Ayrshire Walking Festival - Start at ART!

*Free event*

The Alloway Railway Tunnel is an inclusive community project which will create a stunning art installation within the old railway tunnel at the Brig O’ Doon, Alloway. Once complete, the mural will have helped to rejuvenate this part of the village and will be one of the largest murals in Scotland.

We’re engaging through a top UK muralist, Chris Rutterford, by delivering mural art workshops enabling the community to get involved in painting the mural. 

We’re also creating heritage documentary films viewed via QR codes from the mural to help people learn more about Ayrshire's vibrant history.   

We can’t wait to show you the first half of this groundbreaking mural in all its glory! On one side we have a spectacular portrait of Robert Burns composing his poems and music at his desk, Burns Cottage and a joyful colourful vegetable garden, with adorable farmyard animals and a Clydesdale horse ploughing the fields. On the opposite wall we take you to an Ayr Tavern to meet some interesting characters, then a market scene and a view of the old town of Ayr around the river. With its attention to detail, this is a must-see location.

We’re working in partnership with Gillian’s Walks to organise this guided tour, starting at Alloway Railway Tunnel (ART). ‘Start at ART’ walks are designed to support mental health and wellbeing through the arts by enabling people to enjoy walking in the fresh air around Alloway while learning about the social history of this beautiful part of Ayrshire.

On this unique, never to be repeated tour you will visit the tunnel and see the amazing progress we have made with the mural. You’ll meet one of the ART trustees who will tell you more about the project and recount some of the fascinating stories from the mural. (And later you will get a chance to paint your own part of the mural).

This jaw droppingly beautiful mural adds another focal point to one of the most beautiful villages in Ayrshire. Your creative arts journey will continue around the more iconic sites of the Birthplace of Robert Burns visiting other art installations such as the statues on the Poet’s Path and the willow statues that make up the ‘Storybook Trail’ in Rozelle Park. 

You’ll then continue to the town of Ayr, following the ‘Blue Bonnet Trail’. AKA “Tam’s Trail”, it’s the one taken by Robert Burns’ hero Tam o’ Shanter in Burns’ most famous poem Tam o’ Shanter, first published in 1750. 

Our destination is the new ‘Cutty Sark’ arts centre. Here, you will have an opportunity to chill out and paint alongside mural Artist Chris Rutterford, who is the lead project artist for the Alloway Tunnel. You’ll be painting for about an hour and during the visit you will have time to eat your picnic lunch. 

You’ll then join part of the ‘Ayrshire Coastal Path’ walking back to Alloway and enjoying spectacular views of the Isle of Arran, The Heads of Ayr and Ailsa Craig.

If you love art and history and nature you will enjoy an unforgettable experience.

Route Information

• Distance approx 8 miles
  
• Start time 10am, finish approx 5pm
• Difficulty rating easy - pavements, woodland and gravel trails, sandy beach
• No dogs please