Eglinton Castle

Explorer Tom Eglinton Country Park near Irvine gives you more than four hundred hectares in which to misplace a whole afternoon very happily. There are paths for walking and cycling, a play area and wide green stretches, plus the remains of Eglinton Castle to remind you that this ground had a grander address once. I would claim it as my estate, but the council already has the keys. North Ayrshire Council runs the park and welcomes visitors without an entry charge. Woodland, open ground and old estate features suit a walk, ride or picnic near the castle remains. The park is a public place used for riding and fishing too, so share paths with care. My imaginary stable master would insist I take a horse; I am safer carrying sandwiches. The courtyard has a café and toilets, with hours that change through the year. Accessible play equipment and bookable mobility scooters help more visitors enjoy the grounds. The council offers a park map, a defence against my habit of choosing every interesting path. Take time around the historic parts, but keep to open visitor areas and let the landscape give you the space the old estate once boasted. The park and its car parks open all year, though facilities keep shorter hours. There is free parking and a bus stop outside the boundary, followed by a walk to the main visitor area. Check current notices before setting out, especially if you need the café, toilets or an accessibility booking. Come for whatever length of walk suits you, and leave with one more route in mind for next time.