Barr is a remote community in rural Ayrshire with access to some dramatic scenery and outdoor pursuits. Within cycling or driving distance are some attractions to add variety to a stay in the area.
The walks at Barr are detailed on the main map for the area. It is recommended that you take a more detailed map with you as well such as the Ordnance Survey Explorer map 317 covering the area. You should also consider a visit to Girvan on the coast which is the starting point for an additional series of walks. There are also a large number of activities available from Girvan.
Barr is also near the Galloway Forest Park and there are over 400 miles of trails for walking and horse riding in the area. For more information go to the Forest Enterprise website.
On the Changue Forest Trail, detailed on the Barr Map, just north of Balloch Hill you can leave the signposted circular path and continue on the Barr to Loch Doon Cycle Route. At Pinvalley you can join up with the Sustrans Cycle Route
At Dailly you can enjoy a game of golf at Brunston Castle Golf Club. At Girvan there is a good municipal golf course.
Penwhapple Reservoir, just 2 miles north of Barr is well stocked with brown and rainbow trout. There is boat and bank fishing for brown trout between April and September. Enquire by phoning 01465 712039 or 01465 861663.
There are many opportunities for bird watching around Barr due to the wide range of habitats.
In spring and summer a variety of wild flowers can be seen around Barr. Bluebells, Primrose, Coltsfoot, Meadowsweet, Harebell, Foxglove and Marsh Marigold can be found in amongst the Sitka Spruce, Norway Spruce, Larch, Oak, Ash and Birch of the Changue Forest. Remember - Do Not Pick Wild Flowers.
Visit Dailly and travel to some of the areas castles and ruins (note that not all are accessible by the public apart from special open days - check with Tourist Information). For example Penkill Castle on the road to Old Dailly or the Robert Adam designed Dalquharran Castle which stands as a ruin above Dailly. There are also walks around Dailly.
In the graveyard in Old Dailly there are mystical Blue Stones with healing powers.
For a day's outing travel from Barr to the A714. Go north for a mile and a half to Pinmore to visit the Peinn Mor Pottery. There is a craft shop, studio and workshop and they run special craft courses. Then travel south on the A714 to Barrhill (not to be confused with Barr Village). Here you can visit Barwinnock Herbs, a garden and nursery at with a range of herbs and an exhibition of rural life.
There are a some traditional farmhouse B&B's and local Hotels available in the area. Go to the Ayrshire and Arran Tourist Board website to search for accommodation.