Things to do and places to see around Dailly
Dailly is a quiet river valley community surrounded by farmland and moors, hills and rivers and a good starting point to appreciate Ayrshire's rural environment. Within cycling or driving distance are some attractions to add variety to a stay in the area. If you are staying in the area get a flavour of village life, find out what is on at the local Dailly Community Centre, Activity Centre or visit the local Church for a spot of history, or Scottish Country Dancing! The square is the heart of the village and worth a visit if only for a lunch in the Greenhead Hotel.
Walking:
The Dailly Trails and Public Art Project, initiated by Dailly Community Council, combines scenic paths with public art. The trails have been backed by Scottish Power, the Scottish Arts Council, the Royal Society for the Arts, South Ayrshire Council and other local bodies and landowners. A feature of the paths is a new footbridge over the Water of Girvan is the first new bridge in over 50 years and provides access to the walks, wheelchair access, and is a stunning piece of modern architecture. The bridge was designed by artist Steve Dilworth. Rather than using simple symbols to denote each path, even the waymarkers are used to reflect local history. These waymarkers were created by artist Jimmy Ritchie to reflect local history such as the Colliers Oak, the Curling Pond etc, look out for these on your walk. One practical yet aesthetic feature of the trails are the eight benches produced by Nigel Ross. These attractive and welcome seats have been made from local wood (including one from the Hangman's Oak at Bargany!). The walks at Dailly are outlined 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 326 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. For more country walks in the area consider visiting Barr or Straiton. For a less formal route it is always worth considering a visit to the coast for a stroll along the promenade at Girvan, the harbour at Maidens or visit Culzean for a mix of easy country walks, garden splendour, cliffside views, caves, smugglers and canons. Culzean is Ayrshire's jewel and well worth a visit.
Cycling:
Just north of Dailly is a route to Straiton (dotted path on the map). This meets the National Cycle Route No 7 at Auchalton. You can then head north towards Crosshill, Maybole and Ayr, or south 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. Many of the smaller roads are ideal for a day's cycling, but watch out for vehicles on narrow tracks and blind corners with high hedgerows.
Golf:
Dailly has an attractive and challenging par 72 golf course spread across the valley. Brunston Castle Golf Club is accessed by crossing the road bridge over the Girvan Water on the B741 leaving Dailly, the entrance is almost immediately on the left. There is an excellent clubhouse with an upstairs restaurant and splendid views of the area. For more information click here. At Girvan and Maybole there are good municipal golf courses. Girvan is a mix of links and parkland and has magnificent views to Ailsa Craig and Arran. Maybole is a challenging nine hole course. For a Gazetteer of golf courses in the area click here.
Fishing:
Penwhapple Reservoir, just a few miles south of Dailly. Brown and Rainbow Trout fly fishing is available here from the 1st April until 30th September Mondays to Saturdays. A day ticket is around £10 and boats are available for hire. Contact Mrs Stewart, Lane Farm, Barr (½m beyond reservoir on the B734). A day's permit for fishing on Kilkerran water can be obtained from William Prentice, The Kennels, Kilkerran on (01655) 740278.
Bird Watching:
There are many opportunities for bird watching around Dailly due to the wide range of habitats. The low lying land around the Water of Girvan hosts Whooper Swan, Grasshopper, Sedge Warbler, and Reed Bunting. On the River you may spot Sandpiper, Kingfisher, Dipper, and Grey Wagtail, and wintering Goosander. The area also hosts a range of birds including: Barn Owl, Buzzard, Great Spotted Woodpecker, Redstart, Blackcap, Garden Warbler, Chiffchaff, Wood Warbler, Pied and Spotted Flycatcher and Jay. While on the walks it is always worth carrying binoculars. To find out more about birding in the area and across Ayrshire click here for details.
Other Attractions:
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 the History button on the map. Depending on when you visit there are many things to do in the area. May is a great month to get a real flavour of old Scotland with the Burns Festival and the "Burns and a' that" events which include a concert at Culzean, click here for details. The Girvan Folk Festival in May is a favourite of traditional music lovers and even Billy Connolly has been known to make an appearance. For a touch of jazz, folk, flamenco or rock why not visit the Kirkmichael Guitar Festival held every May. For more information click here. There are also galas and festivals throughout June in Ayrshire, check with the tourist board for details or click here.
Accommodation:
There are a some traditional farmhouse B&B's, local Hotels and caravan sites in the area. Go to the Ayrshire and Arran Tourist Board website to search for accommodation.