Thursday 9 February 2017

Lochwinnoch Circular 8 February

Alan, Allan, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Jim, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

We assembled at the Visitors Centre car park at Castle Semple Loch on a cold, but dry, morning. The constant rain of the previous day meant that we could expect the paths ahead to be muddy, and we were not disappointed.
Taking the lochside path, rather than the cycle path, we ventured up to the wood carvings and, unusually, took time to stop for a blether. Moving on we went up to the cycle path, crossed over it, and went up the track for Parkhill Wood before descending to the Collegiate Church, where again we stopped for a look, and also took in the newly built cascades on the burn. It was then back on to the cycle track for a wee while until we cut off right following the track round the base of Kenmure Hill before stopping for coffee at ‘the Globe’ (and Shakespeare wisnae in!). At least most of us did this. Five of our more intrepid members went up to the Temple (folly) on the hill for their stop, before coming down the opposite side to meet up with the rest on the track. We followed this path beside the Black Cart up to where it joined Station Road, Howwood, and proceeded into the town. However, it was at this point that Kenny R, suffering from a sporting injury (silly boy!), decided to turn back, promising to meet up with us when we returned to the cars.
Making our way up the steps we reached Bowfield Road for the pull up to the entrance to Bowfield Country Club before turning right and going down a wee bit before taking a left at the sign taking us towards Newton of Belltrees. The initial part of this section was particularly wet but we still made good progress up the hill before the path levelled out and we eventually reached the tarmac of Belltrees Road, taking lunch at the side of the road.
Moving on, we continued up to Auchengrange, where the snowdrops were out in force at the big house. From here we dropped down the road to the big roundabout and made our way back down to Lochwinnoch, turning right for the Visitors Centre, where, true to his word, Kenny R was waiting for us.
Three hours and thirty-five minutes, and nine and a half miles, give or take.
FRT was taken at The Brown Bull in Lochwinnoch.
Another good day out!

No comments: