The South West Coastal 300 is a stunningly scenic 300 mile road trip around the South West of Scotland. If you are looking for breathtaking scenery, enchanting coastlines and new things to see and do, this is the road trip for you.

Whether you are a Nature Lover, an Adventure Seeker, if you’re into History and Heritage or Arts and Culture, if you’re looking for family fun or would like a Taste of the South West – I’m going to make some suggestions for things you might like to do when travelling the SWC 300 from Ayr to Dumfries……enjoy…

Head off from Ayr on the A77 South (signposted Stranraer)

The first village you will come to is Minishant – just after it turn left onto the B7045 and the next place you’ll come to is Kirkmichael – with the village of Straiton just 5 miles further on.

Straiton and Kirkmichael

Straiton and Kirkmichael are both conservation villages on the South West Coastal 300.  Straiton with its wide village street and attractive stone built cottages is neatly placed 100 yards above a sweeping bend of the winding Water of Girvan. The village is on the edge of Galloway Forest Park – the largest forest in the UK and makes an excellent base for exploring the delights the park has to offer.

Straiton features in the 50 Most Beautiful Villages in Scotland book and was the main location of the film “The Match” due to its resemblance to a highland village. Nearby Blairquhan Castle also doubled as Balmoral Castle in the film “The Queen”. starring Helen Mirren.  In Straiton itself, St Cuthbert’s Church is well worth a visit. The church dates back to the 13th Century and has a particularly interesting graveyard with some unusual and beautifully carved headstones.

For walkers, there are 5 waymarked trails all starting from the village where there is an information board on the walks. Enjoy the waterfalls, river banks and quiet woods. Possibly the most spectacular walk takes you to the summit of Craigengower Hill (Hill of the Goats) and the impressive monument to Sir James Hunter Blair which dominates the view from the village. On a clear day you can see as far as Ben Lomond, Arran and Ailsa Craig.

Fishing permits for a 3 mile stretch of the river can be purchased (in the town) for a chance to catch trout, sea trout or salmon.

For cyclists, Straiton is within the Ayrshire Alps Cycling Park and there are also miles of forest track for mountain biking.

From Straiton head West to Dalmellington

Dalmellington

As you enter Dalmellington, the sign says “A Village in the Stars”. Dalmellington is at the edge of Galloway Forest Park, famed for its dark skies. Just a few miles from the village you will find the Scottish Dark Sky Observatory – a great way to find out about the stars (booking strongly advised).

The view of Dalmellington from a distance is dominated by the high tower of The Kirk of the Covenant. The building dates back to 1846 and commemorated the Covenanters who lived and died there. The red door of the church symbolises the blood spilled. The Water of Muck flows through Dalmellington and joins the famous River Doon a few miles downstream.

Dalmellington makes a great base for exploring the stunning scenery of Galloway Forest Park. It is only a few miles from Dalmellington to Loch Doon – home to the spectacular ruins of Loch Doon Castle which is thought to have been built in the 1200’s by either King Robert the Bruce or his father. Have a speciality tea  or a light lunch at Dorinnes Tea Room, visit Just to Say Gifts and Flowers and also Elizabeth James Creations – just a few of the small businesses in Dalmellington.

Walking – There are many walks to be done in the stunning countryside surrounding Dalmellington including a circuit of Loch Doon for the really fit. A sign in the village centre displays options for several routes.

Carrick Forest Drive

The Forestry Commission describe the Carrick Forest Drive as ” a taste of wilderness” and an easy way to discover remote and splendid mountain scenery. The drive is 6 miles on unsealed road from the southern tip of Loch Doon to Stinchar Bridge near Straiton. The road is suitable for most vehicles and is open from 7 May to October. There is a small toll fee.. There are picnic areas and a childrens adventure playground about half way along the drive at Loch Riecawr. Hillwalkers will enjoy Cornish Hill which can be climbed from Stinchar Bridge at the end of the drive. The walk takes about 2 hours and also passes the remote Cornish Loch. 

If you would prefer to do some mountain biking there are mountain bike routes in Galloway Forest Park, between Barr in Ayrshire and Loch Doon – where the routes are at high level much of the way so they enjoy good views.  They start from the village of Barr in Ayrshire, and reach Dumfries and Galloway at Loch Doon. The hills tend to be steeper and longer at the east (Barr) end of the route.   There are four different circular possibilities, most of which use public roads to link up circular routes. These could be linked in a number of ways. The part between Loch Doon and Loch Braden is linear only.

