then complete tower house has two the B7047. This five-storey tower private house, but exterior the A760 to . After Tesco rows of detached corbels. The house was built about 1490 by access is unimpeded at present. turn left along Dipple Road and lance-shaped windows were Thomas Boyd as a home for his after 1 mile turn left downhill to added for romantic effect bride, Princess Mary, sister of 9. Blackburn Farm road end. These about 1750. The adjacent gates James III, King of Scots. It’s been (visitor attraction). dramatic ruins are perched on a erected about 1800 are worth recently refurbished, with the Head north along A78 and turn promontory surrounded on three a look. Access: Viewing is only stonework covered with light- landward after Fairlie into sides by the deep gorge of the possible from outside a fenced coloured harling, as it would Kelburn Country Centre. . The site was enclosure. have been when it was built. The Castle has been the home probably occupied by Hugh Access: Exterior only. of the Boyle family (later Earls of de Morville, Norman overlord 3. Glasgow) for over 800 years. It of in the 12th (ruin and visitor centre). 6. Portencross Castle incorporates a 16th century Z- century. Go to the A78 via B7080, take (preserved ruin). plan castle with corner towers. Access: Open access over the exit and follow the Leave West Kilbride on the An elegant mansion was added a muddy field. Beware of loose Country Park signs. This was a B7048 and cross the A78. in 1700 and a Victorian wing in stonework and very steep drops grand castellated mansion, the This tower house was the 1880. A visitor centre, historic to the river. seat of the Montgomerie Earls of stopover point for the early Eglinton. Only one five-storey Kings of Scots as they travelled corner tower and some portions between the royal castles of wall remain. An overlook at Dundonald and Rothesay. gives a view of extensive King signed foundations and pleasant a charter here in 1306. surroundings. In 1800 a mansion Access: Exterior only. was built here which hosted the Eglinton Tournament, an

Kelburn Castle 14 The Castles of Ayrshire trails of discovery 15

6. Castle Dundonald road for the (preserved ruin). following two castles. This 14th Take the B743 west from Sorn. century tower house was built This15th century tower-house, in by King Robert II on the site of the centre of Mauchline was an earlier castle built by built as a monastic residence for Alexander 4th Steward of Melrose Abbey. It is said that Scotland (his grandfather) Robert Burns married Jean around 1260. It is now in the Dean Castle Armour in the dining room. care of Historic Scotland. 11. Blair House/Castle street. Occasionally open during Access: visible from street. Access: April to October. (private house). doors open day, usually in Return to Kilbirnie, take the B760 September. 6a. and Doon Castle 9. Auchans Castle to Dalry and from the railway (preserved ruin). (preserved ruin). station go along Blair Road. 3. Take the A76 to and This was extended in 1664 to an Originally a 14th century tower (preserved ruin). , then the B741 to L-shaped plan. Samuel Johnson house, this is now a grand Drive half a mile along the A719 . Turn south on the and James Boswell visited here mansion set in woodland. from Galston and turn left at the A713 and then turn right onto in 1773. Access: No access. The Access: The estate is open Galston roundabout. The original the classified road signposted building has been fenced off to walkers from dawn to dusk tower house was built in the 15th for Loch Doon. This 13th century due to its dangerous condition. every day, but there is no century by the Crawfords of castle, which used to be on a vehicle access except on Loudoun. After many illustrious small island in the middle of the Southern Ayrshire business. No access to the occupiers, including Oliver loch, often gave shelter to 1. Maybole Castle interior. To return to Irvine, go Cromwell’s General Monck, Robert the Bruce. It was (Occupied Building). back to Dalry and take the the castle was badly damaged destroyed by fire during the Start from Ayr and take the A77 A737 Kilwinning road. by fire in 1940. It is now in the reign of James V. The ruins were to Maybole.It serves as offices grounds of Loudoun Castle reconstructed on the mainland, for the Culzean and Cassillis Time to spare? Visit the Museum Theme Park. Access: Outside when the loch level was raised Estates. It is thought that the of Ayrshire Country Life and only: can be viewed during for a hydroelectric scheme in building of the castle was Costume at Mill on opening hours of Loudoun the 1930s. If the loch is low, it is started by Gilbert Kennedy, this road. Castle Family Theme Park. still possible to see some of the 4th Earl of Cassillis (1541-76). original ruins. Access: at all Access: regular pattern of Central Ayrshire 4. Newmilns Tower times. opening times. 1. Dean Castle (preserved ruin). (visitor attraction). Return to the A71 and turn left 6b. (private The earliest part of the castle for Newmilns. Off Castle Street residence/visitor attraction). is a 14th century keep. The rest in the centre of the town. This Return to the A713, turn left and was added in the 15th century, small square four-storey tower after Dalmellington take the creating an excellent example was built around 1530. B741 to Straiton and the B7045. of Scottish palace architecture Access: Exterior Only. Can be This is one of the finest Regency of that period. The castle is viewed from Castle Street. castles in Scotland, designed by now a museum and has fine William Burn. All the original collections of arms, armour 5. Sorn Castle (private furnishings are there, as well as a and early musical instruments. residence/visitor attraction). good collection of paintings. Access: Grounds all year. Return to Galston and take The castle is set in 2000 acres of 2. Baltersan Castle Castle Wednesday to Sunday. the B7037. The spectacular woodland, including 500 acres (Preserved Ruin). location of this 14th century of idyllic parkland. Access: Continue two miles south along 2. Barr Castle (preserved ruin). tower house, to the west of the House and grounds usually the A77. This late 16th century Take the A71 to Galston. This tall village, was chosen for its open during summer months. L-plan tower house is visible rectangular tower in Barr Street defensive position overlooking from the road. It used to be was built in the 15th century. the River Ayr. Access: Grounds 7. Dundonald Castle on Crossraguel land until it was John Knox preached here in open in summer, castle (visitor attraction). aquired by David Kennedy of 1556. Access: Visible from the July/August. Continue on the B7045 to Pennyglen in 1569. Access: the A77 (north), leave it at Visible from the road. Symington and take the 16 The Castles of Ayrshire trails of discovery 17

