Cairn Table - 15 February

A somewhat reduced-in-number seven Ooters (Ronnie, Rex, Ian, Paul, Robert, Johnnie and Malcolm) gathered in the parking area at Glenbuck Loch on a cool, breezy but dry morning. There we pondered the logistics of ferrying all Ooters to Kames whilst having transport remaining at the Loch for the return ... and all to be done with three cars. It was decided it couldn't be done without a driver doing an extra journey unless there was some sitting upon knees (some were more in favour of this than others, but they were in a minority).

Transportation complete, and undeterred by the absence of the two Ooters with local knowledge, we prepared for the walk at Kames whilst having a chat with a fellow walker about to set off on a 15 mile hike. He regaled us with tales of his previous solo wilderness walks and succeeded in making us all feel a little wimpish.

The ascent of Cairn Table called for the usual view stops. Despite Cairn Table being shrouded in mist as we drove to Glenbuck - the only hilltop in the clouds (does that sound familiar?) - it had cleared nicely for our ascent. We could see Ailsa Craig to the west whilst in the distance, eastwards, we could see hills which might have been the Pentlands ... or they might not have been. Jimmy wasn't there to tell us.

On the way up to the summit the top of a walking stick, made of deer antler, was spotted on the path. A few weeks ago Davie M had lost such an item in snow on Cairn Table and we reckoned it was one and the same. Having kicked it aside ...

...no we didn't. It was retained and will no doubt be blu-tacked to someone's forehead when next we meet up, just to see how long it takes Davie to notice.

A strongish north easterly was blowing at the top so we took shelter in the lee of the impressive summit cairn for coffee.

Despite the recent rains and memories of boggy descents, the way down was relatively dry. We picked up a quadbike track which made for decent underfoot conditions and were quickly down the hill and onto the vehicle track. Here, whilst examining a pile of wooden stakes, Ronnie announced that he no longer had his stick with him. Ronnie, Paul, Rex and Ian had lingered for so long at the stakes that the others were out of sight, but knowing the caring nature of Ooters they reckoned those ahead would soon be aware that their number had been reduced from 7 to 3 and would return to find out what had befallen their comrades.

The four stragglers retraced their footsteps in search of the stick. Ronnie thought he might have left it at what Rex described as the "fence without wires" - "posts" to the rest of us, but it was nowhere to be seen. Ronnie decided he would continue retracing his footsteps and would go back to the summit of Cairn Table and then on back to the starting point at Kames. The three bade Ronnie farewell and set off in search of the rest of the group.

The three in front had indeed noticed that some of the party were missing and so made the decision to .... stop to eat lunch. Mobile phone communication, which had been non-existent, was eventually restored and the two groups were finally in contact again. Of course, the leading group had finished their lunch by the time the starving stragglers arrived and were keen to continue their way, so we did, although a little further on we did all stop for a second lunch break.

Contact was made with Ronnie. He had found no trace of his stick on top of Cairn Table and was on his way back to Kames. However, it's and ill wind which blows nobody any good, and Ronnie was instructed to drive to Glenbuck to meet us at the end of the walk - logistical problem solved!

We enjoyed more fine views of sunlit hills, including Tinto, as we made our way down to Parish Holm farm and the A70. The verges of the track from the main road to the farm were resplendent in snowdrops. And then it was across the road and around the loch to our parking place ... and we only had to wait 5 minutes before Ronnie turned up!

Refreshments were taken at the Coach House in Muirkirk, where we received the usual warm welcome from our young hostess.

A good day's walk in pleasant conditions. Ronnie might disagree.

Pictures from Cairn Table- Glenbuck Walk

Proposed walk for 22nd Feb

Meet outside Neilston Station around 10.00a.m. The walk will take in Neilston Pad and return. (around 2.5 hours). Short walk to allow Ronnie plenty of time to get home and get organised for the Sloe gin tasting.
Curry orders should be e-mailed to Ronnie a.s.a.p. to ensure everyone has the curry of their choice. The menu can be viewed on line at www.jewelinthecrownkilmarnock.co.uk .
Bring your entries for the Sloe gin competion and any other drinks required to Ronnie's place for a 7.30p.m. start to the proceedings.

Durisdeer Walk Wed 8th Feb

Cairn Table Wed 15th Feb.

Meet at Glenbuck Loch car park around 9.30.a.m. Move some cars to the start point in Muirkirk and leave enough at Glenbuck to get back to Muirkirk. Probably a good idea to have some spare capacity in each car.

Sloe Gin Night

The Sloe Gin evening has been moved to Feb 22nd. Meet at Ronnie's around 7.30.p.m. Arrangements are as follows :-choose your curry on Wed 15th, consume on the 22nd around 7.30-8.00 p.m. Sloe gin tasting around 8.30.p.m. Followed by the usual banter and nonsense.

New Lanark Walk 1st Feb 2012

Dates for your Diary

15th Feb. Sloe gin competition and curry night. Meet at Ronnie Thompson's house around 7.30p.m.
2nd March Sportman's Dinner. Irvine Sports Club. Contact Johnny.
7th March Rupee Room to celebrate Alan's 65th birthday.
17th March Ronnie's 65th birthday bash. Details to be arranged.
30th March Bowling club Quiz Night.
The Oran Mor visit as yet to be finalised- watch this space.

25 January Glen Afton’s One Top

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex & Ronnie

The late John Denver sang ‘Some days are diamonds, some days are stones’. The last time we were on the Glen Afton Hills the day was unquestionably of the precious variety – blue, sunny skies, glistening, powdery snow and views that went on forever. And we had hopes for something of the same today given the snow fall of yesterday and the forecast for a clear and sunny day. But somebody up there doesn’t like us. Whatever we have done to offend the provider of our weather we don’t know but with what has been given to us this winter we feel he is definitely against us.

