The Gulf Stream's warm current blesses Ayrshire with a mild climate which you will enjoy on this route which takes you from Stranraer to Scotland's largest city, Glasgow. On the road, which mainly sticks close to the west coast, take time to explore the many castles, beaches and beautiful rolling countryside, that this picturesque area has to offer.
The starting point of this route is the endearing west coast town, Stranraer. The harbour was built here in the 1700's and soon became a natural port for ferries to Ireland. Stranraer is an animated town with a lot to do. You should definitely go on the Stranraer Town Trail, which will take you to all the little hidden delights you might not see otherwise, such as the Garden of Friendship. This corner of town, was turned from wasteland into a pretty area, by the community in the 1920's. MacWilliam's Pump, a large water pump which was given to the town by the local blacksmith John MacWilliam in 1872, is yet another nugget of history which the streets of Stranraer offer. There are several luscious gardens for an afternoon stroll and a visit to Agnew Park for the children should not go unmissed. With pedal boats, a miniature railway and adventure playground the kids will love it, and maybe the grown ups too!
On your way northwards to Girvan, stop off at Carleton Castle. This ruin will fill your thoughts with the mysterious Scottish history. Apparently a haunted site, there have been eerie screams heard coming from the castle. No one is sure whether these sinister sounds belong to the first seven wives whom the mad bard, who lived here long ago, pushed to their death, or if they belong to the Bard himself who's eighth and final wife, got there before he had the chance. A spooky site worth a visit.
The pretty little seaside town, Girvan is the next stop. There has been a settlement in this area for around 5000 years, and as you can imagine there is an interesting history to match it. Stumpy Tower, the famous clock tower of Girvan was built in 1789 and was later used as a tollbooth in the reform riots of 1832. Another building you should take some time to see is the McKechnie Institute. Originally built as a library in 1888, this interesting piece of architecture is now used as a local art and exhibition centre so you should check out what's on when in the area. If it's a leisurely stroll you are after Stair Park is perfect for this. The park was given to Girvan as a gift from the Countess of Stair in 1875 and it now also homes a memorial to those lost in WWI and WWII. Make sure you manage to catch the views from the long sandy beach that Girvan has to offer and even take a boat trip out to the fascinating island Ailsa Craig. 10 miles off shore this volcanic plug is often called 'Paddy's Milestone' as it lies half way between Scotland and Belfast. Granite from the island has famously been used for over 250 years to make curling stones for the centuries-old Scottish sport. The island can be seen from many places along the coast but its shape appears mysteriously different from every angle.
A stop at Culzean Castle (pronounced 'Cullane') is essential to exploring this coastline. This castle is the National Trust for Scotland's most visited property and with its fairytale features it's understandable why. Designed by Robert Adam and finished in 1790 for David Kennedy, the 10th Earl of Cassilis, the castle sits dramatically on a cliff top with the rocky shore below. The castle contains a very interesting collection of paintings, furniture and an armoury and gives you a true sense of Scottish heritage. The top floor of the castle is known as the Eisenhower Apartment, which for those of us who can afford it, offers exclusive, premier accommodation. When the Kennedy family donated the castle to the National Trust for Scotland in 1945, they asked that the top floor be given to General Eisenhower as a thankyou from the people of Scotland. Eisenhower himself went on to stay in these magnificent rooms several times. Surrounded by 563 acres of Country Park, take time to explore outside. There is everything from gentle woodland paths to a serene swan pond, a truly worthwhile day out is to be had at Culzean.
Originally known as Inverayr or St John's Town of Ayr, Ayr is only a short ride up the coast from Girvan. The town grew up around a castle built here in 1197 by William I however by the 1300's Ayr was the main west cost port, a title it's maintained for several centuries until Glasgow took it over. There are no remains of the castle which stood here as it was demolished in 1654 by Oliver Cromwell to make way for a huge citadel, a lot of which outer walls still remain. Scotland's oldest merchant house, Loudoun Hall, built in 1513, is also worth a visit when in town.
