Largs to Kelburn 26th November

 

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

 

If it wasnae for the Ooters where would you be?

Having a cup of coffee or a nice wee cup of tea

Instead, we’re up at Largs getting a soaking by the sea

Isn’t life a blast wi’ the Ooters?

 

By the time we arrived in Largs the forecast rain had arrived, and the sensible decision was made that we would walk to Kelburn and then return. It was a six-brolly day as we set off but soon all were taken down as the wind had whipped up as we moved along the promenade and towards the ‘Pencil’. We had the briefest of stops here before continuing past the marina and up the access road to Kelburn. We considered going into the café as a wee treat, given the conditions, but were saddened to see that it only opened Thursday to Sunday, so we made do with the sheltered area under the canopy in the courtyard for coffee.

 

There was some thought about just turning back from there but an inspection of a map showing the layout of Kelburn indicated an out and back route going up the glen beside the burn to a waterfall and this is what we chose to do. Even in the poor conditions it was quite picturesque, but it wasn’t a day for standing around and admiring the scenery, even though there was some shelter from the elements, and before too long we arrived at the bridge over the burn. Most crossed over and took a higher route back down to the castle whilst Davie and his minders retraced their steps to rejoin the others at the aforesaid Kelburn Castle bedecked in its now famous, or infamous, multi-coloured murals.

By this time the steady rain had increased in intensity, and we were well and truly soaked by the time we arrived at the covered shelter at the seafront for lunch. It was only a hop, a skip and a jump back to the cars but there was no point in trying to get changed in the pouring rain, so we made our way to the Drouthy Neebors for FRT. Fortunately, the pub was quiet and we had the back room to ourselves which afforded us to dry off clothes and for some to get changed in the toilet. Our chancellor decided to open the purse strings to the Ooters welfare budget and ordered up four plates of chips to cheer us up, and very good chips they were!

Despite the conditions, (it had been the wettest day we’ve had in a long time), the hour and a half spent in the pub lifted the spirits immeasurably and we set off for home in good cheer despite it still lashing down. For the record we had done a tad over six miles in two and three-quarter hours.

Arrangements for Wednesday 3rd December

Glasgow

Meet at the Counting House in Glasgow for a guided walking tour of "Secret Glasgow" led by local guide Kevin which will start from George Square at 10am prompt.

Darvel to Galston 19th November

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Robert

We have to thank Kay and Davie for their hospitality in providing coffee and scones as we assembled in Darvel on a bright, crisp, cold, early winter’s morning. It was good to see Kay, despite her incapacity, and we wish her a speedy recovery from her broken leg. 

The plan was to walk to Galston and so we set off just after 10 o’clock along the riverside path. There were only a few icy patches on the path, although care had to be taken when negotiating them, and there were a few near misses regarding falling on one’s posterior, but, in the main, this was turning out to be a very pleasant walk indeed.

On reaching the far away entrance to Lanfine estate Davie and Isla turned up through the estate to return home from there whilst the rest continued to Newmilns.

Most were in favour of continuing on the path to Galston but Alan McQ, Dougie, Hugh, Jimmy and Paul wished to extend the walk and turned up Windyhill Road. Those who stayed low reached Galston about ten minutes to twelve just in time to get the bus back to Darvel and to take up Davie’s generous offer to allow us to have our lunch in the house. Thanks again, Davie. It was just after one o’clock when the Black Bull beckoned and drinks were consumed whilst awaiting the rest.

The five boys (remember the chocolate?) had left the tarmac and had gone through Cessnock wood adjacent to Burn Anne before emerging on to tarmac. They took a wee diversion to the cemetery to find the grave of Robert Stirling, local minister and inventor of the engine that carries his name, before deciding not to be wimps like the other group and walking back to Darvel along the riverside path arriving at the pub about ten past two. They had covered the best part of ten miles compared to the five of the others and all enjoyed the camaraderie of the group. The Black Bull itself was very quiet, and we wondered yet again how such establishments survive.

This had been a perfect day for a walk and the sun was just beginning to go down as we left for home.

Some images from the Irvine Valley walk

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 26th November

Largs

Meet in Gogo Street, Largs where we'll decide where to walk on the day depending on the weather. Options could include Cumbrae, Knock Hill or Kelburn Country Park.