Welcome to Carrick, Ayrshire

FREE Welcome to Carrick, Ayrshire Experience more of Scotland www.carrickayrshire.com

2 lead the way explore turnberry, a luxury collection resort, in the heart of ayrshire Experience more of Scotland Welcome to Carrick, Ayrshire! One of the most stunning regions in Scotland invites you to enjoy the great outdoors and to discover a wealth of things to see and do. From picturesque villages and scenic walks to major visitor attractions and active harbours, visitors can discover a rich history and experience so much more of Scotland. The local communities of Carrick, Ayrshire, work together on tourism initiatives to ensure that visitors have more choice and more information for their holiday. The chairman of Carrick Community Councils Forum, Peter Mason, said, We have just launched a great community heritage trail. It helps visitors to discover hidden gems, spot elusive wildlife and tells fabulous stories on everything from poets and kings to boot-making and smuggling. Find out more about Carrick at www.carrickayrshire.com The Carrick Tourism Development Project is part-financed by the Scottish Government and the European Community Ayrshire LEADER 2007-2013 Programme. 3 Renowned for its world class golf courses, Turnberry s Ailsa course has hosted four Open Championships and is now also home to the Turnberry Performance Academy. In addition to creating memorable golfing moments, the resort also has a variety of exceptional experiences including six sparkling restaurants and bars, an indulgent ESPA spa and a thrilling selection of Turnberry Adventures! For more information, please call 01655 333 991 turnberryresort.co.uk www.carrickayrshire.com

4 5 Carrick: an area of beauty & diversity The towns and villages of South Ayrshire and Carrick are as varied as they are beautiful. Here are our thumbnail sketches of our welcoming communities Ballantrae From the southern tip of Carrick, Ballantrae offers stunning views of Ailsa Craig and the Carrick coastline. It is the first stop on the Ayrshire Coastal Path, known as one of Scotland s Great Trails, with an excellent reputation as a route which has everything to offer walkers. Families can enjoy the harbour and putting green and the town also offers good food and outdoor eating space at the biggest garden centre in Carrick, Craigiemains Home and Garden Centre.

6 7 Continued from p4 Barr Beside the converging rivers of the Stinchar and Greg, nestled inland among the gently rolling hills is the beautiful conservation village of Barr a perfect spot for visitors to enjoy some of the outdoor activities in the surrounding area. A great day s adventure can be rounded off in the Kings Arms where guests can enjoy some locally sourced food in a warm friendly atmosphere. Barrhill This peaceful village near to the Dumfries and Galloway border is a great place to begin walks and trails through the Galloway Forrest Park. The park has recently been designated as a dark skies park for astronomers. The village is also easily accessible because Barrhill train station is on the Glasgow South Western Line running between Glasgow and Stranraer. Colmonell Just inland from Ballantrae, lies the small village of Colmonell. Beautiful in its green surroundings Colmonell is in close proximity to the three ruined castles of Craigneil, Kirkhill and Knockdolian. It is also home to the annual St Colmon Parish Kirk Fair. With a range of fun activities for all the family, this is an event for the delight of locals and tourists alike. All year round visitors can enjoy some river fishing on the Knockdolian Estate. This water is often considered the most productive salmon and sea trout stretch in Ayrshire. Crosshill Located just three miles from Maybole, the ancient capital of Carrick, Crosshill was established by Irish migrants that took up the booming weaving trade. Craigiemains Home & Garden Centre Craigiemains is an independent family run garden centre with lots to offer everyone Coffee shop Childrens play area Homeware and Gift Shop Donkeys Plant Area Miniature Train Bird Care Access to Ayrshire Coastal Path Ballantrae Visitor Information Point... and lots, lots more! Opening Times: Monday -Friday 9-5 Saturday and Sunday 10-5 www.craigiemainshomeandgardencentre.com Main Street, Ballantrae KA26 0NB Tel: 01465 831052