3. It was abandoned by the family 10. Ardstinchar () 14. Culzean Castle (conserved ruin). when their new house was built. Castle (Preserved Ruin). (Visitor Attraction). This Cluniac monastery was Access: at any time. Go back to the junction Continue on the A719 north. founded in the 13th century. In with the B734 and turn towards Built from 1772 to 1790, this addition to the ruins, the site 7. Bargany House (gardens). Colmonnel and Ballantrae. masterpiece by Robert Adam includes an early doocot, a 16th Follow the unclassified road This dramatic ruin stands at the features a marvellous oval century gatehouse and the to . The house was built mouth of the in staircase, a circular salon and impressive remains of the tower in 1681 and restored in the late Ballantrae village (A77). Mary, the Eisenhower Suite, where the house of the . Access: 20th century: it is not open to Queen of Scots sheltered here. US president stayed frequently. Historic Scotland property. the public. The gardens and Access: at any time. The estate includes a deer park, Regular opening hours. woodland policies are notable gas and fountain courts, swan for their woodland and pond, viaduct, icehouse, rhododendron walks, a pond camellia house, orangery and and the graceful 18th century pagoda. Access: Grounds – at Duke’s Bridge. Access: Gardens all times. Castle – regularly open only. Regularly open during the throughout the summer. summer. 15. Dunure Castle 8. (private house). Dunure Castle (Preserved Ruin). Ardstinchar Castle Continue towards Old Dailly. Continue on the A719. This 14th Take the B734 to Barr and turn 11. Carleton Castle (Ruin). century square keep stands six 4. Kilkerran (private house). left at the next junction. Well Take the A77 north towards miles south of Ayr in the village From Crossraguel return to hidden in a wooden glen, Penkill Girvan. Overlooking , of Dunure. It boasts a 17th Maybole and take the B7023. was built for the Boyd family in this 15th century Kennedy century doocot. Mary, Queen In Crosshill turn right and join the 16th century and restored in watchtower was the home of of Scots, stayed here on her tour the B741 towards Dailly. the 19th century. Many leading Sir John Cathcart. He married, down the west coast. Access: at On your left you’ll come pre-Raphaelites were involved in robbed and murdered several all times across the house. This grand the decoration. Access: open young women until he met his country house was built about occasionally in the summer. match in May Kennedy of 1730 for Sir James Fergusson, Cassillis. Access: visible from the Lord Kilkerran. It’s still lived in by road. the Fergusson family. Access: visible from the road. 12. (Ruin). Turn into Turnberry on the A719. 5. Dalquharran House (ruin). The remains of this 13th century Drive on towards Dailly and castle stand half a mile’s walk you’ll see the dramatic ruin of along the access track to this castle-style house by Robert Turnberry lighthouse. Robert Adam stands proud on the the Bruce landed here from 16. Greenan Castle hillside on the far side of the Culzean Castle Arran in 1307 and recaptured (Preserved Ruin). . A prestigious it from the English. Return to the A719 and hotel and golf resort 9. Pinwherry Castle (Ruin). Access: at any time. continue north. This rectangular development is planned. Continue towards Barr, follow four-storey tower house, two Access: Visible from the road the B734 towards Pinwherry, and 13. Thomaston Castle (Ruin). miles south of Ayr, was built in turn left at the junction with the On the edge of the Culzean 1603. It stands by the cliff edge, 6. Old (ruin). A719. Covered with ivy, this 16th estate, about a mile after atop the site of an Iron Age fort. Drive into Dailly, park near century L-plan fortified house village. This 16th The original may have been an the church, and walk over is near the road bridge over century castle was built on land Arthurian stronghold, possibly the footbridge. This was a the Duisk Water. Access: visible once held by a nephew of Camelot. Access: Turn off A719 rectangular 15th century tower from the road. Robert the Bruce. Access: can to Greenan Shore house, with a round tower and be seen from the A719. a long wing added in 1679. Photography - Francis Lopez Text - Douglas Easton, Rob Close and Alastair Breckenridge 18 A Burns Roundup trails of discovery 19

