Annbank Walk Dec 30th

This is a picture of either The Magnificent 7  (minus one) or  theSexy 6 who walked the Annbank circular walk along the river Ayr today.  I still cannot understand why it takes 2 hours  to walk to Burns monument  and only 35 minutes to walk back to Annbank.*

Report by Davie

Present Alan S, Ian, Gus, Billy, Malcom, Bob and Davie M and Holly

Because both Christmas Day and New Year's Day fall on a Wednesday this year, the normal walks were suspended but a suggestion was accepted that those who could make it could turn up for a  Monday walk instead.
Consequently the above Magnificent Seven turned up on a rather dreich and somewhat dark morning. This was Holly's first outing with the Ooters since the 27th of November due to her bout of nystagmus, but she seemed to cope well, although still not 100% recovered.
We decided to go on a clockwise direction, stopping as usual for coffee where the Coyle enters the Ayr and then for lunch at the Burns / Wallace Cairn where Davie saw a tawny owl, while Alan pointed out some buzzards. An extremely brisk pace was then set between the Cairn and the cars with Bob noting that it took only 35 minutes.  Although rain threatened a couple of times, the whole walk was completed in dry conditions in 3 hours 5 minutes. Our only complaint was that certain parts of the path were very, very muddy and a lot of remedial work needs to be done on it.
FRT was taken, as is our wont, in the Tap O' the Brae award winning Pub of 2019.

* the route to the Cairn followed the bends of the river Ayr so was longer, Bob. Have a look at the map Alan McQ provided at the end of this post

More photos from the Christmas Curry

Arrangements for Wed 8th January

Meet in the Counting House at 10.00.a.m. The walk will take in the bridges over the Clyde. Lunch will probably be accessed in Wetherspoon's perhaps.

Panto and Curry 18 December

Alan, Allan, Billy, Davie C, Dougie, Iain, Ian, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex

The Oran Mor panto was thoroughly enjoyed (Oh, yes it was!) by the ten before journeying back to Kilmarnock for a refreshment in Wetherspoon’s and then joining the six walkers (as detailed below) plus Alan McQ, Jimmy and Peter at the Jewel in the Crown for our Christmas curry. Time was also taken to celebrate Allan’s recent 70^th and he thanked the company for the pressie and card.
We were well attended to by the girls and the food was up to its usual high standard. Thanks again folks!
Wetherspoon’s was the final port of call for a nightcap before it was time to make for home.
An excellent day out!

Burns Night 22 Jan 2020

NEED to know!
How many are coming.
What each attendee's contribution is.

Placemats, songbooks are being prepared, so above info required.

No more arm twisting - need volunteers.
"I've done my bit" - "I'll sit this one out"  DOES NOT CUT IT!

Passive wallflowers - Naw    Jaggy thistles owning the night - Aye

Still need 3 parts of the "formal" evening covered
1 Address haggis
2 Lassies
3 Grace

Everyone contributing to the evening's entertainment
has been our formula for a successful evening.

This is not like any other BS.
 This is the Ooters' BS.
Let us keep it that way.

Let me know ASAP

Loudoun Valley circular - 18 December

Davie M, Hugh, Paul, Kenny T, Robert, Gus

Whilst the majority headed off to Glasgow for their Play, a Pie (or Quiche) and a Pint the remnants gathered at Davie M's where they were treated regally by Davie and Kay to Victoria Sponge, Christmas pies and coffee. We were also greeted by Holly, recuperating from her recent illness.

After gorging ourselves we headed for Newmilns by the riverside (the reverse of that part of the walk from a few weeks ago) accompanied by Holly.  It was icy underfoot but the day was pleasant enough and we made good progress. As pre-arranged we were met in Newmilns by Kay who collected Holly, though it looked as if she could have gone on further. We also bade farewell to Kenny, though he had to walk back.

We crossed to the other side of the valley and this time we eschewed our usual stopping place at the cemetery, and headed up the steep hill past crumbling Dalwhatswood Farm.

Paul had considered heading back to Darvel from  the crossroads close to Foulpapple Cottage but we had made such good progress that he was persuaded to continue as far as Mucks Bridge. Paul and Davie were a bit behind the others and were discussing the time they had met their former colleague Janet as she exited her farm track onto our road ... and lo! and behold! she appeared again just as we approached the track.  We had a 10 minute blether before we parted company.