This is the truth we found when we gathered in Cumnock on a dreary January Wednesday. Already there was dissension in the ranks. There was some thought of the foul weather alternative but our weather man suggested that it would be late afternoon when the rain arrived. We took his word for this and set off into Glen Afton.

Barely had we left the cars at the waterworks than we felt the first spits. But, according to our weatherman, this is only a passing shower for the rain was forecast to arrive no earlier than late afternoon. And go off it did though by the looks of the sky and the hill fog it could come back any minute. We walked along the forest road on the west side of the reservoir watching to see if the fog was lifting or coming further down. By the time we had reached the bridge over the upper reaches of the Afton a decision had to be made; should we go ahead as planned or cut the walk short and come back along the east side of the reservoir. The party split in two; the wimps opting for the lower walk and the adventurous, unwise, foolhardy and downright stupid opted for the hill despite Johnny’s hip-flask bribery.
The wimps: wise, intrepid, mathematically principled souls: we three giants of the maths teaching fraternity know a thing or two about gradients, turning points and distance formulas. All too obvious, the approaching poor weather, no need of TV predictions. We could see it coming. A walk around the Afton reservoir seemed a prudent move. Bullying JM over-ruled concerned AS about completing the circuit. As it turned out AS was right. The path, though not impassable, was unpleasantly deeply muddied. We retraced our steps back to where we had become the splinter group. Here we could see our brave brothers battle the elements as they crested the summit and disappear from our view. We made it back to the cars in good heart. We had lunch. We wondered back up to the reservoir dam just in time to see our courageous comrades caper casually along the edge of the reservoir.

We await (inserted above JM) a report from the wimps for the scribe was in the latter group. This was the group that made its way up the side of the river to the old fruit van that sits on it own on the hillside. That’s where the rain came. When we had been in the shelter of the forest, any rain that came was no more that a steady dribble. But we were no longer in the shelter of the trees and the steady dribble was wind blown and wetting and when we left what little shelter the fruit van afforded, we were into the weather proper. Though the wind-driven drizzle stung the faces, we still had faith in our weatherman and his prediction that the rain would arrive until the late afternoon and so set of for the first climb of the day, Alwhat

Not only was it wet overhead, it was extremely wet underfoot for the first fifty metres or so until the ground steepened and we found the drier grasses. Thank heavens for quad bike tracks; at least the climbing would be easier than the coarse hill grasses and rushes that surrounded us. It certainly seemed to be easy for Jimmy. What he had for breakfast certainly worked for he took off up that slope like a whippet on ecstasy and left the rest trailing in his wake. But not only had we Jimmy’s pace to contend with; as we gained height we also changed direction and now found the wind driving the rain directly into our faces, and it stung. But at least we could see where we were going so far.

Ronnie felt the pressure on this climb - he is recovering from major surgery and has not yet regained his fighting fitness - but struggled manfully on in Jimmy’s wake crossing the tufted grass of the slope to the fence on Alwhat summit. Here we found Jimmy waiting with alternate routes in mind. But Ronnie was done for the day and was for returning the way we had come up. And we, being of a compassionate nature and anyway having had our fill of soakings for this year, offered to keep him company. We turned to retrace our steps back down to the fruit van in the valley.

Back in the shelter of the trees at the bridge we stopped for a bite. The time was twelve-thirty and the rain was still on. We are beginning to lose faith in our weatherman.

When we came out of the trees again the rain had gone and a decision was made to return by the east side of the reservoir. To this end we followed the forest road to its end and then took the path to the dam where we met with the renegade three. Half a mile later we were back at the waterworks and the cars, our walking past for the day.

This was another dreich day and the best that can be said is that we got some exercise. Come on ‘ye pow’rs wha mak mankind your care’ gie us a break and a dry day for a change.

As usual in this neck of the woods FRT was taken in The Sun in Cumnock. New grandfather Ian stood the first round to wet the baby's head. Congratulations to the proud mum and dad and equally proud grandparents.

18 January Annbank - Auchincruive Circuit & The Burns Supper

Allan, Andy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Jimmy, Johnny, Paul, Rex, Robert & Ronnie

Today’s walk was to be short for this was the night of our inaugural Burns Supper and Johnny had to get home early to peel the tatties. Just as well for the weather was as it has been for a few weeks now, dull, damp and dreich. Surprisingly, given the weather and the nature of the evening ahead, most of us turned up at Annbank bowling club car park for a short walk over very familiar ground. This number included Rex who had returned prematurely from his holiday in New Zealand – he just can’t stay away from us for too long.

The walk has been well described in these pages the past ( December 2010 and 2 sep 2009 and others) so there is no need for further description here. Suffice to say we wandered down to the river and on to Auchincruive House and the Burns/Wallace monument for coffee. Considering the day, this was an appropriate place to have coffee. Some thought of returning by the same route, and one even thought of going downstream to the next bridge. But, when it was pointed out that the next bridge was on the Ayr bypass, he changed his mind and went with the consensus that we return on the south side of the river.

This is exactly what we did, returning by the River Ayr Way past Wallace’s Seat and Tarholm Bridge to the confluence of Ayr and Coyle. Here we stopped for a bite to eat then continued up the river to Privick Mill and back to Annbank.

There was no FRT today for Johnny would need all the time for his preparation for our shindig later.