Early Life: Ayr and Carrick. 11. Kirk Alloway 15. Kirkoswald. Robert Burns was born in 4. Auld Brig This charming kirk had In his youth Burns often visited Alloway, near Ayr, on 25th This ancient bridge dates back fallen into ruin by the time relatives in the village of January 1759 in a small to the early 1200s and features of Burns and inspired tales Kirkoswald. He returned in 1775 thatched cottage built by his in Burns’ poem, The Brigs of Ayr. of ghosts, devils, and witches. to learn land surveying in Hugh father. The poet’s upbringing on Burns conceives a conversation In Burns’s famous poem, it’s here Rodger’s School now part of the the banks of the river Doon was between the trusty old bridge that Tam o Shanter encounters Shanter Inn, but his attention often tough. As the oldest child, and the fancy new bridge the witches. The poet’s father was distracted by a lass called Burns was needed to labour on beside it. The Auld Brig lies buried at the entrance of Peggy Thomson who ‘overset the family lands at Alloway and prophesises ‘I’ll be a brig when the graveyard. my Trigonometry and set me off Mount Oliphant from an early you’re a shapeless cairn’ which in a tangent from the sphere of age. Robert and his brother came to pass in 1877 when a 12. Burns Monument my studies’. Gilbert did, however, receive flood destroyed the New Brig. This Grecian style monument to tuition in the Classics, English, Burns was designed by Thomas 16. Souter Johnnie’s Cottage French, and Mathematics. 5. Carnegie Library Hamilton and completed in and Kirkoswald Kirkyard Religious instruction from their The library’s excellent collection 1823. The monument and The cottage was the home father and fireside tales of the of Burns’s works and illustrations gardens overlook the Brig o and workshop of John Davidson, supernatural from Betty is a must for the curious. Doon and Alloway Auld Kirk. shoemaker, who was Souter Davidson, a relative of his Johnnie in Tam o Shanter. mother, added to Robert’s 6. Whigham’s Wine Merchant It contains period furniture, education. Although Burns This family business supplied Burns relics and a reconstructed moved to in 1777, wine to Burns and has accounts souter’s workshop. The kirkyard he had already started to in his name. opposite contains the graves compose verse. It is clear from of Tam o Shanter, Souter Johnnie, his later work that he frequently 7. Site of ’s House Hugh Rodger, Kirkton Jean, returned to the landscape of his Murdoch instructed Robert and Burns Cottage Burns’ maternal grandparents childhood for inspiration. in English and and great-grandparents. French. It is clear from his Park in Ayr Town Centre to easily 17. Shanter Farm walk round to see 1 to 7. Look at 8. Rozelle House Art Gallery later work that he This was the home of Douglas Alloway Walking Tour for details and Museum frequently returned Graham, on whom Burns on 8 to 13. On the route of Tam o Shanter’s modelled Tam o Shanter. eventful journey home from Ayr, to the landscape Graham is said to have owned 1. Statue of Robert Burns Rozelle now shows a vivid of his childhood a boat called Tam (nicknamed Dating from 1891, George depiction of the poem in the Tam o Shanter because it Anderson Lawson’s powerful Goudie collection of paintings. for inspiration. belonged to the owner of the likeness of the poet faces 13. Brig o Doon farm of that name), which he towards the village of Alloway. 9. Burns Cottage and Museum The romantic stony arch of used to smuggle drink ashore. Burns National Heritage Park the late medieval brig (bridge) His wife was as opposed to drink 2. Tam o Shanter Inn Robert Burns was born here in was the setting for Tam o as Graham was keen – this Relax in this thatched alehouse, the kitchen of the ‘auld clay Shanter’s frightful escape supplied Burns with the moral the notural place to celebrate biggin’ built by his father. from the witches. basis for the tale of Tam. Tam o Shanter’s day out in Ayr. For many years it was a Burns 10. Alloway Village Hall 14. Mount Oliphant Farm museum. Directly opposite Burns Cottage, This hilltop farm was described the hall has a finely plastered by John Gray (Burns Federation 3. Auld Kirk of Ayr barrel vault and depicts scenes 1967) as ‘a ruinous bargain’. Burns family attended this from Burns’s life and work on the The Burnes family farmed here beautiful riverside church where walls at either end. from 1766-77. It was here Burns his father was an elder. composed his first song, ‘O once I loved a bonnie lass’.

