Location and Access

There is good birding in the Alloway/Doonfoot area on the stretch of the former Ayr-Girvan coastal railway line which lies between Burton Farm road entrance (NS 14 182), just south of Doonfoot on the A719, through to Maybole Road, Ayr (A79), near its junction (NS 48 182) with the A77 Ayr-Stranraer trunk route. The overall length is about 4km with several access points and a good bus service to either end. Cars may be parked by the kerbside, with due consideration to residents and safety, in the Browncarrick district, just south of a roundabout on A719, and on the Maybole Road. Both ends and other access points are easily reached by cycle and there are plans to make the route a local cycleway.

Until the path is developed, parts are very muddy. The most rewarding section is between Burton and the River Doon.

Rough unsurfaced track often muddy in wet weather.

Easily accessed via local roads and byway network.

Birds

The path passes along former embankments and cuttings, now overgrown, providing good shellter for a range of resident and passage birds. The habitat ranges across gardens, hedgerows, woodland and farmland. Good views of the River Doon are had from the former railway bridge adjacent to where the path passes through a tunnel at Alloway. Spring to early summer is the best period.

The following species could be expected depending on the time of year: Grey Heron,Mallard, Goosander, Pheasant, Wood Pigeon,Swift, Swallow,House Martin,Grey Wagtail, Pied Wagtail, Wren,Dunnock, Robin, Blackbird,Song Thrush,Sedge Warbler, Whitethroat, Garden Warbler, Blackcap, Chiffchaff, Willow Warbler, Spotted Flycatcher, Long-tailed Tit, Coal Tit, Blue Tit, Great Tit, Jackdaw, Rook, Carrion Crow, Starling, House Sparrow, Chaffinch,Greenfinch,Goldfinch, Bullfinch.