Davie pointed out ahead of us the private house that had been Sir Alexander Fleming's primary school so Paul chose not to turn around at Mucks Bridge but go on for a photo opportunity. At the old school building we were met by a friendly old collie  who seemed to be enquiring of Davie the whereabouts of Holly.  And Davie informed Paul there was was now no point turning back since Darvel was equidistant whichever route was taken.

At the T-junction where we turned towards Darvel the road was blocked by a "Road Ahead Closed" sign which, of course we ignored. A quick lunch was taken here before we headed off again.  Braidley bridge had suffered quite a bit of damage, hence the road closed sign, but it was fine for walkers.  We ascended another steep hill which Davie admitted to never having been able to cycle up and passed the track to Lochfield farm where Alexander Fleming grew up.

From there it was downhill all the way to Darvel and we were back at Davie's 3 hours 15 minutes after departing, covering 10 miles. We had set a rare old pace and had worked up a fair appetite for the curry to come.

Thank you Kay and Davie for the hospitality!

Festive season walk.

Meet at 10.00 a.m. in Annbank beside the bowling club for a circular walk along the river . Monday 30 th December.

Calendars

I have some extra calendars available should anyone wish them.
Just let me know.

Sorn to Kingencleugh 11 December

Allan, Billy, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Paul, Rex, Robert

The horrendous weather of Tuesday had given way to a dry, fresh morning, but no chances were being taken as wet weather gear and umbrellas were to the fore.
Leaving the car park at Sorn kirk, we walked back up the main road and cut off towards Catrine where Allan and Jimmy met Peter who was out at the carol concert given by some young school kids in the square.
The next stop was for coffee under the Howford bridge where we noted that some of the graffiti that had accumulated over the years had been painted over. Good effort!
On reaching the Ballochmyle Viaduct consideration was given as to which route to take to the Haugh. Jimmy suggested it might be easier to take the lower route out and return by the higher path, and so we set off down towards the river. Before long though, Davie said that the water might be too high to continue, so we moved up to the higher path. Soon thereafter it became obvious that we weren’t heading for the Haugh after all, and were, in fact, making our way up to Kingencleugh. As tradition dictates, lunch was taken, in the sunshine, at the steps down to the railway and a pleasant quarter of an hour was spent.
The path adjacent to the main road which would lead us back down to the Howford bridge provided us with a couple of water obstacles to negotiate, but nothing too serious, and before long we were on the River Ayr Walk heading back to Catrine. Peter came out to join us and we had a good blether, at least until he told who was, and who wasn’t, on his Christmas card list. Oh, yes … there’s only one Peter Kleboe! It was good to see him again though.
Walking up past the Voes and following the path along the river and then up and down to Sorn we were back at the cars after four hours and ten minutes having covered the best part of ten miles.
Underfoot conditions had been much better than we could have hoped for after the rains of the previous day and, in fact, the river, although high, was not as high as expected. Overhead conditions had been excellent until, that is, we were getting changed at the end of the walk, when the heavens opened with rain and hail. If only It had held off for another five minutes!
FRT was taken at the Black Bull in Mauchline where the first to arrive scoffed the nibbles!
This had been a fine day out finished off with a good laugh in the pub!

Arrangements for Panto on 18 December

Those going to the panto should meet at the Royal Concert Hall café in Glasgow at 10am.
We aim to be on the underground to Oran Mor by 10.30 at the latest.
REMEMBER YOUR TICKETS!

Arrangements for 18 December

Those not going to the panto, meet at Derval Davie's at 9.30 for coffee and mince pies.

Calendars

The 2020 calendar will cost £7 - that's the best price I could get.
All being well, I'll bring them along on Wednesday.

Wednesday 4 December 2019 Glenbuck Loch and Hareshaw Hill

Ian, Iain, Malcolm, Billy, Rex, Dougie, Gus, Jimmy, Hugh, Paul and Davie Mc.

