Dunure to Ayr 12 September

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Peter, Rex, Robert

The rush hour traffic on the Ayr by-pass meant that we did not all make it to Rex’s for 9am, but all arrived in time to catch the 361 bus to Dunure from opposite Burns Cottage. Fifteen minutes later and we were in Dunure ready to start walking. The weather was bright with a stiff breeze blowing, which fortunately would be on our backs for the duration and, being a new walk for most of us, we set off in good spirits.

As we reached the harbour, Gus, Ian and Rex decided to return to Ayr via Brown Carrick Hill, so we bade them farewell as we made our way onto the beach, and they set off up towards Fisherton. This part of the coastal walk consists of a variety of surfaces i.e. sandy beach stretches, rocky (and sometimes, slippy) beach stretches, and inland stretches when the terrain on the beach is too difficult to cross. (Just a note to say that we had checked the tide situation before deciding on this walk as it can’t be done at, or near to, high tide). Fortunately, there are plenty of white markers on rocks and posts to keep you right, and good progress was made, so after an hour we stopped for coffee at a sheltered spot on the beach. The weather had been kind and offered us some great views along the coast and over the firth, meaning that we took our time and enjoyed the surroundings.
Our next incursion inland took us up a steep flight of steps (well done to the volunteers who built and have maintained this) which led us to an open field and then on to some easy walking down the old railway line, which our resident guru informed us went to Turnberry. This path skirted the Heads of Ayr Caravan Park before doubling back down to the beach, allowing us to walk round the Heads of Ayr, marvelling at the threatening nature of the cliffs, whilst Jimmy pointed out a peregrine falcon. Next stop was the beach entrance to Butlin’s, sorry, Craig Tara, where we sat down for lunch and awaited the arrival of the Brown Carrick Three, who had indicated by phone that they were only a few minutes away. When they arrived, they indicated that doing the hill from the Dunure side was easy and straightforward, something we will no doubt do as a group in the future.
As we made to set off towards Greenan we had the slightest of showers but, within a couple of minutes, the bright conditions returned and stayed with us as we passed Greenan Castle and marched up to the Millennium Bridge to cross the Doon. From there we headed up to the Honda garage, crossed the road and continued up to Burns Cottage and then to Rex’s.
All agreed that this had been a good walk, with plenty of variety, and an abundance of views. We had been extremely lucky with the weather and had missed the heavy showers encountered elsewhere in Ayrshire. It had taken about three and three-quarter hours and was about nine miles all told. The hillbillies probably walked nearer ten miles.
FRT was taken at Wetherspoon’s in Ayr where Johnny bought the first round to celebrate the birth of his latest grand-daughter, Skye Elizabeth. Congratulations, and thanks! Both mother and baby are well. And you’ve guessed it, it was a tpd. In fact, if it wasn’t for the fact that we were on a time limit due to pre-paid car-parking, it might well have been an fpd. Who said this was a walking group?