Later than evening we gathered in Johnny’s place in Irvine for our inaugural Burns Supper. As you can see from Allan’s pictures below, the night was a great success with everybody contributing to the merriment. The scribe can say that the evening started off well but can’t say for certain how it ended. ‘The nicht drave on wi’ sangs an’ clatter and aye the usquabae grew better’. He can only hope that he was in a better state than the chairman when he got home. Johnny’s video should be very enlightening. But, Johnny, we are pensioners and can’t afford the blackmail money. ‘We were fu and unco happy’

Our collective thanks go to Johnny for hosting this event and we look forward to the next one.

Inaugural Burns Supper 18 January

11 January Clyde Walkway in Glasgow

Andy, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Robert & Ronnie

It was a great idea and like all great ideas it was so very simple: Johnny would check the time of the bus leaving Irvine and arriving at Kilmarnock bus station, Ian would check the time of the same bus arriving at the bus stop near his house in Killie, the outlying contingent would meet at Ian’s place and we would all travel to Glasgow on the same bus. Simples! But this is the Ooters we are talking about here and if anybody can muck up a simple idea it’s the Early Ooters.

Jimmy and Peter were first to defect from the plan. They couldn’t get a bus to connect with the one from Irvine so would travel direct to Glasgow and wait there for the rest of us. This they did, having coffee and bacon rolls in the Concert Halls while they waited. Andy from Largs had a similar problem with the same solution, only without the coffee and roll. He was found loitering by the ‘Tempus Fugit’ when the other two had finished coffee and had made their way back to the bus station to await the arrival of the others.

The bus from Irvine arrived bang on schedule. That’s not to say that all the Ooters arrived on schedule. The first part of the plan had been carried out to perfection. The Irvine contingent caught the bus and two of the Killie men boarded at Kilmarnock bus station. So far, so good. But what we had failed to factor into our plan in our alcohol induced euphoria last week was the capriciousness of the travelling public. It appeared that the whole of Kilmarnock wanted to travel to Glasgow on the same day, and on the same bus. The inconsiderate so-and-so’s filled the bus at the bus station leaving no room for those poor Ooters waiting at Ian’s place. Five of them were forced to stand and watch as a full bus sped past with familiar faces gesticulating furiously from the upper deck windows.

Now there were seven Ooters in Glasgow and five waiting in Kilmarnock for the next bus. There was nothing to do now but to spend the time having coffee in the Concert Halls while we waited. (Remember when this was a walking group? - Ed) Nearly half an hour later the missing five appeared having been fetched from the bus station by Robert. They had no time for coffee for the rest of us were ready for the off.

Sometime before noon we wandered down Buchanan Street admiring the city scenery. (One of these days one of you will be arrested for admiring the scenery too closely – Ed) We crossed Argyle Street, came through St. Enoch Square and came to the Clyde Walkway at the foot of Dixon Street. We thought we were turning eastward along the riverside but Davie Mc and Ronnie turned in the opposite direction - ‘Just going to show Ronnie La Pasionara’ – and we followed. La Passionara, the sculpted tribute to the men of the International Brigade who fought Fascism in the Spanish Civil War, has had a lucky escape. The recent storms have blown down a tree the branches of which just missed the upreaching arms of the bronze lady on top of the pedestal. Luckily no damage has been done and La Pasionara still looks defiantly over the river – ‘Better to die on your feet than live forever on your knees’. While we admired the artistic and other interest of the memorial, Davie and Ronnie wandered further westward to look at some Greek inscription on the remains of the old railway bridge.

Once the Greek had been examined and La Pasionara commented on, we did turn eastward along the walkway following it to Glasgow Green and beyond. A skuller from the Glasgow Rowing Club drifted upriver with a casual stroke passing us easily. He passed us again drifting just as casually downstream. We would see him again later. Then we met a walking group coming in the opposite direction and we being of a sociable nature, stopped for a blether. They were a group from East Kilbride who had started at Dalmarnock and were walking into the city centre. They did tell us the name of their group but the scribe has forgotten it. Johnny presented one of them with our blog cards so East Kilbride walkers if you are reading this get in touch and we will give your group a mention.

But time was now wearing on, nearing lunchtime, and we had promised ourselves lunch in West, the German pub on Glasgow Green. An arrangement was made that we would walk on until one o’clock and then turn back. The designated hour came with Andy, Davie Mc and Robert some hundred metres in front of the main group. When they thought one o’clock was we don’t know but they were walking on. Despite shouts from the pack, they walked on. We turned and ambled slowly back along the walkway. We were passed once more by the skuller but this time he was accompanied onshore by a coach on a bike, a coach with a megaphone, and his stroke was more intense. And they passed us again going downstream. But, this apart, there was very little to record before we came to Glasgow Green for the second time.

The errant three caught us up as we came to the Green and we made our way as a group to the Doges Palace and the German pub. Ian’s brother, Alistair, was waiting for us in the pub. It was nice to meet one of our regular readers and it might be nice to meet the other one sometime. However a convivial couple of hours were spent over lunch and refreshment and we can only hope that we haven’t put Alistair off joining us some other time.

Peter and Alistair left us early for different reasons – Alistair to make his way home and Peter to view some art work in St Andrews Cathedral - but the rest of us sat for a while yet. Then we made our way through the city centre to the Buchanan Bus Station and the bus back for Kilmarnock and Irvine and Largs. This time we all managed to get on whichever bus we required.

Next week we are not using buses!

Arrangements for Wed 18th Jan 2012

Meet at the bowling green car park in Annbank at 9.30a.m. The walk is along the river Ayr to Auchincruive and return. No refreshments today due to the early start of the Burns Supper.

4 January Darvel to Galston Or What IS the capital of Wisconsin?

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny & Ronnie

Johnny is learning the state capitals of the USA. In order to preserve his ageing memory he has set himself the task of memorising lists, the first of which is the state capitals of the US. We would put his new learning to the test throughout the day.