8 9 Continued from p7 For those who want to sample some of Ayrshire s finest produce, Dalduff Farm is a must visit. This family-run business set amid beautiful countryside offers the finest home-reared meat and a big choice of baking and preserves. However if you don t want to be doing the cooking on your holiday, buy some to take home and then drop into The Royal Hotel or Willie Wastle s for a fantastic meal and a dram. Dailly This picturesque village has a close affiliation with the iconic Ailsa Craig which lies within the Dailly Parish even though you can t see the island from the inland village. The area boasts many good walks and trails which lead visitors to numerous castles and through estates. In addition, for garden enthusiasts, Dailly is one of the two homes of the fantastic annual Flower Show co-hosted with the village of Barr. For those looking for something completely different, you could always test your skills at sheep dog training at Delamford farm. Dunure An idyllic harbour village with breathtaking views across the ruins of Dunure Castle and out to Ailsa Craig, the hamlet of Dunure is well worth the visit. The Dunure Inn and in the summer months the Harbour View coffee shop create the perfect place to stop and soak in the views of a glorious part of Scotland. You can enjoy teas and coffees and a quick bite in the Harbour View or indulge in some of the freshest seafood Ayrshire has to offer in the Kirkmichael s beating heart COMMUNITY life is alive and well throughout Carrick and nowhere more so than in the beautiful village of Kirkmichael. At the heart of the community is the not-for-profit cafe shop, staffed by a team of 40 volunteers and brimming with local produce and delicious home baking. Stock is seasonal since much of it is sourced from in and around this charming conservation village but, depending on when you drop in, you can find honey, fruit, vegetables and plants alongside the free-range eggs and meat. The cafe has a well earned reputation for excellence, offering a wide range of light lunches and snacks, many available to take away. The shop is open daily from 7.45am until 5.30pm, closing at 4pm on Saturdays and Sundays.

10 11 Continued from p9 Dunure Inn. Just south of the harbour, visitors can explore the ruins of the Castle, enjoy a game of tennis on the free courts and for any skateboarders, roller bladers and bmx riders Dunure skatepark is a great place to practice your skills. Girvan The largest town in Carrick, Girvan has something for everyone. Whether it is just a stroll along Dalrymple Street browsing the shops, a visit to Stumpy Tower or the McKechnie Institute to learn about the town s past. Or perhaps you d like a boat trip to Ailsa Craig to get up close to the famous rock and see the amazing bird population. The Waverly Paddle Steamer also runs trips seasonally from Girvan Harbour. There is lots of family fun on dry land too, with a putting green, boating pond and play park. If the weather s not great, the Kidz Play, Mayfair Amusements and Lawrence s Amusements will keep the children entertained. With a range of pubs, restaurants and coffee shops, there is a good choice of places where visitors can enjoy a drink or bite to eat. Kirkoswald Situated between Maybole and Girvan this small town has a fascinating past with lots to offer. Visitors can enter Souter Johnnies Cottage, which features in one of Robert Burns s most famous works, Tam o Shanter, while across the road in the Old Church is the final resting place of the man Tam o Shanter was based on. The church yard holds other historical gems including the baptismal font believed to be used for Robert the Bruce and family members of Burns himself. Visitors can also enjoy an excellent breakfast, lunch or afternoon tea with homemade scones, cakes and ice creams at Peggy s Tearoom or sample and bottle some of the finest malts at the Whisky Experience visitor attraction. Lendalfoot Just north of Ballantrae, this hamlet sits on a stretch of unspoiled Carrick Coastline with a long sandy beach. Lendalfoot gained recognition internationally when in 1920 the legendary Russian cruiser Varyag sank just off shore. The celebrated ship became famous after bravely standing up to five Japanese Cruisers and never surrendering. In 2007 a substantial bronze monument was erected in the memory of this famous boat and its brave crew and makes a fascinating visit. Maidens With exquisite views of the shore and out to Ailsa Craig, Maidens sits in a prime location with a long sandy beach and grass foreshore. A special spot for scenery, this coastal village is also ideally situated between two of Scotland s biggest and most prestigious attractions the Turnberry hotel resort and Culzean Castle and Country Park. Culzean is the perfect all-weather day out for families. Visitors can explore the Gardens and Castle as well as get involved in some of the National Trust for Scotland s many events all year round. For those looking for a little more action though, Maidens beach is also a favourite haunt for riders and offers the chance to gallop along the shore. Straiton "The situation of the village, at the bottom of two hills, between which runs the water of Girvan, is delightful. It is built on a rising ground. The houses are neat and uniform, being all constructed upon the same plan by the Earl of Cassilis in the 1760s. The uniformity of the houses, together with the adjacent green hills, skirted with wood, the vicinity of the Girvan, and a considerable number of very old trees justify those who visit this place, in pronouncing it one of the most beautiful Highland villages they have ever seen." This was written in 1790s and Straiton has hardly changed. The unique setting; it is the gateway to the Galloway Forest Park, Scotland's first Biosphere and the Dark Sky Park make this a special place to visit. There are excellent cycling routes and numerous way-marked trails the perfect way to explore the countryside and rugged hills. After all that, relax in The Buck with a slice of cake and really good coffee or a enjoy pint and excellent food in the Black Bull. For more information visitstraiton.com Maybole The ancient capital of Carrick has a fascinating history, including connections with Burns, Bruce and John Knox. It was in Maybole that The Great Debate took place between Knox and Abbot Quintin Kennedy from Crossraguel who held opposing views on reformation. The town also developed a booming trade in weaving and boot and shoe-making and is still just as creative and industrious today. For an inspirational visit, take time to see the Cockburn Gallery with works from the owner and artist Gordon Cockburn alongside paintings from the early Scottish Colourists to contemporary pieces. Visitors can taste some of the best

