Discover Auldgirth

Auldgirth Bridge over the River Nith

Auldgirth Bridge was completed in 1782 as a road bridge over the River Nith. Its three segmental arches give the structure a clearly identifiable form. Its year of construction, function and design offer different ways to explore it: you can view the bridge as a historic structure, as a road bridge or in relation to the river. Alongside Burns’ literary heritage, the history of a specific structure also comes into focus.

Robert Burns: Ellisland and his works

Ellisland brings together Robert Burns’ family history and literary work. Burns built the farm in 1788 for his young wife, Jean Armour, and their family. He wrote a quarter of his songs and poems at Ellisland, including “Auld Lang Syne” and “Tam o’ Shanter”. Ellisland Farmhouse and Steading is a Category A listed building. The connection between family life and literary creation gives Ellisland its own distinctive historical focus.

The Ellisland Museum & Farm collection includes, among other things, manuscripts by Robert Burns. Together with the works written at Ellisland, they offer another way to explore his literature. The walking path by the River Nith at Ellisland also passes the place where Burns wrote “Tam o’ Shanter”. The same title thus appears in two contexts: as one of the works written at Ellisland and as a point of reference on the walking path. Ellisland is also part of the “Footsteps of Burns” trail in and around Dumfries.

Friars Carse Burns Hermitage

Friars Carse Burns Hermitage is a Category B listed building. It was built as a retreat for Captain Robert Riddell and Robert Burns while Burns was living at nearby Ellisland. A poem also connects Burns to this place: he wrote “Thou whom chance may hither lead” there as a tribute to Riddell and their growing friendship. This literary connection differs from the works Burns wrote at Ellisland: here, the focus is on his friendship with Riddell.

Walking routes and events

Ellisland offers peaceful paths along the riverbank and through woodland. This lets you combine your visit with time outdoors. The Nithsdale Way descends to the riverside village of Auldgirth. These details describe different route connections: the paths along the riverbank and through woodland are at Ellisland; the Nithsdale Way descends to the village of Auldgirth.

Low Auldgirth hosts its own events throughout the year, which day visitors can also attend. If you would like to plan your trip around an event, check the relevant date. Before you go, consider whether you would like to focus your trip primarily on Burns’ life and literature, the paths along the River Nith or an event.

Discover more destinations: Kirkgunzeon, Castle Douglas, Ruthwell, Dunragit, Dumfries, Carsethorn, Lockerbie, Beattock.

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