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Shadows of the Past...Ayr's Myths, Legends and History
Shadows of the Past…Ayr’s Myths, Legends and History is a self-led journey where you will experience Ayr and Alloway like never before! Listen to our audio trail to learn all about the wonderful and at times gruesome past of Ayr’s rich history and characters. Discover fascinating tales of heritage, macabre, and legend and explore the landscapes and myths that inspired Robert Burns.
Myths? Legends? or History? That’s for you to decide!
Visitor information:
- Family-friendly walking trail
- Open all year
- Free to participate
- Can be enjoyed in any order, as one complete tour or in smaller sections
- Please check the weather forecast before visiting, and wear suitable clothing and footwear if walking the trails
- All map locations are on paved areas, and are obstacle free
- Getting here by bus or by train
How does it work?
There are lots of different ways to enjoy the Shadows of the Past trail:
- Download our app
- Download the Shadows of the Past illustrated story book
- Request a printed copy of the illustrated booklet at Carnegie and Alloway libraries
- Follow the Trail Location links below
Trail Locations:
- Loudoun Hall: Mary Queen of Scots visit to the West Coast
- Loudoun Hall: The Folk Scene
- Loudoun Hall: The Burning
- Ayr Auld Brig: The Banishment Barrier
- Ayr Auld Brig: The Ashes of Witches
- Ayr Auld Brig: The Legend of the Lowe Sisters
- High Street: Maggie Osborne is a Witch
- Fish Cross: Muckle Nanny
- Newmarket Street: Uniforms from Turnbulls
- The Grain Exchange: Trade Through the Ages
- Ayr Auld Kirk: Grand Designs – Time Travel Special
- Ayr Auld Kirk: One Dark Night
- Ayr Auld Kirk: The Proposition
- Wallace Tower: A Woman’s Fateful Knight
- Tam o’ Shanter Inn: The Barman and the Tourist
- Burns Statue Square: Burns the Fermer
- Burns Statue Square: Burn the Lover
- Burns Statue Square: Burns the Exciseman
- Alloway Auld Kirk: The Muckle Cauldron
- Robert Burns Birthplace Museum: Burns Surprising Facts
- Burns Monument gardens: Burns WorldWide (The gardens are open 10am-4.30pm daily.)
- Brig o’ Doon: The Artist