Situated only a 10 minute drive from Ayr is Prestwick International Airport. This Airport which lies in the heart of Ayrshire was originally developed in 1935, and during WWII saw up to 250 aircrafts stationed here. On the 3rd of March 1960, Elvis Presley famously landed here. He stopped for only 80 minutes while his army plane was being re-fuelled, the only time he spent on British land. Nowadays the airport has flights leaving and arriving from all over the world, for more information please visit their website, www.gpia.co.uk.
Its hard to come to Ayrshire and not learn about the legendary Robert Burns and just 2 miles outside of Ayr you find the humble village of Alloway, the birthplace of the great poet. Here you will find the 'Auld Clay Biggin', the thatched cottage where Burns lived, which has been restored to its original setting as it was in the 18th Century. All over the village you will come across landmarks which influenced the artist such as the Auld Brig and The Kirk, both which feature in the famous prose 'Tam-O-Shanter'. There is much more about Rabbie Burns to be seen in Ayrshire, from a Burns museum in the town of Irvine, to the Burn's house in Mauchline, so be sure to keep your eyes open for signs of the poets heritage.
A short trip on the road and you reach the popular, seaside holiday spot, Ardrossan. With its beautiful unspoilt, sandy beaches and spectacular views across the Firth of Clyde, Ardrossan has a lot to offer. It was here in 1921 that the first ever short wave radio message was transmitted to America spanning a distance of 3,157 miles. The ferry leaves from here for the Isle of Arran, often described as 'Scotland in Miniature', this beautiful island should not be missed.
Heading further north once again and you will arrive at Largs. Less popular with commuters than other seaside towns, Largs grew as a genteel retirement resort. There is a marina and sailboats are in abundance here. Visit Prophet's grave, the grave of Rev. William Smith the local minister at the time the plague broke out in the town. Two yew trees border the entrance to the grave and legend has it that if these 2 trees ever join up, then the plague will return. The Vikingar! Centre, is full of great entertainment. Along with a historical and action packed Viking Experience, there is also a whole host of other things to do, from taking a dip in the swimming pool to visiting the theatre.
From Largs you can also take a short ferry ride, to the island of Great Cumbrae. Here you will find the quaint seaside resort of Millport which is well liked for its sandy beaches and excellent cycle route which takes you the 11 miles around the island.
Back on the mainland, if you are in need of stretching your legs then Douglas Park is close at hand. With a Neolithic tomb dating 3000 BC, this was the burial ground for the Beaker people, and makes for an interesting stop off before heading for Greenock.
The town of Greenock lies a quick 20 minute drive away. The story behind the name is, that there was a large green oak tree in the centre of town so locals began to call the area Green Oak, but the west coast Scottish accent produced the derivative, Greenock. Others say that it really comes from the Gaelic 'grianaig' meaning 'sunny' and has been translated into 'sunny place' or 'sunny knoll'. An interesting place to visit, Greenock has its fair share of history. It was in the 17th Century that the first pier was built here, boosting the developing shipbuilding trade in the town. The first harbour was built in 1710 and due to trading with America the town grew rapidly n the 18th and 19th Centuries. The town was home to many shipbuilders however none remain here today after the decline of the industry in the 20th Century. There is still a lot to see and do in the town, with plenty of shops and restaurants for all to enjoy and the harbour still offers a fascinating peek at the town's past.
The final leg of the journey is easy on the A8, taking you to Glasgow. In 1999 Glasgow won an award for the best architectural city in Britain. This award proved that Glasgow has successfully broken off the industrial shackles of the past and evolved as a city of stature and sophistication. As you walk around the city you can discover the renowned historical buildings such as the City Chambers, Glasgow University and Kelvingrove Art Gallery. More recently architectural innovations include The Lighthouse - a gallery space for young designers and Glasgow Science Centre which hosts an Imax Theatre, Glasgow Tower that stands over 100m tall and a visitor centre. This brings science and technology to life through a series of interactive exhibits – excellent for all ages.
Glasgow is a very friendly city and with many bars, gigs, excellent shopping and a lively arts scene you are assured you will never get bored. In the Merchant City you can shop at Ralph Lauren, Cruise, Armani, Versace and soon to be opening Gaunt. In the West End of Glasgow you can visit the trendy, cobbled street - Ashton Lane. This small street is lined with sophisticated bars and restaurants and it is an excellent place to enjoy a summer afternoon relaxing in one of the many beer gardens.