11 of us met at the new car park opposite where the famous Glenbuck Cherrypickers used to play. We spent some time looking at the boards and memorials which have been erected where the old village stood. Although the cherrypickers were only in existence for a short  time, of the total of  86 players who played for them, no fewer than 50 of them went on to play senior football both north and south of the border and 7 (not 4) were chosen to play for Scotland. An astonishing fact considering that, at its height,  Glenbuck only had a population a third of the size of Darvel.
Eventually we set off making our way back down the recently tarmac-ed road towards the loch, noticing the spring which gushes out of the hillside at the same rate no matter what the season of the year. We  circled the loch in an anti-clockwise direction, crossing over the wee brig and taking note of the old sluice gate just above it. Glenbuck Loch is a man-made loch and the sluice gate was opened at 6 pm  every evening to allow the surge of water to travel all the way downstream in time to power the big wheel at  Catrine Mill.
Davie pointed out the cottage which straddles the border between Lanarkshire and Ayrshire. The gentleman who lives there actually moved from the centre of London to enjoy the tranquil surroundings of Glenbuck Loch!  By the way he pays his cooncil tax to East Ayrshire!
Passing the cottage we proceeded along the old railway line and rounded the far end of the loch and headed for the log cabin where a coffee stop was called for and a discussion was had as to what to do next considering the weather.
Because the rain hadn't been too bad at this point we decided to climb Hareshaw Hill and make a further decision at the top. Jimmy and Iain found the steep going too much for them and soon decided to descend. The rest kept going and  before long the top was reached where we experienced very gusty conditions. With the weather now deteriorating we decided to head back down the same path to meet the other two, the descent actually being rather pleasant.
We headed back to the log cabin to have lunch inside rather than sit outside. It's gratifying to note that since its erection the cabin hasn't suffered any vandalism.
After lunch we returned to the cars stopping to admire the "artistic sculpture" and read the pseudo-intellectual pretentious codswallop on the board about the so-called "artist".
We arrived back at the cars roughly about 3 hours after setting off;  although the weather was not particularly nice, we all seemingly had enjoyed a good work-out.
FRT was taken in the Empire Bar in Muirkirk with those who had ordered the light beer complaining about how sour it tasted.
The canine member of the Ooters was missing today as she has been quite ill with nystagmus, causing extreme loss of balance and nausea.  She has hardly eaten anything for a week but is improving. She hopes to be back soon.

Arrangements for 11 December

Meet at Sorn car park at 10 am for the walk to the Haugh Farm and back.

27 November 2019 Dunure to Culzean swan pond and back

With Alan, Davie Mc, Jim, Jimmy, Ian Iain, Gus, Kenny R, Hugh, Dougie, Billy, Rex, Paul and Malcolm.

Nae man can tether time or tide

Despite a broken down lorry causing a massive traffic jam on th A77 just before the Whitletts roundabout, we all managed to set off just after 10 o'clock. The rain of Tuesday had completely disappeared and we started our walk in glorious sunshine,  the weather remaining good for the rest of the day. The problem today was going to be the tide - would it allow us to pass the rocks just before Croy shore? Paul and Davie reminisced about the time a few years back when only Peter and Holly managed to skirt around the rocks, the rest of us opting to scramble through brambles and clamber over barbed wire fences and then having to walk back down the road to meet Peter an hour later waiting for us still playing  with a stick with Holly!
Unfortunately our worst fears were confirmed as we descended from the fields onto the shore. The tide was right in, making passage around the rocks impossible. However the intrepid Davie made it over the rocks, eventually getting down onto the sand on the other side
"Well, if that fat b* can make it, I can do it" seemed to be the general opinion and before long we were all safely on the other side. Holly of course simply waded through the water nonchalantly.
With the tide being very high, it was a somewhat uncomfortable trek to the castle, having to cross over stony ground and wade through squelchy seaweed, but eventually we reached the small park at the swan pond where lunch was taken. The day was still and some of the autumn colours still remained, so it was a very enjoyable half hour or so.
After lunch we set off and completed the circumnavigation (that's a guid word, intit!?) of the pond before heading through the gardens up to the book shop with Gus buying a few (for Rita's Christmas, Gus?)
The return journey took us down the steep steps back to Segganwell Cottage before setting off along the beach again, the way being a bit easier now the tide had changed, although it has to be said, by not all that much. No climbing was necessary to negotiate the rocks although we had to be careful as they were very slippery.
By now, the legs were beginning to ache and when we reached the fields, we decided to have a short-cut across them rather than skirt the edges. However the leading pack were given a scolding by a woman (the farmer's wife?) for doing so but all behaved perfectly. Good job Davie wasn't at the front then.
We arrived back at the cars five and a quarter hours after we had set out, having covered a distance of just under 11 and a half miles.We drove round to the Maybole Arms again and enjoyed a good hour's FRT and banter. It's not often we have to drive home in the dark after a day's walking but that was the case today.