Davie Mc wasn’t going on the walk today. He was suffering from sinusitis which was a great pity from his point of view for we all descended on his house in Darvel to enjoy his hospitality whether he was feeling up to it or not. From our point of view this was one of the highlights to the day for the morning was dreich, the forecast dire and the rain had just started. Not only were we reluctant to carry out the proposed walk, we were also reluctant to leave the warm comfort of Davie’s living room and take to the cold January dribble. In view of this reluctance and the conditions outside, Jimmy’s suggestion that we curtail the walk from the long, high level to a more direct low level one along the river, was eagerly accepted.

The walk itself was a wet but fairly straightforward affair. We crossed the Ranoldcoup Bridge and found the road down the south side of the river towards Newmilns. The effects of Tuesday’s storm and the rains of the last four months were evident as we walked down the road. Blown-over trees, sawn up and roughly cleared from the road, and large pond-like puddles lying on the sodden fields reinforced our belief that this had been a particularly wet and windy winter so far. A tree yet to be sawn and cleared caused a minor diversion but no real inconvenience to our progress down towards Newmilns.

The decline in manufacturing in our area was commented on as we passed the empty and demolished mills and factories of Newmilns. Even the large employer Vesuvius Crucible is in a state of dormancy with only the office seemingly occupied. And Newmilns is typical of many Ayrshire towns. Yet there are signs of possible recovery with smaller units occupied. We will wait and see.

We left tarmac west of Newmilns and took to a pathway beside the river. There was a warning notice there that the path was temporarily closed due to flood damage but we don’t pay much attention to notices. We walked on. Near Galston we came across this flood damage to the path. The river in spate had changed course and washed away some fifty metres of the south bank and with it the path. The authorities have erected a temporary fence along the steep bank and local feet have created a temporary pad alongside this. This is the way we went, joining the made path at the side of the football ground in Galston.

The bus drew up at the bus stop just as we arrived. We took it back to Darvel. Lunch was taken in Davie’s and a fine old Macallan was liberally dispensed by our host – just to drive away the dampness of course.

After lunch we repaired to the Black Bull for FRT. That’s where we really tested Johnny’s new-found brain training. What’s the capital of Texas? Austin! Florida? Tallahasse! New Jersey? Trenton! Johnny was in good form. Idaho? Boise! Alabama? Montgomery! Quick as flash was Johnny. Nebraska? Lincoln! Wisconsin? Em! Em! Try as he might this was one that stumped Johnny. Not only did it stump Johnny, it stumped the rest of us as well. For all the time we sat in the Black Bull Johnny scratched his head (metaphorically not literally or we might have suspected that he was keeping pets) but nothing would come back. Not that anybody cared for we had better things to take our attention.

When we were only half way through our first pint, the barmaid came over to our table. ‘Have you boys had your Ne’erday from us yet?’ she asked. When we replied in the negative she gave us the next round on the house. Many thanks to her and to the Black Bull – may they have a happy and prosperous 2012.

And a Happy New Year to all our readers - both of you.

PS The capital of Wisconsin is Madison - Ed

Quiz Answers

Congratulations to the winner Paul and runners up Allan & Jimmy.

The answers are posted on a new page. The tab is above the header photo or click here

The typist has been given her jotters for typing words that weren't actually there, namely "this year".

21 December Cumnock to Ochiltree via Dumfries House Tearoom

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul & Robert

Some diseases are infectious and some are contagious – that’s medical fact - but never in his wildest dreams did your scribe think that accidents are infectious. Last week Jimmy appeared with a plaster on his forehead the result of walking into a door. (So he said but we suspect differently!) This week the entire Kilmarnock contingent arrived with plasters on their foreheads. Jimmy has yet to see the joke.

The plan for the day was to have a walk near Cumnock taking in the old mining village of Skares. This was so that Paul, our junior football expert, could see where the famous Skares Bluebell FC once played. But the weather, as it has been many times this year, was dull, damp and dreich with the threat of rain anytime. When we gathered in Jimmy’s place in Cumnock a change of mind was in the offing; we would abandon the Skares idea in favour of a mid-winter saunter down the River Lugar from Cumnock to Ochiltree.

This itself was a straightforward affair and one we have done often before (6/01/2010, 2/02/2011 inter alia) so merits no further description here. Only one or two details should be reported for the sake of the record. The first was a diversion to Dumfries House, not so much for the house itself but for the tearoom there. Because this is the festive season we decided to treat ourselves to an indoor cup of coffee. The waitresses were delighted to see us for they had had nobody in this morning before us and reckoned that they would have nobody for the rest of the day. We were a pleasant distraction from the boredom of doing nothing – at least we were some sort of distraction. A nice half hour over coffee (and Malcolm’s macaroon bar) and we were on our way again.

The next stop was at the Barony ‘A’ Frame. Those who knew that there was only enough seating there for six and who could count that there were nine of us, sped up the track to get the benefit. The three slowcoaches had lunch standing up while the rest enjoyed what comfort a perforated metal bench afforded.

Lunch was followed by a quick tour of the information boards then we headed back down the track to the river again.

A rather unpleasant incident occurred beyond Mill Affleck. The tail-enders - who incidentally had just been listening to a rather Johnny-like rant from Jimmy – came across a dog in some distress. It was one of those ‘Staffie’ type of devil-dugs and it appeared to have something stuck in its mouth. While it was happy to be clapped, it would not let any one of us – well Jimmy, the dug whisperer, anyway – near its blood spattered mouth. A few minutes later a young woman with another of the same type of dug came back along the path. She had been walking along talking on her phone and never even noticed the dog was missing. While the dug whisperer held the other on a lead, the woman bent down, opened the jaws of the distressed devil dug and prized the offending stick from between its teeth. Relieved of its torment now, the devil-dug was a calm and docile as any pet. The woman and her twa dugs kept us company to Ochiltree.

