Hurlford Galston 28 February

The Walk

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Robert

Nice day for a walk!

There was an encouragingly good turnout given the ‘Baltic’ weather conditions and, as we assembled at the bowling green, many layers were donned. Overhead was bright and sunny with fresh snow providing good grip underfoot as we set off along the Grougar Path towards Loudoun Kirk. We were able to leave the road and follow the river on this occasion, an option that is usually determined by how muddy it might be, and good progress was made despite being against the snell wind. The Kirk was reached after an hour and a half, just in time to see a hare being chased across the kirkyard by a big dug whose owner was not too bothered. Holly, also, was not too bothered, thinking possibly about what scraps she might get from our coffee break.

Rather than taking the road option up to Loudoun Academy, we turned right on leaving the ruin and took the path towards the outskirts of Galston, before crossing the main road and heading up past Grant’s factory to the cycle track (Chris Hoy Way). This track took us back to Hurlford with the wind on our back, although we did stop, briefly, at the viaduct for lunch.
We were back at the cars after three hours and thirty-five minutes having covered just over nine miles, almost the same as last week. We had been lucky with the weather having encountered dry, bright overhead conditions and, with large parts of the walk being sheltered, the breeze/wind was not an issue. Neither was the snow an issue, ranging from little to six inches. A good walk, considering!
We did not partake of FRT as we were looking forward to our curry night in honour of Derval Davie’s 70^th.

The Curry (or Not the Curry!!)
The above, less Paul but with Dougie, Ronnie, and Alan McQ

When we arrived at the Jewel in the Crown in the evening we were greeted with a sign, saying ‘Closed due to severe weather’. Disappointment all round but understandable, probably. Having adjourned to Wetherspoon’s we had a meal there, after a good few attempts to place the order. “Sorry, only four big steaks left. Sorry, no mixed grills left.” Nonetheless we enjoyed what we had, and what we had was washed down with an ale or two!

Well done to everyone for getting there in such bitter conditions and making the night a success!

“What are we going to do next week?” “How about a wee* walk and a curry to make up for tonight’s disappointment?” “Now there’s a good idea!”
*This word is used loosely


Setting off

"Take a picture of this", they said

Striding on

Coffee stop

Johnny shows his tiredness at lunch

Down by the riverside

Davie prays for a helping hand