Falls of Clyde 7 October

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Ian, Jimmy, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

Given the probability of meeting rain on Culter Fell, the alternative of the Falls of Clyde was agreed as we enjoyed Kay and Davie’s hospitality. Thanks again folks! Davie’s home baking skills are coming on a treat!

At the court of King James. Jimmy describes how it only took him half an hour with a pen knife.

Setting off from Kirkfieldbank, we crossed the bridge and made our way on to the Clyde Walkway which would take us up to New Lanark. The weather was dry, although grey, and as we went through the park we were delighted to see a new addition to the landscape i.e. some fallen trees and stumps had been brilliantly sculpted to produce a sort of fairy glen. After many a photo had been taken, steady progress was made up to the village where coffee was taken.

Remember the day we got lost!

Underfoot conditions were good as we then made our way up to the dam and crossed over to the opposite bank for the return journey. We did not stop for lunch here but continued down the path for another half hour or so until Davie, the biologist, spotted a sheep in a neighbouring field which had got its head stuck in a wire fence. With Rex for support and advice, apparently Rex has some experience of approaching a sheep from behind, Davie managed to free the beast and let it go, not, of course, before getting its name and telephone number.

The Cosy Corner cafe

A leisurely lunch was taken in one of the viewpoints overlooking the falls before continuing down to the cars. The last mile saw some light rain falling but, under the cover of the trees, we were not affected by it. The walk had taken three and a half hours and, as we made our way back to Ayrshire, the weather improved to the extent that it was a sunny Darvel that greeted us for FRT. Discretion being the better part of valour, The Railway Inn was chosen for our après walk banter and it served our purpose very well indeed.

Thanks to Davie C for buying the first round to celebrate his imminent 60^th. We commiserated with him on his news that he was soon to go on the wagon for a period of time on health grounds, but as usual, any sympathy was short-lived and soon replaced by mickey-taking. Enjoy Dublin, Davie!