November 27 - Dunure to Culzean

Arrangements for Wed 4 December

Meet in Glenbuck at 10 am for a walk round the loch, up Hareshaw Hill and then return via the old opencast. Do not park in the usual place; instead drive right up to where the old village was where there's now plenty of parking space.

20 November 2019: Hurlford to Darvel

Rex, Allan, Johnny, Jimmy, Jim, Kenny T, Davie M, Billy, Robert, Gus, Hugh, Ian, Malcolm, Paul

We gathered at Hurlford Bowling Club in Crookedholm for a walk which, if the blog is to be believed (can there be any doubt -Ed.), the Ooters have only done twice before. There have, of course, been other variations on the Hurlford-Darvel theme .

We followed the River Irvine upstream to Grougar, where we had our first schism.  Roughly half the group opted for the scenic route, through the fields close to the riverbank whilst the other half chose to stick to the tarmac.Your scribe was part of the former group  and upon rejoining the road this group, caring and compassionate to a fault, waited for their colleagues.  When it dawned upon them that their comrades had already passed through (Holly disappearing into the distance being the clue) the latter were cursed for their lack of empathy.

They might have been few in number, but the geese in the field adjoining Loudoun Kirk made one hell of a racket when they spotted us.  In such a way was Rome forewarned of the Gallic attack in 390 BC. There might have been a few more geese on the Capitoline Hill though.

We met up in the churchyard of Loudoun Kirk. Coffee was taken and Billy generously provided some stronger stuff.  There was once an idyllic settlement at Loudon Kirk which provided accommodation for estate workers. Later, this became home for miners employed by Baird in Hurlford.  Facilities were rather limited and the last person had moved out by 1960.

When we set off, Gus formed a one-man schism as he chose to stick to the high road heading towards Loudoun Academy whilst the rest of us took the boggier route past Ladyton Loch.  Something to do with his shoes. We met up in Galston and here three of our number chose to call it a day.  Not really a schism.  Robert's knee had become painful and Allan and Johnny accompanied him on the bus back to Crookedhame.

From Galston the survivors continued along the Irvine Valley trail to Newmilns and then onwards towards Darvel.  We paused for lunch at the dam - or where the dam was before it was washed away. The remaining structure provided comfortable seating.  This was a relatively busy path and it seemed that just about everyone we passed knew Gus (or George, to give him his Darvel name) or Billy. Ance a lang tooner, aye a lang tooner.

Darvel was soon reached and FRT was taken at the Black Bull where we received the usual warm welcome. A pleasant hour flew by and all that remained was the bus journey back to our departure point.

The weather had been on our side too. In all, a good day out.

A distance walked of 9 miles was the consensus.

Hurlford to Darvel 20 November

Allan, Billy, Davie Mc, Gus, Hugh, Ian, Jim, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

We assembled at Hurlford Bowling Club car park on a chilly, overcast morning for our walk to Darvel. So desperate were we to get started and get warmed up that we set off five minutes early (we are the Early Ooters after all) only to immediately stop as Kenny and Jim arrived. No matter, a few minutes later we were on the Grougar walk making our way to Loudoun Kirk. As usual these days, some deviated down to the riverside path whilst the rest remained on tarmac. The tarmacers arrived at the kirkyard first and settled down to coffee but, when Davie arrived with the rest five minutes later, he suggested making it an early lunch as there were not opportunities to sit down for lunch later.

By this time Robert was in pain from his knee and said he would go no further than Galston and, when Galston was reached at about midday*, Johnny was of the same opinion as he was not feeling great. Allan, Johnny and Robert, therefore, called a halt to proceedings and took the bus back to Hurlford whilst the rest, as far as your scribe knows, followed the path up to Darvel and on to the Black Bull for FRT.