Souter Johnnie’s Cottage 20 A Burns Roundup trails of discovery 21

Rich material for the budding poet

The Burnes family lived at Lochlea Farm, only a mile to the daughters lie alongside north of Tarbolton, from 1777 – 1784. After the death of Robert’s contemporaries such as William father they moved to Mossgiel Farm which he and his brother Fisher (‘Holy Willie’) and Gavin Gilbert had secretly arranged to rent while their father had still Hamilton, Burns’ friend and been alive. The social opportunities offered to Burns in patron whose house overlooks Tarbolton and Mauchline offered him rich material. He painted the kirkyard. scenes of local life and character with humour and honesty. He had a number of love affairs during this time, most famously 10. Statue of . with ‘Highland Mary’ Campbell. Almost certainly he intended to The world’s first statue to emigrate to the West Indies with her but, following the success Robert’s wife was unveiled of his first book in 1786, he turned his attentions to marriage in 2002. with Jean Armour and to further publications in Edinburgh. Campbell died later that year, some say in childbirth. Burns Burns used the experience of these turbulent used the experience of these turbulent years to create some of the most memorable poetry ever written. years to create some of the most memorable 1. Stair House (east of B730) that, for the second time, she poetry ever written. The owner of this handsome was pregnant to Robert. mansion, Mrs Catherine Stewart 11. Poosie Nansie’s Inn. of Stair, was the poet’s first 6. Lochlea Farm. A raucous party of travelling folk patron from the Ayrshire gentry. B744/2km south of A719. When at this house of ill repute inspired his family farmed here between Burns to compose The Jolly 2. Highland Mary Monument, 1777 and 1784, Robert began to Beggars. Today visitors can have Failford (B743). This beautifully experiment both as a farmer a pint and a bite to eat in the sited sandstone pillar stands and as a writer. Lochlea is still front room where the beggars by the Fail Burn (stream) where a working farm and access is ‘held the splore’. Burns and his lover ‘Highland restricted. Mary’ parted for ever. 7. Mossgiel Farm and National 3. Bachelors’ Club, Tarbolton Burns Memorial Tower East Burns took dancing lessons in Mossgiel Farm. B744/A76. the upper storey of this building The National Burns Memorial in 1779. He helped establish a Tower and a cairn by the debating society for single men, roadside (B744) commemorate which gives the property its the importance of Robert’s time name, on 11th November 1780. at Mossgiel. The poems he wrote He became a Freemason in 1781. here include ‘’ and ‘The Holy Fair’. 4. Lodge Tarbolton St James. Burns was Depute Master 8. Burns House Museum of this masonic lodge from and Nanse Tinnock’s Inn. 1784-88. This excellent museum presents the Mauchline years of Robert’s 5. Willie’s Mill. life. An apartment in the main South of B744, east of Tarbolton. museum became his first Now a private dwelling, Willie’s married home in1788. Mill was owned by Burns’s friend William Muir, who is mentioned in 9. Mauchline Kirkyard. the poem 'Death and Dr Mauchline Kirkyard reads like Hornbook'. Muir took in Jean a Who’s Who of the poet’s life. Armour, when she discovered The graves of four of his Jean Armour 22 A Burns Roundup trails of discovery 23