12 13 Continued from p11 international and local Ayrshire produce from Jane s Delicatessen, choosing from an impressive range of fresh meats, local cheeses, patés, olives and a great choice of wines. The region has a rich dairy heritage and, just outside the town, Barwheys Dairy produces cheese by the traditional handmade method. The town also offers a huge range of cafés, pubs and inns and there s a big choice of fast food available for those on the go. Pinmore For those looking for an adventure of discovery, the Pinmore Walk will lead you to the Dinvin Motte. Considered one of the most impressive medieval earthworks in Scotland, its defences consist of two massive four-meter-deep ditches. Pinmore is a beautiful, verdant place to enjoy the great outdoors and is well loved by fishermen it doesn t get much more idyllic than river fishing from the Minuntion Beat on the Upper Stinchar. Pinmore is one of the smallest communities in Carrick and is worth a special visit. Pinwherry At the crossroads between Pinmore, Colmonell and Barrhill, Pinwherry is located right in the heart of Carrick. Surrounded by the beautiful green colours of the Ayrshire countryside the village creates the perfect place to get away from the hustle and bustle to the tranquility of nature. It is also the starting point for the Stinchar Valley Walk, a trail that gives some of the most spectacular views of the Stinchar Valley as well as a few historic gems, such as the ruins of Craigneil Castle and of St Cuthbert s church. Turnberry The home of the exquisite Turnberry luxury collection resort and famous 138th Open Championship golf course, Turnberry attracts visitors from across the globe. The iconic Turnberry Lighthouse sits beside the golf course near the ruins of Turnberry Castle - a place of significant importance in Scottish history as

