17
ARTS, CULTURE & TOURISM
Dunaskin, Dalmellington Road
Waterside, Patna, Ayrshire, KA6 7JH
The Doon Valley Railway is operated by the
Ayrshire Railway Preservation Group, which was
formed in 1974 to keep steam alive in Ayrshire.
Their aim was to create a living museum where
historically significant industrial steam and diesel
locomotives can be seen working in Scotland’s
last authentic industrial railway setting. The Doon
valley Railway is open to the public between
Spring and Autumn and has regular passenger
trains hauled by our steam loco, NCB No.10 and
heritage diesel locos. The restored vehicles can
be viewed in their authentic setting, reflected by
Ayrshire’s longstanding and strong rail heritage.
The venue also has its own steam model railway,
and also plays host to model railway shows, seeing
enthusiasts travel from far and wide to showcase
their creations. Take a ride on the brake van, hauled
by a locomotive, and peruse photos depicting the
history of the railways and pugs.
CROSSRAGUEL ABBEY
Maybole, Ayrshire, KA19 8HQ
Crossraguel Abbey
01655 883113
Crossraguel Abbey is operated by Historic
Environment Scotland and has many a story
to tell. It is a Cluniac monastery, dating back to
the 15th century and was home to the monks
allied to Robert the Bruce. As such, it sustained
considerable damage during the Wars of
Independence, still visible. But far from being a
ruin, the cloister, chapter house and dovecot
are intact. There are plenty of amenities on site:
toilets, car parking, a picnic area, water bottle
refill points and a shop. The site is closed during
winter months, but open until 5pm daily from April
through to September (check the website for any
additional maintenance or unexpected closures).
An interactive fact finding quiz is available,
helping kids and adults engage is a fun learning
experience. Find Crossraguel Abbey off the A77,
deep in the heart of the Ayrshire countryside.
DOON VALLEY RAILWAY
