On the trail of smugglers

A fine, sunny day prompted an excursion to Ayrshire's Dundonald Castle, though not to visit the castle on this occasion - it is closed for the winter and re-opens to visitors on 30 March. The handsome mediaeval ruin, pre-dated by a hill fort, has an impressive place in Scottish history and is certainly worth a visit (just 30 minutes from Glasgow).

Today, however, the purpose was to follow the 'Smugglers' Trail', supposedly used in times gone by to transport contraband. The route affords an attractive walk from the beach at Troon to the village of Dundonald, a fairly easy 2-hours on foot, with a gentle climb and descent through the woods of Dundonald Glen. It is also promoted by Sustrans as a mountain bike ride. The path ends at the castle and village. You should try it some time!