14 Carrick Community Heritage Trail 15 Continued from p12 it was the childhood home of Robert the Bruce. Another highlight is the Turnberry Gallery, which displays works predominantly created by west of Scotland artists. The village of Turnberry is small and its INDIVIDUALLY DESIGNED FLOWERS Traditional & Modern Designs Complete Wedding Service Funeral Service Delivery Service J.Dunlop Established for over 30 years, this friendly florist's business - based in Carrick's capital of Maybole - offers an extensive service, to cover any occasion that would be enhanced with flowers 37 HIGH STREET, MAYBOLE KA19 7AB Tel: 01655 882210 wwwjdflowers.com focus of luxury, history, art and sporting events make it a wonderful and special visit. Spoil yourself with a scrumptious afternoon tea amidst the elegance of Turnberry s Grand Tea Lounge overlooking the spectacular coastline. n Graziano s Fish & Chip Restaurant & Cafe Eat in or take away TRIPLE WINNER Carrick Gazette BEST CHIP SHOP AWARD Ideally located, facing the harbour 39 Knockcushan St, Girvan tel: 01465 714472 Look out for red squirrels rels in Pinmore and Pinwherry King Robert the Bruce was born at Turnberry Photo o The National Trust for Scotland Discover more in Carrick The new Heritage Trail invites you to discover more about Carrick. Created by the people who know it best the local community it provides loads of ideas on how to spend fun days exploring picturesque e villages and towns from Dunure to Ballantrae while finding ng out a little of their individual history, culture and wildlife. The Trail reveals fascinating stories from cave-dwelling cannibals and Pre-Raphaelite art to the majestic site of the birthplace of King Robert the Bruce. Discover Carrick s rich history at www.carrickayrshire.comw w.carrickayrshire.com Follow a trail of Trilobites in Girvan Early Ayrshires were introduced to this stretch of oastline in 1875 when enterprising local farmers entified the growing conditions for potatoes around aidens and Turnberry were the same as in the hannel Islands. Photo courtesy of Taste Ayrshire Robert Burns based his masterpiece, Tam O Shanter, on characters he met whilst living in Kirkoswald M aybole once boasted nine boot t-making factories, with over 1,600 employees pr oducing around one million pairs of boots and shoes every year. T he Carrick Tourism Development Project is p art-financed by the Scottish Government and th e European Community Ayrshire LEADER 2007-2013 Programme.

The outstanding natural beauty of Carrick is well worth a visit at any time of year. The different sense of light and space in this must-see part of Scotland creates the perfect landscape for a wealth of fascinating things to see, do and enjoy. 16 17 Experience more of Scotland History Outdoor Activities Golf Wildlife Eating and Drinking Walks For those who wish to delve into Scottish history, Carrick offers many highlights including Turnberry Castle the childhood home of Robert the Bruce; Culzean Castle built by the famous Kennedy family; Maybole Castle their last fortified home; and Crossaguel Abbey, founded in the 13th century. An equally fascinating visit could include Kirkoswald Parish Church the only church in Britain to have a parishioner who became President of the United States and also the home of the baptismal font believed to have been Robert the Bruce s. The churchyard is also the resting place for some of Robert Burns s family and the characters who influenced his work. Visitors will also spot ancient standing stones along some of Carrick s fantastic walks and trails. For an action-packed break, Carrick is the right place: Cycling, Tennis, Kayaking, Geocaching, Stand Up Paddle Boarding plus Loch, Sea and River Fishing. Or for those with a love of animals and a desire to try something a little different what about having a go at Sheep Dog Training at Delamford Farm? Or what better than galloping through the waves along the stunning Carrick coastline? Check out Walks and Golf too there s just so much on offer! Carrick is a great base for playing on Ayrshire s Golf Coast. The game can be enjoyed at all levels, from the quaint nine holes at Maybole Golf Course to the famous Open Championship Course at Turnberry. Another golf haven can be found nestled in the sheltered Valley of the Water of Girvan: Brunston Castle golf course offers a rewarding challenge to enthusiasts and novices alike. The seven Carrick courses offer real variety particularly Girvan Golf Course designed by the famous James Braid where the exposed first eight holes are traditional Scottish links adjacent to the beach, and the remaining 10 holes are parkland. The region is a bird-watcher s delight with peregrine falcons, kingfishers and herons for those with a keen eye. Ailsa Craig is an RSPB reserve with a population of around 44,000 gannets as well as kittiwake, guillemot and puffin. For those who want a closer look, boat trips to Ailsa Craig leave from Girvan Harbour and offer the chance to spot basking sharks. Wildlife in Carrick is special with red and roe deer, otters, badgers and one of the UK s remaining strongholds of red squirrel. If you don t fancy the adventure of spotting life in the wild, then visit Heads of Ayr Farm Park and enjoy a few exotic animals from foreign lands. From fine dining in a Michelin Star and four AA Rosette award-winning restaurant to grabbing a scrumptious fish supper, there is truly something for all tastes! As well as the range of great pubs and inns across the region, Carrick also hosts some fantastic specialist food and drink producers and retailers. Visitors can enjoy locally produced delights, taste Scotland s newest traditional hand-made cheese or sample and bottle their own malts at the Whisky Experience in Kirkoswald. Be sure to try the locally grown Early Ayrshires epicure potatoes. Practically every town and village in Carrick promotes trails of varying distances and a choice of challenges to lead walkers on an adventure past cultural, natural, historic and scenic gems. The glorious Ayrshire Coastal Path has been chosen as one of Scotland s Great Trails and its miles of stunning seascapes continue to inspire and delight walkers of all abilities. Carrick enjoy it all! www.carrickayrshire.com

