Old Auchans House, Dundonald
Wandering though this delightful woodland, the impressive remains of 16th century Old Auchans House seem to appear out of nowhere. Go late January to see snowdrops galore, late April for wild garlic, and May for a sea of bluebells!
Description
(S/E) From Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre follow the footpath which goes West from the information board, passing a kids play park on your right-hand side.
Ignore paths on your right leading into a residential area 250m along.
(1) Once in the woods you will cross a footbridge and arrive at a 3-way crossroads. Take the path on your right (North West) to follow the Dundonald Burn downstream 100m. Keep left (West) at a fork.
(2) The delightful woodland trail continues gently uphill to the remains of Auchans House.
The path goes around the east side of the house before circling around the back. You will see a farm track heading north west towards the A759 - ignore this, keeping left (South West) to continue around Auchans House.
(3) Ignore some minor paths on your right-hand side, continuing South East to the edge of a quarry site. A steep climb up a gravel path awaits you after this point, and from the gate at the top you will have a wonderful view across to the Isle of Arran on a clear day.
Head North East from the gate, back into the trees. Ignore several footpaths on your left, keeping the fenceline of the field close to your right-hand side for 1km. The path takes you along the top of a steep embankment with wonderful views across to Dundonald Castle in places.
(4) You will reach a gate and should turn left downhill (South East) to join up with a wider track (The Smuggler’s Trail).
(5) Turn left (North East) on the Smuggler's Trail and continue along for 700m, keeping the Dundonald Burn on your right-hand side once you reach it.
When you arrive at the bridge (1) turn right (north) to cross it and retrace your steps from here to Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre (S/E)
Waypoints
- S/E : km 0 - alt. 40 m - Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre (KA2 9HD)
- 1 : km 0.36 - alt. 47 m - Footbridge and 3-way crossroads
- 2 : km 1.01 - alt. 31 m - Auchans House
- 3 : km 1.56 - alt. 65 m - Gate at the top of steep hill
- 4 : km 2.59 - alt. 70 m - Gate
- 5 : km 2.66 - alt. 69 m - Smuggler's Trail path
- S/E : km 4.01 - alt. 40 m - Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre (KA2 9HD)
Useful Information
For a shorter walk option, more information and a route review visit Gillian's Walks
Transport
Car parking: There is a small car park at Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre (KA2 9HD)
By public transport: bus services to Dundonald
Terrain
Paths get extremely boggy in wet conditions. Some steep sections.
Amenities
Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre has a cafe and customer toilets
Always stay careful and alert while following a route. Visorando and the author of this walk cannot be held responsible in the event of an accident during this route.
During the walk or to do/see around
- Auchans House - Now a category ‘A’ listed building, the mansion dates back to the 16th century and has been home to the Wallace, Cochrane and Montgomerie families over the years.
- Dundonald Castle - possible to visit inside, purchase tickets at the Visitor Centre
- Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre - cafe, toilets, gift shop, information and tickets
- Dundonald Woods - ancient woodland rich in fungi & wild flowers
- Smuggler's Trail - an ancient route used in the 18th century to transport tea, wine, brandy, rum and tobacco inland from the cargo boats arriving in Troon. There is an information board outside Dundonald Castle Visitor Centre which explains the smuggling history of the area. Route information about the Smuggler's Trail is available here.
Reviews and comments
Clarity of route description
4 / 5
Clarity of route map
4 / 5
Walk interest
4 / 5
Thanks for your comment. You are right that this route can become very muddy underfoot especially after any rain (like this past week!) Thanks for trying one of my walks and I hope you find some others to explore too. Gillian
Date of walk : 11/06/22
Clarity of route description : ★★★★☆ Good
Clarity of route map : ★★★★☆ Good
Walk interest : ★★★★☆ Good
Walk good , but very muddy would recommend gaiters & walking poles
