Update for 23 September

 Due to Covid restrictions the Portencross walk will not go ahead.

Hurlford to Galston 16 September

Allan, Billy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Johnny, Malcolm, Robert

We set off on the Grougar Path on a very grey morning, keeping socially-distanced as per the guidelines. Robert had a record of all present so that Test and Protect protocols could be observed and we thanked him for his fastidiousness. When we reached Milton Road, we deviated from the tarmac on to the path which passes by the river and then across some fields. Thankfully, the going was not too bad although nettles proved to be an issue for those in shorts. Reaching the road again, Loudoun Kirk, our coffee spot, was reached about twenty past eleven, and everyone stuck to their own space.

We did not take the tarmac road to Galston, but took the track, again with only a few wee muddy bits, towards the A71, which we crossed, and found the path which took us to Portland Park. Having crossed the park, we walked up through the scheme to join the Chris Hoy Way for our return journey. Most continued on this path right into Hurlford, but a few, having reached the bridge over the Cessnock Water, took the alternative track, down off the tarmac, to reach the cars that way.

We were back at our starting point in a tad over three hours having covered the best part of nine miles, and, no, we did not stop a second time for lunch.

The weather had stayed dry but overcast, underfoot, on the overland bits, had been OK, and it was good to get some exercise and have a chat with the guys, an all -important part of keeping good mental health.

Arrangements for Wed 23rd Sept.

 Meet in the  Portencross car park at 10.00.a.m. The walk will be the Portencross circular.

9 September - Wanlockhead (the windy walk)

 Davie C, Davie M, Dougie, Gus, Paul, Robert, Billy, Hugh, Jimmy

It was breezy, with an autumnal chill in the air, when we met up outside the lead mining museum.  Whilst the hardy wore shorts the sensible ones donned woolly hats and gloves.

We made short work of the road walk up to the golf ball on Lowther Hill and soon after 11 am we were huddled in the lee of the radar station as we enjoyed our coffee break. 

The wind had been in our favour for the ascent but when we emerged from the shelter of the buildings and headed for Green Lowther we got the felt the full brunt of the crosswind which appeared to be gathering strength.  It wasn't a day for lingering on the top and following a photo opportunity we departed Green Lowther and headed down to the reservoir in the valley.  

The wind was now accompanied by light rain and were soon spread out along the length of the slope as people stopped to don waterproofs. Fortunately for the four at the back, Davie M knew a shortcut but what Davie described as a path looked like an expanse of heather to the other three. The rest had been long settled at their lunch spot by the reservoir, hogging the best seats, when those who had taken the short cut eventually arrived.

The sky had cleared and the wind had abated so we had a very pleasant lunch stop looking out over the sparkling waters towards the hills we had come down from. After our break we made our way to the station platform at Leadhills.  With no trains due we headed up the track to Glengonnar station - at 1500 feet, the UK's highest adhesion railway station. From there it was a pleasant stroll through the village to be back at the cars three and a half hours after leaving. Distance 7.5 miles.

A good walk in wonderful surroundings.

Stewarton 9 September (the wee walk)

Just for the record: 

Allan, Jim, Kenny T, Malcolm

This was a circular walk around Stewarton covering about five miles in two hours. In exposed areas it was very blustery but most of the time we were sheltered, and it was dry. It was good to see Jim again after all these months and it wasn’t long before Malcolm and he engaged in conversation about a particular football team.

The route took us from Jim’s house, just off Dalry Road, up to Kilwinning Road, which we followed before taking to the path through Lainshaw Woods and then down on to the Fisherman’s Path which followed the Annick. We emerged close to the railway viaduct, which we went under, and continued on the path until eventually leaving it and coming to Dean Street opposite the Mill House.

Entering the Cunningham Watt Park, we followed the path adjacent to the Merkland Burn before crossing over and going through an underpass which led us to Dunlop Road. We went up the road to the new estate on the edge of the town. Jim took us through this estate and on to Kinloch Avenue which took us back to Dalry Road and our starting point.

A good walk and one to remember when a shorter walk is needed, for whatever reason.