Experience more of Scotland 18 www.nts.org.uk 19 BRODICK CASTLE & COUNTRY PARK Isle if Arran KA27 8HY Explore the ornate furnished rooms and a beautiful walled garden, plus extensive country park with woodland trails, waterfalls and wildlife galore! Cafe, Shop, picnic area, events throughout the year Tel: 0844 493 2152 CULZEAN CASTLE AND COUNTRY PARK On A719, near Maybole and 12 miles south of Ayr KA19 8LE For all details about things to see and do or places to stay in Carrick, please contact: Ailsa Horizons 22 Dalrymple Street Girvan, KA26 9AE Call 01465 710628 or email: admin@ carrickforum.org VisitScotland Information Centre 22 Sandgate, Ayr KA7 1BW Call 01292 290300 or email: info@ visitscotland.com Set in acres of countryside, including beaches and woodland trails, Culzean Castle is a remarkable vision of turrets and battlements. A perfect day out. Restaurant, shops, plant sales, picnic area, events throughout the year Tel: 0844 493 2149 ROBERT BURNS BIRTHPLACE MUSEUM In Alloway, just south of Ayr KA7 4PQ Interactive museum houses the most important Burns collection in the world. Also visit the Burns Cottage, Burns Monument and Garden, Auld Kirk )9$0 5!406 669+ 0)% % 0;!8!90*)7 '0 ; )% 2!940$!78)9 *0 of each other. Café, shops, picnic area, events throughout the year Tel: 0844 493 2601 The National Trust for Scotland for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty is a charity registered in Scotland, Charity Number SC 007410 www.carrickayrshire.com

20 21 There s in them there hills Treasure hunters from around the world are heading to Ayrshire armed with iphones as we prepare to play host to Mega 2014, reports GERRY CASSIDY EXPECT the rolling hills and quiet villages of Carrick to be buzzing from an influx of visitors from around the world in summer 2014 as Ayrshire plays host to a global event that is sweeping the world. The 7th UK Mega geocaching event will take place throughout Ayrshire and Arran as geocachers scour the countryside looking for items that have been hidden under bushes, attached to trees, secreted in lay-bys, at the tops of mountains, on beaches and in all sorts of nooks and crannies in the open air. Geocaching has around six million enthusiasts worldwide in virtually every country on earth. They use GPS devices and iphones to track down the caches, some of which can be as small as a few centimetres across. The type of cache varies from small items which the finder can take away and replace with another item for the next finder to a log book which they sign then go online to record their discovery. Some caches are classed as travel bugs which allows the geocacher to remove them and relocate them elsewhere sometimes thousands of miles away from their original hiding place. Travel bugs have been known to go from Alaska to Australia and one UK-based travel bug made it to South Africa before being rediscovered back on these shores. Arthur Spurling and his wife Patricia known in geocaching circles as the Nor- Folk have been enthusiastic geocachers for four years and during that time they have travelled from their Ayrshire home in Dundonald to various countries around the world including Canada, South Africa, New Zealand and the US in pursuit of their hobby. As one of the organisers of Mega 2014, Arthur is very much looking forward to the three-week event which will run across Ayrshire from early July. We have already had confirmation from geocachers in Finland, Texas and Canada, said Arthur. And another one has just come in from Seattle. Three geocaching trails will be located in South Ayrshire: The Burns Trail, the Bruce Trail and the Villages Trail. Most of the towns and villages in the Carrick area will be participating in the event and geocachers young and old will be welcome to join in. All you need is a gps-tracking device such as a smart phone and a knack for solving a tricky clue. The event culminates in a huge ceilidh at Ayr Racecourse on August 3 2014. Its postcode is KA8 0JE but most local geocachers should be able to find that one without the aid of an iphone. Check out www.geocaching.com for the latest information.