We took the bus back to Cumnock where the Sun provided festive FRT. A special mention should be made of Karen, the barmaid in The Sun who patiently suffered all our festive banter and returned it with a smile. Thanks Karen.

Walk for Wed 28th Dec.

Chez Moi - 0930 -1000 for coffee/tea bacon rolls
Depending on weather -A- bus to Ardrossan and walk back to Irvine (3 hours)
OR -B- If weather bad - a short trip round Irvine (2 hours)
After all the exertion - - beer and stovies - Chez Moi

Johnny

Merry Christmas one and all.

14 December Glasgow for the Christmas Curry

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Rex, Robert & Ronnie

This time last year we talked about traditions and how they are developed; it was when we were in Glasgow for our customary Christmas curry. Today was the day designated to continue this particular Ooters tradition, but not before a sampling of conventional Christmas fare. Ian’s suggestion last week that we met at his place in Kilmarnock for mulled wine and mince pies was enthusiastically accepted and we gathered there around the nine-thirty mark this morning. (Mulled wine at nine-thirty in the morning? I think there is a problem here. – Ed)

Mulled wine notwithstanding, we travelled into the city, parking on Kirklees Place, just behind the Botanic Gardens. The walk was to be one that we have done a few times before (17 December 2008, 16 December 2009 et al). While some of us thought that we would make a change and do the walk in the reverse direction from the others, Robert and Rex set off in the usual direction. Despite the overwhelming feeling for the opposite direction, they strode on, oblivious to our gently persuasive comment. We followed, still commenting on the two disappearing down the hill. The walk was to be in the usual direction.

We walked down to the Kelvin Walkway, followed the river up to the Kelvin Aqueduct and climbed up to Maryhill Locks. A slight deviation from the straightforward walk was made so that the newcomers could see the river from the middle of the aqueduct. And Davie Mc made another when he crossed over a lock gate to the other side of the canal and back by another gate. Apart from that the walk was the usual. We followed the canal to Stockingfield Junction and then the spur to Spiers Wharf where elevenses were taken. That’s when Allan produced his hip flask. (As I said, there is definitely a problem here – Ed)

Suitably refreshed, we made the move to return. But Davie Mc said that it was too early for the return for lunch was booked for two o’clock. He suggested a slight extension to Port Dundas and the end of the spur. Though it wasn’t the most interesting part of the canal, it did add some time onto the walk and by the time we had returned to Speirs Wharf, it was indeed time to make the return journey.

We came back to Maryhill Road and left the banks of the canal. Then by cutting the corner we came to Queen Margaret Drive and back to the Botanics.

Though that was the end of the walk, it wasn’t the end of our day. A quick change of clothes - a quick change of tyre for Rex as well for one of the front ones of his car was flat – and we were on our way down Byres Road to the Ashoka on Ashton Lane. A very convivial hour or so was spent in the usual Ooters fashion. We left the Ashoka around three-thirty fed on curry, watered with lager and thoroughly mellow. (Yep, definitely a problem – Ed)

Early Ooters' Christmas and Ne'erday Quiz 2011

The answers are all places that at least some Ooters have been to [this year - NOT this year. The typist has been sacked]; obviously I cannot guarantee that everybody has visited all the places in the answers. Remember, of course, that not all walks have been en Ecosse! Some of the solutions are rather obtuse to try and outwit smartarse Jimmy.

Section 1

Anagrams
Rearrange the letters to find the places according to the three headings:-

Lochs
TOYLAND
CARWIRE
A TINKER
CRINKLE DEN
CAT PEE SMELLS

Hills
NEARBY YELL
GENTLER WHORE
YAMS WILT
GONADS LITE
SACRED DIMPLE

Towns
SLOE MILKER
DIALS HELL
CLANKED BY
LEARN WANK
LAND DUD NO

Total:15 points

Section 2

Cryptic, sort of …

1. Would you be raving mad to live here? (6 letters)
2. But do Rex, Richard, Ross and Robert all live happily here? (9)
3. However, there are more bends on the road to this place than the name would suggest. (8)
4. Protestant ministers? Definitely not, this is Catholic country! (10)
5. Could you be bowled over by virgins in this place? (7)
6. You'd definitely need to be biased to stay and play here. (7)
7. Sounds as if it is larger than other places, but that's not necessarily so! (6)
8. Your flag would definitely fly proudly up here if you could see through the bloody mist! (5,8)
9. It's what the devil wears? Si, señora. Non, madame! (5 or 6)
10. I hear this is an excellent place for retired criminals! (11)

Total: 10 points


Section 3

Odd man out. Which of the following do not belong?

1. Dungrain Law, Hill of Stake, Blackcraig, Goatfell, Blacksidend.
2. Ballochmartin, Ballikillet, Auchenhessnane, Breakough, Figgantoch.
3. Rankinston, Galston, Annbank, Tarbolton, Catrine.
4. Col de Jau, Ness Glen, Cairntable, Clyde Valley.
5. Manteaux de Sel, Nouveaux Moulins, Château de Lait, Beau Zizi.

Any reasonable answers for the above will be considered, and then totally discarded and ignored in favour of the correct one which is mine!

Total: 5 points

Section 4

Ubi coitus sumus?  Where were the following pictures taken?

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

7.

8.

9.

10.

Grand total: 40 points

I'll put up a bottle of wine as the prize. In the event of a tie, I have a deciding question.

Bonne chance!

