|
|
 |
Things to do
and places to see around Muirkirk
|
| Muirkirk
has the feeling of a remote community but is on the main route to Ayr from
the M74 at Douglas. The walks illustrated on the Muirkirk map give a flavour
of the industrial and social history of the area, and the dramatic beauty
of the open countryside. Muirkirk is a thriving community having received
an award in the Scottish Community of the Year awards for the third year
running. The 1800 people of Muirkirk have more than 35 organisations catering
for a wide range of interests. |
Walking:
|
For serious
exploration of the area we recommend that you obtain a good quality map
such as the Ordnance
Survey Explorer Map 328 and 327.
For more energetic walkers you could detour from the Sanquhar Road Walk
mentioned on the map and turn right to walk up Wardlaw Hill to the Baird
monument on top.
Around Muirkirk you will find many remnants of bygone days, disused railway
lines, evidence of mining, cairns, standing stones and memorials.
From the starting point on the map you could walk west 1.5 miles to Upper
Wellwood to visit the Martyrs Grave where William Adam is buried (see History).
Just over 2 miles south-west of Muirkirk just north of the A70 where it
meets the disused railway is Cameron's Stane and monument. This marks the
spot where Covenanter Richard Cameron fell at the Battle of Airds Moss in
1680.
3 miles east of Muirkirk on the A70 is Glenbuck. This small town was the
home of Bill Shankly the football legend. It is also the source of the River
Ayr. |
Fishing:
|
| Fishing
is available on the River Ayr and Greenock Water. Salmon, seat trout, brown
trout and grayling can be fished for in the area, click
here for details of fishing locations around Muirkirk. |
Golf:
|
| There is
a golf course at Muirkirk near the starting point for the walks. For more
information on the course, prices and contact details click
here. |
Kames:
|
| Kames Racetrack
is situated near the starting point of the walks at Furnace Road in Muirkirk.
It was built by members of East Ayrshire Car Club in 1984. The track hosts
rounds of the Scottish Sprint Championship, the Scottish Speed Championship
and various EACC and visitor events. Check out the Kames
website for details. |
Sorn:
|
| Eight miles
west of Muirkirk on the B743 lies the picturesque village of Sorn. This
conservation village has an impressive church dating back to 1658. There
is a Covenanter's Monument in the churchyard. Across the road is Sorn Bridge
a steep hump-backed bridge built in 1710. The castle is even older with
parts dating from the 14th century. James VI stayed here in 1598. For more
information on Sorn and some great old photographs of the region click
here. |
Accommodation:
|
| For
information on hotels, self catering holidays, B&B, guest houses and
other places to stay go to the Ayrshire
and Arran Tourist Board website. |