On your travels around the Carrick Forest, you may see much wildlife including Black Grouse, Red Deer, Roe Deer, Buzzard, Golden Eagles and Peregrine Falcon.  If you’re driving – the Carrick Forest Drive may be incorporated into a circular route from Dalmellington to Straiton along the B741 which also forms part of the SWC300 then left at Straiton to head south on a minor road to Stinchar Bridge where you pick up the Forest Drive to Loch Doon then back to Dalmellington.  If you fancy a bite to eat – the Roundhouse Café at Loch Doon is open 7 days a week April to October and, weather permitting at weekends during the rest of the year.

On leaving Dalmellington head further west and through New Cumnock (where there’s an Open Air Swimming Pool), before turning onto the A76 (signposted Dumfries) passing through Kirkconnell, Kelloholm, Crawick and coming to Sanquhar.

Sanquhar

Sanquhar was one of the first Royal Burghs in Scotland and the town also has the world’s oldest Post Office, opened in 1712 and still operational.  Sanquhar is on the River Nith – one of Scotland’s top salmon rivers and makes a great base for exploring Upper Nithsdale and beyond. When you think about Scotland’s highest places, most wouldn’t consider the south of Scotland but Sanquhar is less than 10 miles away from the two highest villages in Scotland – Wanlockhead and Leadhills where you can immerse yourself in the rich mining history of gold and lead and visit the Lead Mining Museum.  

Also nearby to Sanquhar is Crawick Multiverse – a landscape art project designed by Charles Jencks It’s an amazing land art installation for you to explore and enjoy.  Whether you are interested in cosmology, science, art or just want to wander around and savour the beautiful landscape you will be warmly welcomed.

Continue South on the A76 til just after Mennock where you’ll turn left onto the B707 – heading to Wanlockhead.

Wanlockhead

Wanlockhead is Scotland’s highest village and is situated in the Lowther Hills. It’s a former lead mining village near the head of the Mennock Pass and on the Southern Upland Way walking trail. Sitting at an altitude of 467 metres, Wanlockhead is the highest village in Scotland..

The Museum of Lead Mining in Wanlockhead tells the story of the local industry and allows the opportunity to go down a former working mine. The Miners’ Library, founded in the 18th century, houses detailed records of mining operations and carries a fascinating photographic collection.  Food is available at the tearoom.   At the Straitsteps Cottages you can experience what life was like for a miner in the 18th and 19th centuries. The artefacts on show illustrate how the people of Wanlockhead lived and worked.

The Leadhills and Wanlockhead Light Railway is Britain’s highest adhesion railway, reaching 1498 feet above sea level. It was built to take refined lead to Scotland’s central belt, but closed in 1938. Now a length of gauge track has been re-opened between Wanlockhead and Leadhills, with trips available at weekends during the summer.

Turn back onto the B707 and continue to Leadhills where you’ll take a right turn onto the  B7040 – leading to Elvanfoot where you’ll turn left (heading North-West) on A702 towards Station Rd.  In 1.3 miles turn right onto the B7076, then at the roundabout (0.4 miles) take the 1st exit and stay on the B7076.  Continue on the B7076 for 7.1 miles then turn left onto the B719 and in 3 miles Turn Right onto the A701.  In 2.2 miles at the roundabout take the turning to Moffat.  

Moffat

Moffat lies just beneath the striking natural grandeur of the Devil’s Beef Tub (The Devil’s Beef Tub is a deep, dramatic hollow in the hills north of the Scottish town of Moffat. The 500-foot (150 m) deep hollow is formed by four hills, Great Hill, Peat Knowe, Annanhead Hill and Ericstane Hill – and it’s worth seeing).

In local historian Emillio Dicerbo’s fantastic book “Memories of Moffat” we read “In the seventeenth century, Moffat’s transformation from a poor ‘Brigadoon’ – like village to the beginning of a popular Spa town occurred”.  The sulphurous waters of Moffat Spa were believed to have healing properties and as more and more people flocked to Moffat, the “healing waters” were piped from the well to the “Baths Hall”  (now the Town Hall). The town began to grow and more accommodation was required to cater for the thousands of annual visitors.  

