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