Quizmaster: Davie Mc

A bit wild in Troon today

(not my photo, by the way!).


Kay & Davie were there too - this is the sandy path to Barassie beach.  We didn't last long!

7 December Kilmarnock to Springside Circuit

Alan, Allan, Andy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, John K, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Rex, Robert & Ronnie.

The rain drummed on the roof of Alan’s conservatory and rattled, wind driven, against the windows while we sat in the warmth, contentedly availing ourselves of Allan’s hospitality – bridge rolls with sausages, coffee and biscuits. It was nice to have Ronnie back with us as well after his medical problems and there was a bit of catching up to do here. The crack was good and the food was good and were reluctant to move. But then, are we not a walking group? Are we bothered by a wee bit of weather? The answer to that is probably ‘yes’ for we have seen enough of it this year, enough to last us for a few years to come. But there came a lull in the torrent and, as the rain went off, we set off into the breeze.

.

The walk was a straightforward, low level affair the first part of which was new territory to most of us and we looked forward to seeing a different part of the country. We set off on a tarmaced path round Annanhill golf course to an old estate house called Mount House. ‘Turned into flats now’, said Allan when we asked. We considered this an excellent way of preserving these old buildings. And we had a good look at it as we came round it to find the old drive which we followed out to what used to be the Dundonald road before the bypass was built. We came under the bypass and followed the old road to where it met the new section from Dundonald Road. Now Alan offered us a choice; we could go down to the river – the Irvine – and follow it or keep to the road to Gatehead. Given the rains of yesterday it was felt that to go to the river would present us with problems; the water would be high and the ground saturated. The consensus was to keep to tarmac. So we crossed the busy road and headed for Gatehead.

In Gatehead, at the Cochrane Inn, we turned right off the busier road onto a quieter country road. At least we though this wee road would be quieter but it was surprisingly busy and we had to step aside more than once to let traffic past before we came to Laigh Milton Mill. Coffee was called at the old mill. The old mill, not so long ago a fine dining place, is pretty derelict now; the windows are boarded up and the walls need some TLC; graffiti covers the boarded windows and litter covers the ground. The remains of the mill wheel stick out of the ground showing where the mill lade once came from the river but even this artefact is in need of attention before it is lost forever. And this was the place we chose to have coffee.

Some sat, some stood and some nosied around the mill. That we were right to avoid the riverside today was apparent here. The Irvine, full of yesterday’s rain and the melting snows of Monday, ran fast and deep and brown over the mill weir, lapping near the top of its rubble-reinforced bank. It would have been silly to come that way today.

With coffee finished, we continued along the narrow road, coming on to the B7081 near Thorntoun Estate. Here we turned left for Springside. In Springside we turned left on to Overtoun Road to find the Kilmarnock to Irvine cycle track along the old railway. We were now back in familiar territory.

Once on the cycle track we had only four miles back to Killie. Only two things of note happened on these four miles: The first was the spotting of a large flock of swans, seventy plus, and an equal number of geese in a field to our right – whooper swans and pink-footed geese according to our expert: The second was to be caught in one of those squally showers that swept the country during our walk. We managed to get some shelter from the worst of the downpour under a bridge over the old railway track and avoid a soaking. Then it was a straightforward stroll/walk/march* back to Kilmarnock. We were caught in another shower just before we arrived at Alan’s place and, though the rain stung into the face, it lasted no length of time at all and was gone by the time we arrived at Alan’s.

Lunch was taken in Alan’s conservatory as was FRT. Wee Davie provided big ‘belters’, steak-filled pasties made by the baker of Killie Pies and we devoured them as well.#

* delete as appropriate

# It was noted that some had more than one bit of belter, one in particular had three bits. We know who you are!

Mosset Ooters visit 2012

I am considering the possibility of a much earlier visit this year. I have booked to go to New England in the fall, therefore it would suit better to go to Mosset in the Spring . This change of season would enhance your experience of the flora and fauna of the Pyrenees. One of the weeks I am considering is the 17th-24th April. At the moment the Ryanair price for flights to Barcelona El Prat is £60 return (provided I buy a Ryanair prepaid card and book the flights before they go up and travel without a big case). Barcelona El Prat adds around an extra 60miles driving to the house
which is the result of O'leary being in dispute with Gerona Airport over subsidies. Carcassonne would cost £130 per person return. The flight times are good leaving Prestwick around 10.15a.m. and departing El Prat around 14.25 p.m.If interested consult diaries and wives and give me some feedeback on this proposal.

Loudoun Hill, Tuesday

A few Pictures of Loudoun Hill this morning

30 November Carrick Hill from Greenan Shore

Alan, Allan, Andy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Paul, Peter, Rex & Robert

Given the weather of the last few days, especially yesterday when the monsoon hit, it is something of a minor miracle that we got for a walk at all today. Still, the morning was dry and, despite the forecast for more heavy rain later today, we did get for a walk.

Rex’s house was easy to find this morning for this being St. Andrew’s Day, a huge Saltire flew above his door. Despite his Aussie birth and upbringing, he has been here long enough to be a proud adopted Scot and was showing us how to celebrate our national day. But more of Rex’s celebrations later.

The plan was to walk to the top of Brown Carrick from Rex’s place in Alloway but given the predicted early afternoon rain, the decision was made cut the walk short and drive down to the shore at Greenan. While most of us found the correct car park one, who shall remain anonymous to save his embarrassment but for the sake of identification we will call Vadie Mc, found himself alone in the park nearer the millennium brig. By the time he had walked the half mile or so to join us we were changed into walking gear and were champing at the bit for the off.

