Off The Beaten Track In Ayrshire – Sponsored
The west coast is a rolling realm of adventure and Ayrshire is a great place to start
FROM its long-stretching coastlines and lowland lochs, to its wide range of castles and country parks, Ayrshire has lots to offer. But venture off the beaten track and you will discover more.
Slow down and take time out amidst stunning landscapes, or get active in the great and magnificent outdoors.
It’s all right here waiting to be explored!
Craufurdland Estate
Craufurdland, just minutes off the M77, is a magnificent example of a traditional country estate. Complete with resident Laird, the estate maintains its historical roots whilst offering a range if activities. And these include biking trails, muddy trails and now, the latest offering – tree top trails!
Cowans Law
Located just outside Glasgow, in a picturesque corner of rural Ayrshire, Cowans Law offers professional country sports under the supervision of local expert instructors. So, if you’re looking for a totally different experience why not give clay shooting, fishing or archery a go! And whether it’s for the family or a corporate trip, the owner Jay Steel will tailor a bespoke package.
Loch Doon
Step back in time to a key period in Scotland’s history with a trip to Loch Doon Castle. It’s steeped in history, having been built by the family of Robert the Bruce in the late 1200s. The castle was originally on an island in the loch. However, it was moved stone by stone to its current location in the 1930s. Set on the banks of Loch Doon, close to the village of Dalmellington, this is an incredible spot to explore Scotland’s heritage.
The Scottish Dark Sky Observatory
Located within one of only a few ‘gold tier’ Dark Sky Parks in the world, the observaotry boasts some of the darkest skies in the UK. Sitting upon a fantastic hilltop site within Craigengillan Estate near to the village of Dalmellington, the heavens just open up. Designed to evoke wonder, there’s the roll-off roof observatory, dome-housed telescope, viewing deck and activity room. Pre-booking is essential.
Pic credit: Marc Charron
Barony A Frame
For industrial heritage, the magnificent Barony A Frame, near Auchinleck is an interesting outdoor monument. This celebrates the mining past of the region with spoken stories from some of the men who worked there. Restored in 2007 by the Barony A Frame Trust, it’s the last remaining example of its type in Britain.
Looking for more to do in Ayrshire? Read our Focus On Burns’ Cottage >>
