Dailly 25 September

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

Robert's living room has had a makeover. He won't employ those cowboys again.

Other commitments, holidays, injuries and illness reduced the Ooters to a round half dozen as we assembled at Dailly for the walk up Barony Hill on what was to be a perfect day for walking – dry and bright, but without too much sunshine beating down on sweaty bodies.

This walk has been described before so the route needs little description. Suffice it to say we headed out of Dailly before joining the path through the woods taking us up to the road which descends past the now famous pigs with the’ Sty’ television. Not to be outdone the cattle next door had installed a ‘CooView’ box. Coffee was called for as we reached the farm on our ascent to the hill and it was here that Malcolm was pleased to pass round his Daily, or was it Dailly?, Record. This had been bought in order to read about the downfall of his team’s biggest rivals, or at least their former biggest rivals as they are now a couple of divisions apart, at the hands of lowly Morton. Robert remained unusually quiet!

What's that Christmas pudding doing in the background?

The route up to the ruins of Mackrikill Chapel was a bit muddy, but no more than that, and we made steady progress. The section beyond the ruins up to the top of the first hill was the only taxing part of the day due to the longish grass but before long we were on top and heading for the trig point on Barony Hill. Having reached the adjacent bench first, Robert was starting to unload his rucksack and have his lunch when the rest of us caught up and advised him that a better option was to lunch at our usual lunch spot down by the limekilns. ‘Oh dearie me!’ was his reply (Aye right) as we bypassed him and headed downhill, taking in the fabulous (how we are missing Davie Mc) views of the rolling Ayrshire countryside. Dalquharran Castle, or rather the ruins of it, stood out in the weak sunshine – what a pity that nobody has had the wherewithal to bring it back to life.   A leisurely lunch was had by the burn in what turned out to be the sunniest part of the day.

Stopping on the hill, Malcolm engages the handbrake!

As we set off again Robert reminded us that this walk was slightly deceiving as there was still an uphill part to do. This confirmed Allan’s views of the Ooters’ walks i.e. it’s all downhill from here except for the next wee uphill bit. This was soon overcome and after a wee rest at our usual bench place we continued down the path to the main road. Crossing over, we continued along the river bank before crossing to the other side and re-crossing again in order to return to the cars. It had taken almost five hours at a respectable and sensible pace and all agreed it had been one of the better walks recently.

FRT was taken at Willie Wastle’s in Crosshill where we treated ourselves to chips with our drinks. See us, see splashin’ oot!