22 23 Hamilton Bros Sales, Service & Repairs MoT Station Tel: 01655 331485 www.hamiltonbros.com 18 Turnberry Rd, Maidens KA26 9NN AILSA CRAIG TRIPS Centre is serving the community THE Carrick Centre in Maybole has gone from strength to strength since opening its doors in January 2012. Residents young and old from all over the surrounding area are making full use of its many facilities as a meeting place, concert venue, café and child play area. Regular car boot sales have expanded into a new market for local produce from nearby farms, while local high school pupils are enrolling in gardening classes. Employment training programmes are also helping local young people into work placements. Drop in to sample the delights of the café and catch up with events throughout the area. AYR MARKET t: 01465 713219 m: 07773794358 and w. T

24 25 Trace the footsteps of Robert the Bruce Tam and John TRADING AS HENDRIES THE BUTCHER ROBERT the Bruce s links to Carrick and South Ayrshire are at the heart of a new heritage trail project. Born at Turnberry in 1274, Bruce was King of Scots from 1306 until his death in 1329. A network of three paths are being developed Central, North and South which will link up with the existing Bruce Heritage Trail in Dumfries and Galloway. The Central section will include Maybole, Turnberry, Kirkoswald, Crossraguel Abbey and Maidens; the North section will take in Ayr, Prestwick, W ILLIAM SIMPSO N &SON High Class Bakers and Confectioners 11 High Street, MAYBOLE KA19 7BX telephone: 01655 882112 40 Hanover Street, STRANRAER DG9 7RP tel: 01776 703193 fax: 01776 705790 5 Sheuchan Street, STRANRAER DG9 0DU telephone: 01776 889799 23a Victoria Street, NEWTON STEWART DG8 6NH telephone: 01671 403993 104 Dalrymple Street, GIRVAN KA26 9BT telephone: 01465 714028 Dundonald, Loans, Barnweil Tower and Tarbolton; while Girvan, Barr and Hadyard Hill, Ballantrae and Loch Ryan will be incorporated in the South section. Supporting the trail, a number of road signs, plaques, information boards, cairns, marker stones and colour booklets are also planned, helping to set the scene and tell the tale of Bruce's life and legacy in the area. The trail is one of many projects throughout Carrick being supported by the regeneration agency Ailsa Horizons. The company has been running since 2009 and offers a range of services, all designed to make the area s communities better places to live in and more interesting places to visit. It provides opportunities for local people to improve their skills and get into employment and it supports the start-up and growth of businesses including social enterprises. A key focus for generating growth in the local economy is to increase the number of visitors to the area. Peter Mason, Chairman of the Association of South Ayrshire Community Councils, who are also closely involved with the project, said: "The trails are set in areas of outstanding natural beauty and are suited to walkers, ramblers and anyone who loves the great outdoors. The paths make their way through many of the villages and towns that Bruce would have known." St John stower, Ayr, part of the church where Robert the Bruce convened the Scottish Parliament in 1315 Scottish Slice Sausage WINNER: Championship 2012-13 Local leaders of Scottish quality meat All Scotch lamb, beef and pork Gold award-winning black puddings and pork links Free local delivery 58 DALRYMPLE STREET, GIRVAN KA26 9BT tel/fax: 01465 713117 members of the scottish meat federation Family-run fly-fishing loch stocked with rainbow, brown and blue trout Club House Snacks Toilets Car Park Picnic Area BBQ Stands Boat & Rod Hire Groups & Competitions Catered For OPENING TIMES: Sun-Fri 8am until dusk Sat 8am until 7pm or until dusk Permits available on site www.pinbraidfishery.co.uk M: 07810778534 / 07881764437 Carnaburn, Colmonell KA26 0RX

