Robbie Burns

Scotland's most celebrated bard Robert Burns is renowned the world over. Author of famous poems such as Auld Lang Syne and Tam O' Shanter, Burns was born in Alloway (a mile and a half south of Ayr) in 1759 and died 37 years later in Dumfries. 

Almost since his death in 1796, the birthplace of Robert Burns in the leafy village of Alloway has been a place of pilgrimage for many visitors each year. The work of Burns is characterised by its references to the places in which he grew up, and his poetry and songs weave a fascinating trail through the Ayrshire countryside known today as Burns Country. It was this landscape that Burns celebrated in song ‘Behind yon hills where Stinchar flows, "mang moors an’ mosses many-o’ and paths along that very river take walkers through the peaceful valley". Burns remained attached to the rural environment into which he was born and shunned the bright lights of fashionable Edinburgh to live close to the land.  

The county of Dumfries and Galloway also boasts a rich connection to Scotland's national poet and the surrounding areas such as Galloway Forest Park or Mabie Forest offer great opportunities for walking and cycling. This region of Scotland offers plenty of scope for visitors looking for an activity-filled break. 

The Southern Upland Way cuts between the two counties most associated with Scotland's ploughman poet. This 212 mile/340 km walk passes through a varied landscape of pastoral valleys, forests and rugged uplands. For cyclists, the Scottish National Cycle Route runs through both regions and the Mary Queen of Scots Tour of Southern Scotland Cycle Route passes nearby.

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