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.
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