Alloway, Burns National Heritage Park and River Doon
A riverside walk in the heart of Burns country
Google Maps Open Source Maps| Statistics and Files | ||
|---|---|---|
| Start: Burns Cottage | Distance: 2.0 miles (3.2 km) | Climbing: 42 metres |
| Grid Ref: NS 33492 18588 | Time: 1 hour | Rating: Easy |
| GPX Route File | Google Earth File | About Alloway |
| Statistics | |
|---|---|
| Start: Burns Cottage | Distance: 2.0 miles (3.2 km) |
| Climbing: 42 metres | Grid Ref: NS 33492 18588 |
| Time: 1 hour | Rating: Easy |
| GPX Route File | Google Earth File |
Ordnance Survey Explorer Map (1:25,000)
The Walk: Although Alloway is now a suburb of the town of Ayr, it has a long history as a separate village in its own right as well as many associations with its most famous son, the poet and lyricist Robert Burns. He was born in 1759 in a 'clay biggin' which has been preserved as one of the best examples of traditional housing in the western lowlands of Scotland. The walk begins from the cottage which is single storey and thatched, with walls of solid clay.
Burns Cottage
Bridge O'Doon
Attached to Burns Cottage is a museum which you may want to visit before or after the walk. It contains a large collection of Burns manuscripts and letters. Moving on through Alloway, overlooking the valley of the River Doon stands the roofless shell of Alloway Auld Kirk, surrounded by a fine collection of 18th century tombstones which includes Burns father who used the old family name of Burness. Robert Burns famous work 'Tam O'Shanter' features the kirk.
The River Doon is spanned by Bridge O'Doon, a high arched structure reputed to date from the 13th century. Once on a popular droving route, today it is restricted to pedestrian traffic. Again, as with the auld kirk, the bridge features as an important piece in the 'Tam O'Shanter' story.
From the crest of the bridge there is a fine view of the famous 'banks and braes of bonnie Doon', that were immortalised by the poet. The woods on the far side of the river form part of the Doon estate where Robert's father once worked as a gardener. A short distance upstream are the remains of Bridgend Castle.
From the New Bridge there is a good view of the steep sided valley through which the River Doon runs its course. Further downstream and above the path are the ruins of Cambusdoon House which was the home of the 19th century steel tycoon and philanthropist, James Baird. Although the house is now a ruin the surrounding woods and gardens are still well maintained.
Acknowledgments: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.
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