Culzean Castle, Burns Country & the Ayrshire Coast

Departing from Glasgow you quickly climb into the Renfrewshire Hills where the first stop of the day will give you a glimpse into the future at Europe’s largest wind farm – big enough to supply clean energy to over 180,000 homes. From here the road south into Ayrshire is quick and easy passing through rich farming country with many small towns and villages.

On arrival at Culzean Country Park you will have the choice of visiting the castle and gardens or just the gardens and woodland walks. An entry fee is payable on arrival. (Please note there is no free option at this stop). The castle dates from the late 18th Century – a peaceful time in Scottish history so it is less a defensive castle and more like a great country house with fine furniture and beautiful Robert Adam architecture. Sitting right on the edge of the cliffs looking out over the Firth of Clyde the views are superb and the surrounding gardens are beautiful. For those who like walking there are miles of tracks and footpaths through the grounds – taking in the Swan Pond, deer park, and walled gardens as well as rocky coves and sandy beaches. This will also be your lunch stop.

After lunch you will follow the coastline to the tiny fishing village of Dunure with its ancient ruined castle and dark history. Continuing on, the road leads down into the village of Alloway. This is the countryside of Robert Burn’s – Scotland national poet - and you will see many places mentioned in his poems and songs –from Auld Kirk Alloway to the “Banks and Braes o’ Bonnie Doon”. The recently redeveloped visitor centre will tell you all you need to know about this remarkable man – born a poor farmer’s son but now famous as the writer of “Auld Lang Syne” – a song known and sung in friendship throughout the world. There are also riverside walks and the Auld Brig (old bridge) to explore as well as the haunted ruins of the old church. From here we return to Glasgow.