Cumnock to Ochiltree 22 October

Back Row: Gus, Peter, Paul, Davie C, Alan, Robert, Davie Mc, Kenny, Johnny, Rex

Front Row: Holly

Cheap Seats: Allan

The same shot was taken a couple of months earlier. So, what is new?

The weather forecast and the dreichness of the morning led to us decide to do the Cumnock to Ochiltree walk rather than travel to Penpont. Having waited for the late arrival of our doyen from Darvel who admitted that he had had a problem getting his ‘posterior’ in gear this morning, we set off on the familiar route which follows the Lugar, and took us into the Dumfries House estate. Since the rain was just a smir and wasn’t a problem we took time to go up to the House and view the new fountain.When we were here in the summer this feature hadn’t been built and it certainly finished off the general appearance of the place. Davie was late, yet again, for the photo-shoot, but arrived to say that he had just passed the time of day with HRH who indicated that he and the Duchess were big fans of the Ooters’ blog. Davie was invited for a free curry at the big hoose but, not being a royalist, he asked for a carry-oot, or was it a takeaway?

Swingin' in the rain, or how to embarrass those in front of you.

At this point Peter said we should go and look at a large stone crucifix built in the grounds, so we took a path for a couple of hundred yards before finding it. It turned out to be in memory of one of the earlier incumbents of Dumfries House. Whilst Gus, Davie Mc and Alan climbed up to translate the Latin inscription, the rest of us were taking bets as to who would slip and fall on their way back down. However, the spoilsports found an easy descent at the other side of the monument, much to the disgust of the others. It never ceases to amaze when it comes to the things that amuse the Ooters.

Gus, or is it Gaius?, translates from the Latin

We decided not to take coffee in the tearoom but went down to the pagoda next to the arboretum for our break. From there we went into the walled garden for another look. Alan was able to explain that the impressive artichokes were only picked for eating after the thistle-like flower had appeared.

The garden itself lacked the colours of summer but winter veg abounded.

Moving on, we followed the path out of the estate and up to the Barony A Frame for lunch. Then it was back to follow the river down into Ochiltree where we were in time for the 12.55 bus, although it was ten minutes late.

FRT was taken at the Black Bull in Mauchline where we were made most welcome with the offer of some pies and sausage rolls. Thanks to our new pals at the bar stools for the generosity. Given the early start and finish of the walk, it did not surprise us when the usual suspects called for a three pint day.

A good time was had!