26 27 Roads to nowhere.. SOME of the most exciting road riding in Scotland is to be found in the roads and lanes between our villages. It s no wonder cyclists refer to these hills as the Ayrshire Alps. With climbs to suit all abilities from beginner to experienced athlete, the network of cycle trails are being brought together in what local enthusiasts are hoping will become Scotland s first road cycling park. The South Carrick Community Sports Hub, with support from South Ayrshire Council, have launched the Ayrshire Alps Cycle Park website at ayrshirealps.org. Race Organiser Christopher Johnson is the force behind the plan. He commented: Within a fifteen mile radius we have an amazing selection of testing hill climbs, on quiet roads and in beautiful scenery far more than even most local cyclists are aware of. It is not unusual for me to cycle 40 miles in the park and come across less than 10 vehicles that s one for every four miles travelled. The reputation of the Ayrshire Alps as a great.. just the odd tranquil village, some stunning scenery and a series of truly testing climbs for cyclists testing ground has travelled far and wide, attracting top cyclists such as Mark Cavendish and Chris Boardman, who have competed in the Girvan Road Race. Sixteen climbs make up the Ayrshire Alps, all of them suitable for road bikes. They are graded Green for the less demanding routes, graduating through Blue to Red and Black, the routes requiring the most strenuous effort of all. All are detailed on the website, with information on distance, gradients, height of climb and advice on how to prepare for the climb. There are also a number of introductory rides which have been put together for newcomers to the area

28 1 29 1 For amazing accommodation in Ayrshire www.ayrshirebandb.com www.abba-scotland.com where to stay BALLANTRAE Cosses Country House Relax in an idyllic country setting, close to the sea, to explore South West Scotland. This 5-star, licensed Wolsey Lodge offers pre-eminent home hospitality with home-grown local produce. Perfect stop over to and from the Irish ferry terminals. e: staying@cossescountryhouse.com www.cossescountryhouse.com t: 01465 831363 m: 07436810013 DUNURE, By Ayr Loch Ayim Cottage Self catering Open: Easter till end of October. 1 cottage: 2 public rooms, 2 bedrooms. Sleeps 2-4. Prices: Sat-Sat 350, incl electricity & bed linen. Comfortable, traditional cottage 9 miles south of Ayr, convenient for Culzean Castle & Turnberry. Excellent sun lounge with panoramic view of Firth of Clyde. Large garden for relaxing. Parking for 2 cars. e:mjduncan@uk2.net Telephone:01292 264022 OLD DAILLY nr Girvan Garryloop B&B Four-star B&B accommodation in an idyllic country setting. A warm and friendly welcome awaits you in the heart of rural Ayrshire, from owners Anne and Chris Dalton. The perfect place to relax and unwind. e: garryloop@hotmail.co.uk Telephone: 01465 871393

30 31 Issue 2 Spring/Summer 2013 FREE! PLEASE TAKE A COPY AN AYRSHIRE MEDIA SERVICES PUBLICATION historical AYRSHIRE Don t miss this unique opportunity to promote your business through the pages of Ayrshire s most exciting new publication. Bookings are now being taken for Issue 3. Contact us today for details of our superb advertising packages. Tel: 01292 319391 e: ayrshiremedia@titanplus.co.uk Ayrshire Media Services, 3 Dukes Road, Troon KA10 6QR 1 DUNURE CASTLE 2 CROSSRAGUEL ABBEY 3 CULZEAN CASTLE Ailsa Craig Maidens Turnberry Girvan Dunure A77 1 3 A719 Minishant Maybole 2 A77 Kirkmichael Kirkoswald Crosshill Straiton Dailly Barr 6 Proud publishers of Ayrshire s finest Welcome to... local guides: Our publications cover: Troon North Ayrshire East Ayrshire Ayr & Prestwick Tel: 01292 319391 3 Dukes Road, Troon, Ayrshire KA10 6QR E: ayrshiremedia@titanplus.co.uk copywriting design editing publishing digital magazines Lendalfoot Ballantrae 4 A77 5 Colmonell Pinmore Pinwherry Barrhill 6 A714 4 CRAIGIEMAINS CENTRE 5 n Magazines, brochures and programmes professionally produced at very affordable rates printed and online. Call for a free quote. raspberryhorse.com t: 01292 268671 m: 0798 543 9752 e: gerry@raspberryhorse.co.uk PINBRAID FISHERY 6 Map not drawn to scale. DARK SKIES PARK