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Ayrshire

The region of Ayrshire is best known as the birthplace of Robert Burns, Scotland's great poet, loved and revered the world over. The vast majority of visitors come here to visit the many sights associated with the great bard, but the Ayrshire coast is also famed for its excellent golf courses, such as Turnberry, Troon and Prestwick. Ayr Racecourse that hosts the best racing in Scotland is another essential stopover for the sports enthusiasts.


There are a few other reasons for visiting Ayrshire, most notably Culzean Castle to the south of Ayr, one of Scotland's top tourist attractions. There is an armoury with a sizeable collection of flintlock pistols and swords; the  Fountain Court, the walled garden and the Victorian vinery are the other enjoyable sights around. One of the region's main attractions is the beautiful Isle of Arran, but it is covered in the Argyll section.


The most attractive part of Ayrshire is the south, from the main town, Ayr, south to Girvan. North of Ayr is a series of low-key resorts interspersed with ports and industrialized towns stretching to the mouth of the Clyde.

Activities

Walks

  • The Smugglers Trail

    The Smugglers Trail

    The Smugglers' Trail leads from the Main Street of the village of Loans through Dundonald Glen and up Dundonald Hill to the village of Dundonald and Dundonald Castle. The trail passes by Collenan Reservoir, crosses ancient woodland and provides stunning views over the Firth of Clyde. This historic route has been in regular use from early times and was a popular route used by smugglers, bringing their 'booty' back from the Ayrshire shores.

    An easy to moderate woodland walk, the incline sharpens to 1:6 in places. The walk takes about 1 hour.

Popular Visitor Attractions

  • Burns House Museum

     The Burns House Museum is situated in the centre of Mauchline amidst period buildings and cobbled streets. It houses displays of his life in Mauchline and readings of poems...

  • Saltcoats Beach

    Sandy beach between Ardrossan and Saltcoats in North Ayrshire with shallow water that is perfect for swimming and paddling as it is shallow for 100s of metres!