Drukken Steps, Stepping stones in North Ayrshire, Scotland
The Drukken Steps are a row of stepping stones crossing the Red Burn in Eglinton Country Park, North Ayrshire, Scotland. The stones form a direct foot crossing through a wooded section of the park, linking paths on either bank of the stream.
The stones were laid in the 18th century as part of a route connecting nearby settlements across the Red Burn. They continued to serve walkers for generations before the surrounding land became part of Eglinton Country Park.
The name Drukken comes from a Scots word meaning soaked or drenched, which hints at how often people crossed here in wet conditions. The stones sit inside Eglinton Country Park, where walkers still follow old woodland paths that have been in use for generations.
The ground around the stones stays damp and can be slippery, so sturdy footwear is a good idea before setting out. The crossing is reached on foot from the paths inside Eglinton Country Park, which has clear waymarking throughout.
The word drukken in Scots can also describe the stumbling, unsteady walk of someone who has had too much to drink, which gives the crossing a wry humour. This double meaning reflects how locals named everyday features of the landscape with a light touch.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
