Following the public road enter the farm track. From Mount Charles there is a magnificent panoramic view inland over Oswald Hall to the Ayrshire hills and seaward over the coastal towns to the Firth of Clyde, Heads of Ayr, Bute and the Cumbraes, the Carrick Hills and the Mull of Kintyre.

Looking back you can see the Scottish Agricultural College at Auchincruive. In a prominent position on a gentle hill is Oswald's Temple or Tea House which was designed by Robert Adam for Richard Oswald in 1778.

Continuing from this vantage point you find yourself on the old coach road to Ayr. On a clear day Arran and the Mull of Kintyre are visible. Look out for the old milestone (Ayr 3.5 miles, Auchincruive 1 mile).

A number of wildlife habitats have been created along the route including a new hedge, flower-rich grassland area and tree and shrub planting. The trail descends through the woods and fields to a point overlooking the River Ayr and the main cropping part of Auchincruive Farm.

The remainder of the walk takes you through mixed woodland which provides a variety of habitat for a number of birds. This area is also the haunt of roe deer, foxes and badgers.

Walk up the river to Oswald Hall, which was built in 1767 to a design by Robert Adam.

Oswald was chief negotiator during the American War of Independence where he earned the name "Richard the Peacemaker".
With the river ahead the route passes the hanging garden which forms a lovely landscape feature and was built by unemployed miners in 1830.

Upstream where the gardens are now situated is the site of Millholm, an ancient hamlet. Part of the bank was washed away in 1966 exposing an old mill lade.

The riverside path enters Brocklehill Wood, continues along the farm track passing Nellie's Gate. The journey is completed by following the estate road back via the arboretum and skirting the sports field.

Start from Oswald's Bridge car park. The bridge was built in 1826 as an estate bridge possibly built upon an earlier one. Turning immediately left along the south bank of the river, look out for heron and dippers feeding.

Over the stile following the fence line and into Pheasant Nook, the path which winds its way through attractive mixed woodland consisting mainly of Beech, Oak, Scots Pine and Japanese Larch.

A steep climb takes you to the top of the Three Green knights' field, apparently called after three green mounds still visible in the field.

At this point take the opportunity to stop, regain your breath and admire one of the most attractive views in the area. Westward across the river, the hanging gardens, Oswald Hall, Mount Charles, the Carrick Hills, and on a clear day the distant hills of Arran can be seen.

For those with little time to undertake the longer walks this attractive short excursion offers a tempting alternative in this area.