Barskimming Caves
The stone stairs of Pedens Pulpit
A little while back Graham and I were above the river Ayr at Barskimming and I noticed caves cut into the sandstone cliffs on the far bank.
Today I decided to cycle along the river and go take a look, the riverside track would keep me out of the breeze and sheltered if the threatened showers came by and Auchincruive is a good starting point, quiet, good parking, and straight onto a rough track beside the river.
The River Ayr Way gives some good cycling, but has too many stiles, landslips, and now summer undergrowth is drooping across the track. Some parts have been cut back, some woodland tracks don't have much growth but other bits are getting very narrow.
East of Failford I went down the nice fishermans track by the river but made the mistake of pushing on beyond the end of it, ending up in head high bracken, I knew it was a sprachell but thought it was shorter. Maybe next time I'll remember!
The Barskimming caves are man made and have been cut into the sandstone gorge to allow a track to loop along beside the river. There are two tunnels about 50m long each with a window overlooking the river. They made an interesting turning loop before retracing the trail back. Cave map reference is landranger sheet 70 GR470252.
Took some SB video along the way and into the caves.