The hills above Moffat are one of the two main sources of the River Annan and the town is also the home of the world famous Moffat Toffee.

If walking is your thing….this is the perfect place for walkers. On the scenic Southern Upland Way and the most northerly point on the Annandale Way, you’ll find Moffat offers a stunning landscape for your walking holiday and a warm and friendly place to rest awhile. The town is also a perfect base for visiting the Grey Mare’s Tail – a spectacular 60 metre waterfall which flows from Loch Skeen. The walk to Loch Skeen via the Grey Mares Tail  has been listed as one of the UKs finest half day walks and you also have the possibility of seeing a herd of mountain goats. The walk to Loch Skeen takes about 2 – 2.5 hours.  For the more adventurous walker, one of Scotland`s Corbetts, White Coomb can be climbed from Loch Skeen while two other Corbetts, Hart Fell and Broad Law are nearby.

If you fancy staying over or stopping for a lovely lunch or dinner  – check out the Black Bull Inn in Moffat – a luxurious 15 bedroom boutique hotel, bar and restaurant.  Dating back to 1568, the ancient Inn was famously frequented by The Bard, Robert Burns, who enjoyed many a raucous party in the establishment – a history which remains intertwined into the very fabric of the hotel to this day. As well as being rich in Burnsian history, the Inn also has a macabre past as it was commandeered by The Earl Of Dundee and his company of Dragoons as the headquarters from which they carried out their relentless persecution of Scottish Presbyterians.  Today The Black Bull Inn is family owned and has been transformed into a calm, tranquil, quirky hotel with cosy bar and intimate bistro.

After leaving Moffat – you can head on  the A701 South – before taking the B7076 just after Beattock.  Continue on the B7076 until you reach Lockerbie – then take the A709 towards Lochmaben.

Lochmaben

Lochmaben is a small town that boasts three lochs and is 8 miles from Dumfries. The lochs in and around Lochmaben – Kirk Loch, Castle Loch and Mill Loch – provide excellent opportunities for sailing and fishing. Lochmaben is also on the route of the Annandale Way long-distance walking trail. The town isn’t far from the popular 7stanes mountain biking centres at Ae forest and Mabie forest if you fancy some cycling.  Lochmaben has a long and intriguing history that dates back to the 13th century. Lochmaben Castle was the home of Robert the Bruce when he was Lord of Annandale and a statue of Bruce stands before the town hall. Lochmaben was also the birthplace of William Paterson, the co-founder of the Bank of England. 

From Lochmaben continue along the A709 – which takes you back to your start point in Dumfries…..

I hope my Blog has given you some insight into the beautiful South West Coast of Scotland – and let you plan a future  trip here around the South West Coastal 300 route……….enjoy…..

Whether you are a Nature Lover, an Adventure Seeker, if you’re into History and Heritage or Arts and Culture, if you’re looking for family fun or would like a Taste of the South West – I’m going to make some suggestions for things you might like to do when having a break for a few days in the beautiful seaside town of Ayr on your journey around the South West Coastal 300……enjoy……

All about Ayr……

With a street plan dating back to the 1200s and many fine buildings from the centuries since, Ayr is an attractive town with a real sense of its history. When you add a river that was first bridged 800 years ago, a harbour that for centuries was the most important on the west coast of Scotland, a racecourse dating back (on an earlier site) to 1770 and all the trappings of a seaside resort, you end up with a town that has something for everyone.

Nowadays Ayr is a popular seaside resort, complete with charming sea front, leafy suburbs and range of places to stay.  It has a fantastic esplanade with a long sandy beach which is perfect for walking and vistas directly to the beautiful Island of Arran. 

Scotland’s national bard, Robert (Rabbie) Burns, was born in Alloway, on the outskirts of the town – check out  the many visitor attractions in town all about him.  Also – Ayr Racecourse, dating back to the 18th century but now relocated elsewhere in the town, runs many Flat and National Hunt meetings throughout the year and is particularly famous as the venue of the Scottish Grand National, the Ayrshire Handicap and the Ayr Gold Cup.

There is also good shopping and some lovely Bars and Restaurants in Ayr and some great leisure facilities including three public golf courses: Belleisle, Seafield and Dalmilling and several private courses nearby where visitors are made more than welcome.