Wider Horizons in Kilmarnock and Irvine

Burns came to Irvine in the summer of 1781 to learn the craft of dressing flax, which he intended to grow on the family farm at Lochlea. His stay was notable, however, for a ‘bosom-friendship’ with Captain , a worldly wise sailor six years Robert’s senior, who encouraged him to take his literary talents seriously. Four years later, Burns rode on horseback the eight miles from Mauchline to Kilmarnock with a collection of handwritten Robert Burns Eglinton manuscripts – poems, songs and epitaphs – the product 4. Auld High Kirk. thatched shed where the poet of several years’ composition. Sitting beside the town’s railway learnt the craft of flax dressing. The poet’s many friends had viaduct, the kirk dates back to already subscribed to a copy 1731. The kirkyard includes the 8. . of ‘Poems, Chiefly in the graves of John Wilson and See some of the rarest Scottish Dialect’. The now rare James McKie, a founding manuscripts in the poet’s Kilmarnock Edition was printed member of the Robert Burns hand, marvel at a fascinating in the town on 31st July 1786 World Federation. collection of art and and sold out overnight. Burns memorabilia and enjoy a lively left the town in January 1782 Irvine Beach 5. Burns Monument. audiovisual presentation in one after a disastrous fire. Dominating a ridge overlooking of the world’s oldest Burns Kilmarnock town centre, this clubs. 1. Newmilns monument dates from 1879 Burns was a frequent guest of and commemorates the first 9. Statue of Robert Burns (1896). the Rev. Dr George Lawrie at edition of ‘Poems, Chiefly in Created by the Victorian Newmilns Manse and became the Scottish Dialect’. A fire sculptor-poet J. Pittendreigh a member of Lodge Loudoun destroyed much of the tower McGillvray, this memorial stands Kilwinning in 1785. in 2004 but W.G. Stevenson’s on Irvine Moor, 1km north of marble statue of the poet Irvine town centre. 2. Burns and his Printer. survived and parts are still Bronze statues of Robert Burns visible. 10. Eglinton Woods. Arran from Ayrshire and John Wilson by Alexander Stroll in the footsteps of Captain Stoddart. Wilson’s printing press 6. Dean Castle. Richard Brown and Robert first published Burns in 1786. This is the headquarters of the Burns as they discussed his Robert Burns World Federation. poetry. A cairn and plaque 3. Laigh Kirk and It houses the Burns collection commemorates their winter Tam Samson’s Grave. once in the estate of James walk in 1781. The Laigh Kirk is mentioned , 14th Earl of in Burns’s biting satire ‘The Glencairn, who was a friend Photography - Alister Firth, Ordination’. Here lies the grave and patron of the poet. John Skilling of Tam Samson, a Kilmarnock Text - David Hopes, James seed merchant immortalised 7. Heckling Shed and Gibson, Angus Middleton, John Kirkoswald Kirkyard in ‘Tam Samson’s Elegy’. Lodging House Skilling, Dave Killicoat, Lord Relive Burns’s sojourn in Irvine Glasgow, John Skilling. in the winter of 1781/2 in the

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