Moto Ride Routes - Burns Country

Robert Burns Monument in Alloway

With Burns Night on the horizon, why not experience a slice of the National Poet's homeland?

This route leaves from Abington, taking in historic sites such as Culzean Castle, the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, and then leads down to Dumfries - where Burns lived and worked in his final years.

This route is 125cc friendly, but be mindful of the 4hr 30m journey time. Be sure to stop for a hot drink and a snack at one of our key locations.

Keep reading to discover the landmarks on this route, or access our Google Maps file here, and see for yourself.

Our route departs from the town of Abington, heading South on the B797 towards Leadhills. The B797 offers excellent views of the sweeping valleys, and frequent twists in the road make for an exhilarating warm-up ride.

As you traverse from Wanlockhead down to the Mennock Pass on the B797, be aware of wandering sheep at the side of the road - these sleekit beasties fear no motorcycle.

Joining the A87 at Mennock, we journey West towards Sanquhar - thought to have the oldest working Post Office in the world, founded in 1712. We then follow the A87 West to the roundabout at New Cumnock, before taking a left turn onto the B741 signposted for Dalmellington.

The B741 has open skies and excellent views of the surrounding hillsides - passing through numerous small villages on the way to the old market town of Dalmellington, where our route is intersected by the A73.

Crossing the A73 and picking up signposts for Straighton, follow the B741 until you reach the T-junction just after Cloyntie - where we will join the B7023 heading North.

The Mennock Pass

Culzean Castle

The road along the B7023 provides true immersion in the beautiful Ayrshire countryside - a vast departure from the bleak, yet massive scenery of the Mennock Pass and Wanlockhead. Continue along this route until you reach the town, and former burgh, of Maybole.

As you reach the junction at the centre of Maybole, look to your left for views of the grand, yet sadly run-down, Maybole Castle. This grand early 17th century structure 

Crossing the junction onto Culzean Road and turning left, our journey continues West along the remainder of the B7023 and along the A719 to Culzean Castle.

On arrival at Culzean Castle and Country Park, we recommend parking up at the Visitor's Centre and getting a hot drink and a snack as a wee reward. There is an entry fee for the Castle itself, however you can access the Castle grounds free of charge.

Leaving Culzean Country Park, head back along the A719 and turn left at the junction signposted for Ayr. Located along this stretch of coastal road is The Electric Brae, one of Scotland's most interesting optical illusions. 

While the road appears to be on an upward slope, it is actually a small downhill stretch. Hence, vehicles left to free-wheel will appear to be going UP the hill. Look out for the lay-by and stone tablet marking the location of the Brae, and be sure to try this phenomenon yourself when you pass through!

Dunure Castle is located further along the A719, however it is not visible from the main road. To see the ruins, take a short detour into the town of Dunure, and re-join the A719 further along the route. Whilst running parallel to the coastline, look to your left for picturesque views of the Isle of Arran - some of the best in Scotland!

Passing through Lagg, the A719 finally takes us to the small village of Alloway, the birthplace of Robert Burns, just South of Ayr. 

The Electric Brae

Passing Through Moniaive

If you choose to stop at the the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway, be sure to check out the Robert Burns Monument and gardens before you leave. This is also an excellent opportunity to stop for a hot drink, setting you up for the rest of the trip.

Leaving Alloway facing South-East, follow the A713 all the way down to Carsphairn, passing through Hollybush, back through Dalmellington and onwards towards Brochloch - taking in the gorgeous landscape Burns wrote so fondly of.

At Carsphairn, take a left onto the B729 towards Moniaive, where Robert Burns was a regular guest in the 1780s. Continue to follow the B729 down to Dumfries, where Burns wrote some of his most iconic poems in his final years.

There are numerous landmarks associated with Burns in Dumfries, all with a great story to tell. Should you wish to stop and explore, head straight on at the roundabout to find a place to park up and pick your must-see destinations before moving on.

Exiting Dumfries via the A75, take the A701 cut-off heading North towards Glasgow and Edinburgh. This next section is fairly clear-cut, and is an excellent road for unwinding on the way back up to Abington.

The A701 snakes through lush countryside, passing through a number of small villages all the way to Moffat. Just up the road from Moffat, follow the fork left to join the B719. Cross under the M74 and pick up the B7076 heading northbound.

This final section runs parallel to the M74, and is the last push to get back to Abington to prepare for an onwards journey or a well-earned coffee.

We hope you enjoy this route! If you plan on completing this route, send us some pictures - and we'll feature your shots on our social media page!

Click here for Google Maps directions, and to experience the ride yourself.