In some of the more remote parts of Ayrshire one can find traces of old roadways that made their way across country, linking towns and villages. Some of these routes date from the turnpike era, when new roads were being established with a view to improving trade and commerce, whereas some are older, perhaps even tracing their beginnings to the time of the Romans. In all cases, these roads are no longer open for motorised vehicles and can only be followed on foot or bicycle.
In this interesting account of Ayrshire’s old roads, the author describes many of the old ways through the county, as well as a few routes that were relocated to give the landed gentry more privacy around their policies, or else routes that were too difficult for cars and other vehicles to negotiate.
Along the way, we find out much about the old tolls, milestones, road-builders, and acts of parliament that were required to have the roadways created. |