Below are suggestions for things you might like to see and do while staying for 3 or 4 days in Ayr.

Find out about Rabbie Burns..

Explore all about Robert (or Rabbie) Burns, the Ayrshire ploughman who become one of the world’s best known poets.

The Robert Burns Birthplace Museum is made up of six sites within the village of Alloway (within the town of Ayr), all within easy reach of each other and offer a truly unique insight into Scotland’s favourite son.

• Burns Cottage – the cosy 3-room cottage where Burns was born and lived until the age of 7
• Monument and Gardens – designed by Sir Thomas Hamilton, complete with nine pillars from Greek mythology
• Brig O’Doon – follow in Tam O’Shanter’s footsteps across the 15th century cobblestone bridge over the River Doon
• Poet’s Path – an attractive pedestrian pathway connecting Burns cottage with the main museum site
• Alloway Auld Kirk – visit the graves of Burns’ father and sister in this 16th century church ruin – ‘where ghaists and houlets nightly cry’
• The Museum – listen to his words, handle objects connected to the man, play games that unravel his mysteries and enjoy visual artworks as well as enjoying a welcome break for sustenance in the restaurant

Visit Dumfries House

Dumfries House is an 18th Century Robert Adam designed stately home, which houses an unrivalled, fully documented collection of rococo furniture by Thomas Chippendale and three 18th Century Scottish cabinetmakers. It is located within a 2000 acre estate, around 2 miles west of Cumnock, East Ayrshire and after being threatened with sale and dispersal in 2007 Dumfries House was saved for the nation by HRH, Prince Charles, The Duke of Rothesay (as The Prince is known in Scotland) who led a consortium of organisations and individuals in a passionate campaign for its rescue.  It has beautiful gardens, a visitor centre, restaurant, cafe and shop – there really is something for everyone………

For Family Fun – younger visitors will enjoy……

Heads of Ayr Farm Park and undercover Play N’Wild adventure barn is only 4 miles South of Ayr on the A719 coastal road and whatever the weather there is always something to do there – with activities for all the family!

Ayr Beach and Playpark will keep those young (and those young at heart) entertained for hours. In addition to the stunning safe sandy beach which goes on for miles there’s a great playpark and for younger children Pirate Pete’s is just next door. Pirate Pete’s is Scotland’s biggest indoor adventure play as well as Scotland’s first mini championship putting course. There is also a traditional seafront tearoom and kids outdoor funpark. 

For all the family – take a day trip to the beautiful Island of Arran – which has long been called ‘Scotland in miniature’

The Isle of Arran

For an island only 20 miles long and 10 miles wide it packs in a lot!  It’s a great day away – catching the early ferry from Ardrossan (only 20 miles north of Ayr) to Brodick – where you can either jump on a seasonal bus tour around the island or take your car or bike with you.

Amongst the many things to see and do are:

Taste your way around the Island  – for a relatively small island, Arran packs in lots of flavours and you can sample them as you travel around.  It offers creamy cheeses, refreshing beers, traditional oatcakes, tempting chocolates and delicious ice cream. Book a tour at the Arran Distillery to discover the secrets behind the distilling process before sampling a dram of malt whisky or the creamy liqueur Arran Gold.

Explore the Arran Heritage Museum in Brodick or take part in the many outdoor leisure pursuits on offer, from climbing Goatfell (at 874 metres it is the highest point on the island), to playing golf at one of the 7 courses Arran has to offer, to cycling (bikes are available for hire) and pony trekking – there’s plenty for everyone to see and do!

Again for all the family – take a day trip to Glasgow 

Glasgow

Glasgow is a vibrant port city on the River Clyde in Scotland’s western Lowlands. It’s famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy of the city’s 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and shipbuilding. Today it’s a national cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as acclaimed museums, a thriving music scene and brilliant shopping.  It’s only a 50 minute train or bus ride from Ayr – the people are renowned for being very friendly and Glasgow is well worth a visit!

If you’re into having an active break take a look at some of the suggestions below:

Hiking – if you enjoy hiking while taking in nature at its best – parts of the Ayrshire Coastal Path run both North and South from Ayr (I’ll be featuring the full path in a future blog) – and the following sections can easily be walked getting public transport back and forward to Ayr..  

