The Shire: Wild and Free

Driving

Landscapes and beauty spots which have inspired generations

This tour is 138 miles long, please allow at least 5 hours to complete it, excluding the time taken to enjoy the destinations along the way.

On the Wild and Free route, you can experience the Shire in all of its untamed glory. Spectacular plunging waterfalls carve their way through hilly landscapes into stunning lochs and glen gorges. Cliff-top beauty spots overlook sweeping sandy beaches or – in the case of Bennane Head – a cave rumoured to be the home of dastardly cannibal clan chief, Sawney Bean. Man-made attractions include the Orchard Gardens and Turnberry Point, on the 9th hole of the world-famous golf course.

What you'll see

Barassie Beach - Ayrshire

Outdoor Activities

Barassie Beach is situated just round the bend in the coast, from Troon Beach, meaning it does not get nearly as busy as Troon beach.

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Troon Beach - Ayrshire

Outdoor Activities

Troon Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the west coast as it boasts clean sands and easy access by both train and bus.

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Heads of Ayr Cliffs - Ayrshire

Nature & Wildlife

The Heads of Ayr are high cliffs which tower above a remote sandy beach.

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Turnberry Point - Ayrshire

Nature & Wildlife

Turnberry Point and Lighthouse is situated close to the 9th hole of Turnberry Golf Course.

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Orchard Gardens - Girvan

Parks & Gardens

Orchard Gardens are beautiful gardens with herbaceous borders, formal pond and formal flowerbeds, which are always full of colour

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Byne Hill - Girvan

Nature & Wildlife

Byne Hill is part of a popular walking route in Girvan, South Ayrshire.

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Bennane Head - Ayrshire

Nature & Wildlife

Bennane Head is a section of land that juts into the Firth of Clyde around 11 miles south of Girvan.

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Tairlaw Linn - Ayrshire

Nature & Wildlife

Tairlaw Linn is a waterfall near Straiton in South Ayrshire.

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Ness Glen Gorge - East Ayrshire

Low Level Walks

Below the Loch Doon dam, the River Doon has carved a route through a beautiful wooded gorge.

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Loch Doon - Ayr

Nature & Wildlife

Loch Doon is a freshwater loch in Carrick, Scotland, overlooked by the Glessel Hill and the Corserine Range

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Dalcairney Falls - Ayrshire

Nature & Wildlife

This picturesque waterfall lies off of a minor road near Doon Bridge, around a mile west of Dalmellington

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