Weel happit against a snell south-easterly, we set off along the shore towards Greenan Castle. The tide was on the flow but there was still sufficient sand for us to make it round the rocks under the castle. Birds by the hundred searched the weed on the litter line and prodded the sand closer to the water; the birders were in heaven. A pair of swans took to the wing, skimming over our heads, as we approached Craig Tara Caravan Park. Now, we would normally turn up through the caravan park but Jimmy and Ian had a ‘better’ suggestion; we would follow the route that they found the last time we were here – 8 December last year - and avoid much of the busy Dunure road.

We kept to the shore for a bit yet, turned in at the caravan park utility station and came on to its golf course. A friendly Yorkshire Terrier - is there really such a thing? – accompanied us across the golf course much to the frustration of its owner who stood and shouted long for it. Eventually we managed to chase it back towards her, but not until we had crossed the fairway to a gate on its far side. Now, with the dog heading back towards its owner, we came through the gate onto a steep and muddy track. So much for a ‘better’ route so far!

The track took us up to what Ian called ‘the llama field’. This was the field where the llamas were last December but here were none this December, only big, brown sheep and pale grey donkeys. Despite much ‘shooing’, it was the donkeys that decided to accompany us now. But that problem was solved when we came to the ford on the far side of the paddock and they decided to turn back. But now we had a different problem.

Not surprisingly given the recent rains the burn was in spate and the water was running deep and brown over the ford. The hydrophobes rebelled. A quick rethink was needed. We would now follow the burn across another field to find a track that would take us up to the Dunure road. This is what we did and found ourselves on the tarmac without too much effort. (Or too much miscalling of Ian and Jimmy.)

We bade farewell to Peter here for he had appointments to keep. He turned back towards Greenan while we crossed the Dunure road and took the minor one for Carrick Hills.

The climb of the road was a straightforward affair. We stopped on the lea of a bank for elevenses for the wind was now strengthening and we feared there would be little shelter further up the hill. And we were right. As we climbed, the wind grew fiercer. By the time we were on the final zigzags to the radio masts, we were battling into a ferocious gale, a gale that was proving tricky. On the zig it was in our faces threatening to push us back and on the zag it was on our backs hurrying us along. On the bends it was on the side threatening all sorts of other mischief. Yet, despite the wind, we all made it safely to the shelter of the shacks round the masts. And as a bonus, the rain had stayed away.

But we weren’t finished at the radio masts. We now left tarmac and took to the open hill. Surprisingly, the hill wasn’t nearly as wet as we expected it to be and the footing was easy. Not so the wind though. We butted into it across the open hill to the trig point marking the summit and stayed there just long enough for the record photo to be taken then turned tail and came back across the hill. With the wind on our backs, we made good time back to the shelter of the radio shacks. We lunched in the lea of the shacks.

The descent of the road was quicker than the ascent, especially for Jimmy who couldn’t control himself and sped past everybody only to wait for us on the flatter ground near the main road. And we kept to tarmac this time, coming past Heads of Ayr Farm with its exotic Zebu cattle in the field and back to Craig Tara. This time we did come through the caravans and back to the shore.

The tide was on the ebb again but was still pretty close to its high and some doubt we expressed as to whether we would be able to get round the rocks under Greenan Castle. These fears were increased when we had to climb and clamber down the first wee outcrop that we came to but they we allayed as we approached the castle and saw the extent of sand available to us. We would walk comfortably round.

Past the castle then and with only a few hundred yards to the cars the first spots of rain hit. We had been lucky with the day despite the wind on top.

For FRT today we repaired to Rex’s place where he had laid on not only the usual ale but, since it was St. Andrew's day, Scotch pies as well. Our thanks go to Rex for his hospitality. Next week we want fillet steaks.

9 November Portencross and Goldenberry Hill

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex & Robert

Hill of Stake, that mysterious top that lies on the Ayrshire-Renfrewshire border, a top that we have tried and for various reasons have failed to find, remains a mystery. The plan to walk there and prove for once and for all that it really does exist was abandoned today again for the weather forecast was anything but good and we have had enough of walking in the rain this year. So where to instead?

After a bit of head scratching in the pub last week, we opted for a wet weather alternative of the Portencross circular. (See 5/01/2011 inter alia) So, four cars decanted eleven Ooters onto the car park at Portencross in North Ayrshire.

The forecast was for rain arriving sometime during the morning but at the moment it was dry though overcast. It was dry yes, but a raw sea breeze kept the temperature down and we were glad to be walking to stir up the blood and raise the body heat.

Most of us thought that we would be doing the usual circuit but Ian had other ideas. "Since we’re here and it’s dry at the moment, why don’t we climb Goldenberry and make the walk different?" His suggestion was accepted gladly, even by those with an aversion to climbing, for we have done this circuit so many times that we welcomed anything that would make it different. So we set off back towards West Kilbride. Robert spotted a path leading up the hill and proposed that as a route but the consensus was that this might be mucky and we should perhaps stick to the track through Ardneil Farm barely half mile further on.

That’s where Johnny stopped. Just as we were about to turn off the tarmac onto the farm track, Johnny met an old colleague and stopped for a blether while we walked on. But are we not compassionate people? As the track left the farm steading we stopped to wait for Johnny. And we waited. And waited. And waited......

Eventually Johnny arrived and we could walk on.

We might have stayed on that track and taken a direct route for the mast on top of Goldenberry but there was an interest in viewing the dun on top of Auld Hill, a top rising immediately on our left. This entailed coming through a field gate, rising slowly along the edge of a turnip field, through another gate, climbing steeply in a gap through the bracken and then more gently up the southern ridge of the rise. This sounds long and arduous but in fact it was easy, the distance to the top being nearly half a mile and the total rise somewhere around the eight hundred mark. And the effort was worthwhile. Why the ancients chose this point for their defensive farmstead was obvious as we took in the view from the top. Even on this dull day it was remarkable: from the heads of Ayr in the south to the hills of Cowal and Argyll in the north and from the hinterland of north Ayrshire to the islands of the Clyde and with the steep slope on one side and the cliffs of Portencross falling steeply to the village and its harbour on the other we could see why this was such a strong defensive position.