Girvan to Maidens – a walk of 8.1 miles on pavements, minor roads, farm tracks , rough gravel and sandy shore with three short Tidal Stretches.  For those of you who enjoy nature there is the opportunity to see Seabirds, seals and basking sharks, off Dipple Shore and Turnberry Point. 

Maidens to Dunure – a walk of 6.2 miles via sandy beaches, park paths, rocky outcrops, field-edge paths with one tidal stretch.  On this walk you can take in specimen trees in Culzean Country Park,  woodland and coastal birdlife,  seals and basking sharks in Croy Bay. In terms of geology there are raised beaches, agates and yellow sandstone cliffs with smugglers’ caves.

Dunure to Ayr – a walk of 8.9 miles taking in rocky escarpment/fields, livestock, rocky outcrops and shore, cliff top field path, railway track, sandy beach and eventually promenade. Nature to be seen on this part of the walk includes roe deer. raptors. finches and warblers. 

Ayr to Troon – an easy walk of 7.8 miles on promenade, pavements, paths and sandy beaches sometimes taking in the seals basking just off the shore in Troon and in Troon Harbour.

There are also beautiful walks in the Carrick Hills (just South of the town) providing an amazing vista looking all the way down the coast and taking in Ailsa Craig, Arran, the Mull of Kintyre and sometimes even Ireland……

If Horse Riding is your thing then get in touch in advance of your trip with Blackstone Clydesdales – and book a 2 hour ride on Ayr Beach on these beautiful gentle giants.  If you’re maybe not as confident as to ride on the beach or just want to try riding then get in touch with them and they can arrange that for you.

If Golf Is your passion – in addition to 7 Council Courses in Ayrshire – you should check out some lesser known gems including  Prestwick St Nicholas Golf Club – where there is a sea view from every hole.  If you’d like to find out more about golf in Ayrshire – take a look at a previous blog my husband Andy Marshall – who’s a PGA Professional put together for me on his top 10 golf courses in Ayrshire.

Walking/Jogging/Running – If you’re a Parkrun participant then there are 3 great events in the area where you can be a Parkrun tourist – Rozelle Park in Ayr, Troon Promenade, Troon and Eglinton Parkrun in Irvine – all events start at 9.30am on a Saturday morning.

If you’re a connoisseur of good food – you can find plenty of opportunities to sate your tastebuds at many lovely restaurants in the area.  Below are some that I have sampled myself – but this isn’t an exhaustive list…..

The Waterfront – Situated on South Harbour Street, Ayr, The Waterfront has spectacular views across the River Ayr towards Arran and includes a beautiful outdoor terrace . The interior provides a luxurious, comfortable setting for either a quick bite to eat, dinner or a perfectly chilled glass of Champagne.  It prides itself on its endeavours to use as many local Ayrshire suppliers as possible sourcing and delivering daily to ensure the food is made from the freshest Scottish ingredients. 

Another restaurant not to be missed is Scotts at Troon Yacht Haven.  With a stylish interior, seasonally changing menus and tempting wine list – it serves everything from 

bar nibbles and oysters to delicious sharing platters, freshly-landed lobster to prime Scotch steaks, Scotts refreshingly diverse drinks menu is equally impressive, with a cocktail list that has been inspired by some of the world’s most iconic bars, a carefully curated wine list, and a selection of artisan gins and craft beers from closer to home.  The views out towards the Isle of Arran and Ailsa Craig across the marina make it a lovely place to chill.

If you enjoy Thai food – there is a lovely Thai restaurant right in Ayr renowned for amazing food  called @home.  This restaurant does lunch and dinner and prepares the freshest, tastiest thai food you could ask for so is constantly sought after – therefore be sure to make a reservation in advance.

If you fancy something lighter – there is an Artisan Bakers – Bhaile Craft Bakery right in Ayr baking the most yummy sourdough bread and other goodies – there’s a cafe to sit in or you can pick up and take-away whatever you fancy.

If you fancy just stopping somewhere for a nice coffee when you’re out and about there are numerous lovely cafe’s on Prestwick’s bustling High Street – (the next town up the coast from Ayr) including Bramleys and Costley’s.

Hopefully some of these things have whetted your appetite to come and explore the South West Coastal 300 – spending some time in Ayr in particular.  In the next blog I’ll have suggestions for things to do while travelling between Ayr and Dumfries………………and please if you have any feedback I’d love to hear it……..