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Things to do
and places to see around Barr
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| Barr
is a remote community in rural Ayrshire with access to some dramatic scenery
and outdoor pursuits. Within cycling or driving distance are some attractions
to add variety to a stay in the area. |
Walking:
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The walks
at Barr are detailed on the main map for the area. It is recommended that
you take a more detailed map with you as well such as the Ordnance
Survey Explorer map 317 covering the area. You should also consider
a visit to Girvan on the coast which is the starting point for an additional
series of walks. There are also a large number of activities available from
Girvan. Click here for more details.
Barr is also near the Galloway Forest Park and there are over 400 miles
of trails for walking and horse riding in the area. For more information
go to the Forest
Enterprise website. |
Cycling:
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| On the
Changue Forest Trail, detailed on the Barr Map, just north of Balloch Hill
you can leave the signposted circular path and continue on the Barr to Loch
Doon Cycle Route. At Pinvalley you can join up with the National
Cycle Route No 7 which then passes through the Nick of the Balloch and
into the Galloway Forest. This meets up with the Southern Upland Way near
Glen Trool. For any of the paths leading into the Galloway Forest take a
detailed map such as the Ordnance Survey Outdoor
Leisure Map 32. There is also an official book on the full National
Cycle Route. |
Golf:
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| At Dailly
you can enjoy a game of golf at Brunston Castle Golf Club. For more information
click here.
At Girvan there is a good municipal golf course. For a Gazetteer of golf
courses in the area click
here. |
Fishing:
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| Penwhapple
Reservoir, just 2 miles north of Barr is well stocked with brown and rainbow
trout. A day's fly fishing ticket is around £10 and boats are available
for hire. Contact Mrs Stewart, Lane Farm, Barr (½m before reservoir on the
B734). |
Bird Watching:
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| There are
many opportunities for bird watching around Barr due to the wide range of
habitats click
here for details. |
Wild Flowers:
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| In spring
and summer a variety of wild flowers can be seen around Barr. Bluebells,
Primrose, Coltsfoot, Meadowsweet, Harebell, Foxglove and Marsh Marigold
can be found in amongst the Sitka Spruce, Norway Spruce, Larch, Oak, Ash
and Birch of the Changue Forest. Remember - Do Not Pick Wild Flowers. |
Other Attractions:
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Visit
Dailly and travel to some of the areas castles and ruins (note that not
all are accessible by the public apart from special open days - check with
Tourist Information). For example Penkill Castle on the road to Old Dailly
or the Robert Adam designed Dalquharran Castle which stands as a ruin above
Dailly. For a good overview of Dailly and the surrounding area click
here.
To learn about the healing powers of the mystical Blue
Stones of Old Dailly click here.
For a day's outing travel from Barr to the A714. Go north for a mile and
a half to Pinmore to visit the Pottery. There is a craft shop, studio and
workshop and they run special craft courses. Then travel south on the A714
to Barrhill (not to be confused with Barr Village). Here you can visit Barwinnock
Herbs, a garden and nursery at with a range of herbs and an exhibition
of rural life. |
Accommodation:
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| There are
a some traditional farmhouse B&B's and local Hotels available in the
area. Go to the Ayrshire
and Arran Tourist Board website to search for accommodation. |