OUTDOOR ACTIVITIES
GOLF
Ayrshire is a golf lovers haven with dozens of exceptional courses within 10 to 40 minutes drive.
The golf courses are of a very high standard, both for quality and scenery and two of the most famous British Open Golf Championship courses in the world are a short drive away.
Ayrshire also has a number of other Championship courses and the municipal Ayrshire golf courses are also viewed as being some of the best in the world and extremely good value for money.
HORSE RACING
Ayr Racecourse is Scotland’s premier racecourse. It has a dual purpose track which stages races all year round and hosts The Scottish Grand National and the Ayr Gold Cup.
BOATING & YACHTING
FISHING
For guests enjoying the tranquillity of fishing the area offers loch, fly and sea fishing.
The nearest loch fishery is Springwater Fishery which is a complex of 3 freshwater lochs set in farmland in a peaceful location just 10minutes drive away.
The rivers Doon and Ayr have trout and salmon. River Ayr permits to fish the stretch of the River Ayr as it runs through Craigie Park can be obtained from the tackle shop Game Sport, 60 Sandgate Ayr.Tel: +44(0)1292 263 822. Day permits to fish the River Doon as it flows through the Skeldon Estate five miles east of Ayr cost between £15 and £45 depending on the time of year. Tel: +44 (0) 1292 560 656 for enquires.
CYCLING
The National Cycle Network passes through Maybole, across the Carrick Hills to the coastline at Doonfoot. The 19 mile route takes in long stretches of the Ayrshire coastline between Irvine, Troon, Prestwick and Ayr, and has spectacular views across to the Isle of Arran. Passing through two Scottish Wildlife reserves, Gailes Marsh and Shewalton Wood.
Bicycles can be hired from AMG Cycles, 55 Dalblair Road, Ayr KA7 1UQ www.irvinecycles.co.uk
ARRAN & THE ISLES
The lovely Isle of Arran lies just off the coast and is easily reached by ferry. The car ferry to Arran runs from Ardrossan and timings usually work so you can get there, go all the way round the island and get back on the last ferry. For a special treat take a trip on the Waverley – the world’s last ocean-going paddle steamer – which runs summer trips from Ayr to Arran and the islands of the Firth of Clyde.
WATERSPORTS
The Ayrshire coast’s long sandy beaches are perfect for family fun. Ayr and Croy beaches are perfect for paddling, picnics and sandcastle building.
Troon and Barassie beaches are popular for surfers and kitesurfers and host the annual September WindFest.
Try kitesurfing in Troon provide lessons from short taster sessions to longer more advanced course. www.trykitesurfing.com.
HORSE RIDING
Craigengillan Stables, a restored Georgian stables in a 3000 acre estate offers fine riding and BHS instruction in glorious countryside. www.craigengillan.com
Slightly closer to hand the state of the art Ayrshire Equitation Centre is 10 minutes drive from Barwheys and offers hacking and indoor and outdoor BHS tuition. www.ayrshireequitationcentre.co.uk
WALKING
Maps of the short walks up through the woods behind the farm are provided. These can take between 20 mins and 40 minutes depending on which route you take. Further afield there are 13 paths in the Ayrshire paths network. They are an ideal way of getting to know the area and are well marked and interesting walks. Choose the area and length of paths you want and you could spend weeks walking around Ayrshire www.ayrshirepaths.org.uk
