Castle Semple and Howwood 21 February

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Jim, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

The route followed today was exactly the same as reported on the walk of 8^th February 2016.
The weather was calm and dry as we made our way to the Collegiate Church and back on to the cycle track. Kenny R had to return to his car at this point as he had child-minding issues to attend to, so we bade him farewell and made our way, at least some of us did, up to the folly whilst the rest stayed low and partook of coffee at the ‘globe’.

Robert comes down from the temple

Enjoying the peace, and the piece!

Making our way into Howwood, some of us took the opportunity to reduce the layers before the climb up the steps and onwards to Bowfield Country Club. The temperature had risen a few degrees and the sun was trying to come out by this time, as we turned right, went down the hill a bit, and went left, following the new signage to Newton of Belltrees and Lochwinnoch. At least most of us did! Wee Davie and Rex were too busy talking to notice the sign and, since, as usual, we were all spread out, they continued on their merry way down the hill. The first part of the ‘proper’ route was wet and muddy, but soon the dry, harder surface was found and the walk towards Belltrees was pleasant. Being creatures of habit, we lunched beside the road at our usual spot realising, only then, that we were two down.
Contact was made by mobile phone where it was discovered that the deadly duo had reached the main road, A737, but since it was inadvisable to walk along this busy road, they would make their way back to the big roundabout by traversing some fields. Sounds a simple plan, doesn’t it?
Having finished lunch, the main party strolled up to Auchengrange House to admire the snowdrops before going down to the roundabout and heading back to the cars and meeting Kenny R who had brought his grandson with him. Three hours and thirty-three minutes claimed our timekeeper, and just over nine miles.
Now, we had fully expected that Davie and Rex would be there to greet us, but when contact was made, we realised they were still a good bit away. When we had changed and were ready for FRT, Robert decided to drive back up the road and see if he could pick them up. Ten minutes later he returned with a slightly traumatised pair in the car with him. Walking across the fields they had encountered wet, muddy conditions with high fences and hedges blocking their path. Not to be recommended in future! And they hadn’t even stopped for lunch.
The Brown Bull was our chosen hostelry where Alan, belatedly, was presented with his trophy for winning the pool competition.
A good day out for ten of us. A challenging day out for the other two!
And the moral of the story? Stick together on the walk!

G'on yersel, Alan