Alloway, Burns National Heritage Park and River Doon

Attached to Burns Cottage is a museum which you may want to visit before or after the walk, containing a large collection of Burns manuscripts and letters. Moving on through Alloway, overlooking the valley of the River Doon stands the roofless shell of Alloway Auld Kirk, surrounded by a fine collection of 18th-century tombstones (including Burns's father, who used the old family name Burness). Robert Burns's famous work Tam O'Shanter features the kirk.

The River Doon is spanned by Bridge O'Doon, a high arched structure reputed to date from the 13th century. Once on a popular droving route, today it is restricted to pedestrian traffic and features prominently in the Tam O'Shanter story. From the crest of the bridge there is a fine view of the famous 'banks and braes of bonnie Doon' immortalised by the poet. The woods on the far side form part of the Doon estate where Robert's father once worked as a gardener, and upstream are the remains of Bridgend Castle.

From the New Bridge there is a good view of the steep-sided valley through which the River Doon runs its course. Further downstream and above the path are the ruins of Cambusdoon House, the home of 19th-century steel tycoon and philanthropist James Baird (its surrounding woods and gardens remain well-maintained).

Acknowledgment: Text derived from the Out and Out Series; Discovering the Countryside on Foot. Pictures courtesy of Wikipedia.