Oswald's Bridge - Old Coach Road - River Ayr Way - Mount Charles Wood - Oswald's Bridge

Derek Smith

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This circular walk is known locally as The Farm Trail, but you won't be going through a farmyard - only past some new barns. From the top of the hill walk along a farm track which used to be the old coach road to Ayr. A number of wild habitats have been created along the route including new hedge, flower-rich grassland area and tree and shrub planting. Look out for the old milestone (Ayr 3,5 miles; Auchincruive 1 mile). The return route of the walk takes you down through mixed woodland which provides a variety of habitat for a number of birds. The area is also the haunt of roe deer, foxes and badgers. At the end of the woods, you join the River Ayr Way. From Mount Charles there is a magnificent panoramic view inland over Oswald Hall to the Ayrshire hills, and seawards over the coastal towns to the Firth of Clyde, heads of Ayr, Bute and the Cumbraes, the Carrick Hills and the Mull of Kintyre. Also, in the distance you can see the Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive. In a prominent position on a gentle hill is Oswald's Temple or Tea House which was designed by Robert Adam for Richard Oswald in 1778. On a clear day Arran and the Mull of Kintyre are visible.

This walk is suitable for children, senior citizens and anyone in-between. Excellent for dogs, but hopeless for wheelchairs and buggies. Suitable footwear will be anything stout and flat soled and there should be no problems for anyone wearing shorts. There are no facilities on this walk.

Scotland - South Scotland - Ayrshire and Arran - Countryside