To add to our enjoyment of this wee top, shafts of sun broke through the cloud spotlighting the firth and surrounding landscape. Those with an eye for such things tried to capture the scene with their cameras.

We left the dun, clambered down the steep slope to the north-east and carefully stepped over an electric fence into a stubble field that sloped gently up towards Goldenberry. Some kept to the top of the sea cliffs above Hunterston and others made a more direct route for the top. But, no matter which route was chosen, we all arrived at the mast on top at the same time. Here coffee was called and we settled down in the shelter of the mast buildings for a caffeine boost.

After coffee some were for following the quad tracks towards Hunterston but Ian directed us in a more northerly and steeper line to find a track among the trees above the power station. This track took us gently down to the tarmac at Hunterston Castle. Now we were in very familiar territory and followed the tarmac to the power station road.

So far the rain had stayed away but the first spots were felt as we walked along the shore towards the power station. Rex and Robert, fearing that they might dissolve in the rain, picked up the pace leaving the birdwatchers little time for their observations. This was maybe just as well for the rain came seriously when we got to the power station. However, compassion compelled us to stand in the rain and wait for Ian who was seen to be sitting some hundred metres behind, but when we discovered that he was not medicating as we thought but just donning waterproof trousers, we were somewhat less than compassionate. Ian’s ears burned and we walked on into the steady dribble.

Nearly back at Portencross we came across a motorist with a predicament. Somehow he had managed to squeeze his car between two boulders to get into the old pier but couldn’t quite negotiate his way back through on his exit. Despite the rain we stopped to offer our advice and assistance, even trying to move the boulders for him. But when it became obvious that it would take time and a great deal of shuffling back and forth and the rain was constant now, we left him and his mate to it and came back to our cars parked in a more sensible place. We can only hope that he is not still stuck there shuffling back and forth between the boulders. We will find out next time we are this way.

Given the forecast, we had been lucky to get a dry walk at all. Yet, on the whole, the day was good, only marred by the rain on the way back.

FRT was taken in the Laurieston, a place that is rapidly becoming our howf after walks in north Ayrshire.

Not the Hill of Stake ... for the umpteenth time 23 Nov

Allan, Andy, Davie, Davie, Ian, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

It was chucking it down as we arrived at the Visitors' Centre at Muirshiel for the proposed ascent of the Hill of Stake. Some of us had arrived on time but others i.e. the Kilmarnock car driven by Ian and navigated by Robert were late - not for the first time recently I may add. Having missed a turn off they managed to get bogged down in a verge – you couldn’t make it up!

Given the weather, even the alternative lower level walk was out of the question given overhead and underfoot condition so we adjourned to the Visitors Centre at Castle Semple Loch to take stock.

Coffee and buns were duly consumed and, before we got far too comfortable (and much too excited after having drooled over Johnny’s pictures of his foundations – and they can’t touch you for it!), Robert, who else?, announced that we were going for a walk.

Therefore at 10.55 we set off down the cycle path towards Kilbarchan. This brought back somewhat sore memories of the cycle to Pollok Park a couple of years ago – a trip maybe to be repeated in better weather. The rain had moderated by this time and was in our back anyway as we made good progress (guess who was in the front!) along the well maintained path. After about an hour it was decided that we should turn around and retrace our steps. Again progress was good even into the rain until Johnny decided, within sight of the Visitors Centre, that we should deviate from the high path and take the lower one beside the loch. Bad move! We were in and out of puddles (good one Jimmy!) for the quarter mile back to the cars arriving at 12.50.

Use was made of the changing facilities in the Centre to get into dry clothes and we were made most welcome to bring our packed lunches inside. Every cloud…, as they say. Thanks to the staff there for being so hospitable!

We got soaked running the 50yds back to cars for the short journey up to the pub on the corner. Here, Ian graciously presented Rex with the Mosset trophy. Rex, in bouleish mood, accepted in typical Aussie way by suggesting that it had been far too easy. Next year there will be no Aussie rules boules – Johnny will make up the rules!

Dundonald to Irvine 16 Nov

Alan, Andy, Davie, Davie, Eddie, Ian, Malcolm, Robert

This may be a first for the blog as the blogger was not on the walk. Who says the blog is a work of fiction anyway?

Six ooters were reinforced by Eddie and Andy today. Davie, hearing of the shortage of regulars, sent 3/4. With the smell of bacon rolls wafting through Dundonald everybody made the meeting point at Malcolm’s and tucked into his (sorry, Anne’s) tasty treat. Ian Hill, noticing a surfeit of the rolls, had a second and allegedly stopped after that. What is the collective noun for bacon rolls anyway? Maybe we’ll just call it a malky.

Suitably fed and watered, the expedition set off towards Troon following, at least most of the time, the Smugglers’ Trail. Robert, as usual, set a comfortable pace – who’s kidding who here? – and legend has it that by the time lunch was called for on Barassie beach, in lovely sunshine I may add, the distance from the first to last man was a mere 2km.

After the trek along the beach to Irvine, a pit stop was made at the Ship Inn before returning to Dundonald by bus and car (Allan by this time had served his punishment and had been let out for the rest of the day).

Further refreshments were taken at the Old Castle in Dundonald.

Penpont walk - route

Distance 14.7 km

Penpont pics