The Shiel: Forgotten Past

A collection of local sights which explore the Shiel's neolithic, medieval and early-modern past

This tour is 55 miles long, please allow at least 1 hour 25 minutes to complete it, excluding the time taken to enjoy the destinations along the way.

Plunge into the past with this tour of the sites which make up centuries of the Shiel’s fascinating history. Places of ancient worship dating back to the 1100s are revealed as centres of artistic and architectural wonder, such as the magnificent monument Skelmorlie Aisle which features painting by an artist who also worked on Edinburgh Castle. A significantly more modern example of painting is the vibrantly-restored Kelburn Country Estate, with its distinctive graffitied covered Castle uniting classic and modern art. Kilwinning Abbey is a stunning structure which also dates from the 12th century, steeped in myths of murderous abbots and buried treasure. Pre-medieval historians will, meanwhile, find much to intrigue them at the Haylie Chambered Tomb in which human remains and artefacts were found that dated back to 3000BC. The scale and opulence of the fabulous 18th-century Culzean Castle and Country Park offers something enjoyable for all the family - from forest follies to an authentic armoury, play-parks, and wildlife walks, this is a fun-packed estate with history galore.