Alloway - Robert Burns' Birthplace

Navigating The Route

This is a circular Detective Mystery around Alloway, Robert Burns' Birthplace, with Detectives helping Chief Inspector Ray Diatore investigate the deaths of twin cowboy plumbers, Leekie and Dwayne Pipe, near Brig o'Doon, then work through the village to close the case.

The investigation covers 2.2 miles and should take 2+ hours to complete. You'll start at Burns Cottage Car Park, follow pavements through the village, investigate around Rozelle Park and the Rozelle Estate, continue towards the Auld Kirk and Brig o'Doon House Hotel, then retrace your steps past the Auld Kirk and follow the main road back to the car park.

This Trail is not suitable for wheelchairs or pushchairs. The route uses pavements, but includes a short series of steps into the Auld Kirk, a narrow lane by the Brig o'Doon House Hotel, a wooden bridge and cobblestones at the bridge.

Take care when crossing roads, including Alloway Street, the main road by the Auld Kirk and the pedestrian lights by the wooden bridge. Stay aware on the long, straight road, and watch your footing near the bridge and cobblestones.

Getting There

By car: Start your investigation at Burns Cottage Car Park, with the entrance on Greenfield Avenue, near the roundabout on Alloway Street (KA7 4PY).

By public transport: Make your way to Burns Cottage Car Park, with the entrance on Greenfield Avenue, near the roundabout on Alloway Street, to begin the case.

Need the Loo?

Public toilets are available in Rozelle Park near Clue 07, making this a useful comfort stop part way through the investigation.

Bring Your Furry Sidekicks

Four-legged Detectives can join the investigation 🐾

The route includes pavements, several road crossings, a narrow lane, a wooden bridge and cobblestones, so keep canine colleagues close around traffic, tighter sections and uneven footing.

Food & Drink Stops

Case-cracking is easier with supplies. There is a village store near the start and a convenience store after Clue 08, with restaurant stops along the route too.

You're also encouraged to pack a picnic to enjoy en route, especially if you want to turn the investigation into a longer Alloway adventure.

Want to Make a Day of It?

Robert Burns Birthplace Museum

Opened at the end of 2010, Robert Burns Birthplace Museum offers a unique encounter with Scotland's favourite son. It houses the world's most important collection of his life and works in an innovative display, and is well worth adding to the case file.

Rozelle Park and Rozelle House Galleries

Rozelle Park is on the right on the road between the two main parks in Alloway. It hosts the Ayr Flower Show every summer and also has an art gallery with various exhibitions throughout the year. The route passes Rozelle House Galleries in the Rozelle Estate, where the estate and mansion's gift to the townspeople forms part of the local story. You may also wish to enjoy an optional walk round the pond in the Rozelle Estate.

Belleisle Park

Belleisle Park is on the left on the road between the two main parks in Alloway. It houses a golf course, walled garden and playground, giving families a handy extra stop if Mini Detectives still have energy after the evidence hunt.

The Monument and Memorial Gardens

The Monument and Memorial Gardens, over the road to the left of the hotel, are well worth a visit. The beautiful gardens surround the Burns Monument and Statue House, and spectacular views of Burns' beloved Alloway can be found from the roof of the Monument. The Trail also suggests checking out the Memorial Gardens on the way back.