*We had taken the shorter muddier route to Galston, leaving Gus, who was in his shoes, to take the road up to Loudoun Academy and down in to Galston from there. No doubt he managed to rejoin the guys.

Arrangements for our Christmas Curry.

The Jewel in the Crown has now been booked for 19 persons for a meal on Wed 18th December. The doors will be open from 3.30 p.m. with hopefully everyone seated by 4.00.p.m. Please let me know if you can not attend .

Arrrangements for 27 November: Dunure-Culzean

Meet at 10 am in the Dunure pub car park for a walk to Culzean and back (tide permitting).

Calendars

I am planning on ordering a calendar for each of the Ooters plus extras ordered by Johnny, Alan McQ, and Billy. Another couple will be bought for our favourite hostelries.
If anyone else wishes to order extras, please let me know by this Sunday (24th November), and if anyone does not want one, let me know as well.
The cost at present is rather high at about £8.50, but I'm hoping that Vistaprint offers Black Friday deals as they have done in the past. Here's hoping!

More Images from the Lendalfoot to Girvan Walk 13.11.2019

A brief report on Lendalfoot Walk

We met about 10.00. in the car park outside Girvan on the Stranraer road. Rex had checked out a suitable parking slot nearer Lendalfoot and the start of the walk. This info was forwarded to John McGarry who was waiting in the Varyag car park to join us for the outing. We set off well kitted up to cope with the Baltic wind and only walked a very short distance before having to cross the road and begin the ascent of the hill forming part of the AYRSHIRE COASTAL PATH. This part of the path was very steep and unrelenting, so much so that I found myself mostly at the back of the group virtually all day. The odd exception to this was the down hill stretches which suited me just fine. The walk proved to be challenging , rewarding , with more than its fair share of GLAUR due to the recent rain. The weather held for the day and delivered good views of Arran, Argyll and glimpses of Ireland. The descent off Byne Hill was a little tricky as it was steep,wet and slippy in places. We turned left at the junction of roads beside the graveyard to make our way down to the A77 then along the coast to Rex's car.  Rex kindly drove the four drivers back to Lendalfoot to retrieve their cars. F.R.T. was quaffed in the Maybole Arms before the journey home.

Arrangements for Wed 20th Nov

Meet in the Hurlford Bowling Club car park at 10.00 a.m. The plan is to walk along the river to Darvel. Bring bus passes for the return journey. This walk is relatively flat to encourage all members.

Glasgow Canal Walk 6 November

Alan, Allan, Billy, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jim, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

Having taken coffee in the Counting House we set off on our canal walk at twenty past ten on a bright, chilly morning. Our route is the weel-kent one i.e. up to Speirs Wharf and then along the canal to Maryhill Locks. On the way we spotted some herons sunning themselves and noted a fair bit of work going on along the opposite bank of the canal. Another coffee stop was called for at the benches next to the locks, but not before some debris from last night’s fireworks had to be cleared away. It was not the first time today that we were dismayed to see this type of rubbish left. Why don’t they clear up after them?

Anyway, we then moved down on to the Kelvin Walkway for the next part of the walk. Robert showed an interest in visiting the Kibble Palace and insisted on leading us. Of course, he marched on and missed the turn off, meaning that we emerged, not on to the Botanic gardens, but to Kelvingrove. Kibble Palace can wait for another day.

Moving up to Park Gardens, we then crossed the motorway using the footbridge at Charing Cross and made our way up Sauchiehall Street to the Hengler’s Circus (Wetherspoon’s) for lunch. A lot of work has been done in Sauchiehall Street to make it more attractive. All that needs now is for some of the buildings to be renovated or replaced and more businesses to be attracted there – easier said than done!

We had been on the walk for two and three-quarter hours and had covered seven and a half miles, so our lunch was well-enjoyed.

By quarter to three we had all left the pub and were making our different ways back home. A good day out!

Arrangements for Wed 13th Nov.

Meet in the car park on the right after exiting Girvan on the Lendalfoot road.  Meet at 10.00.a.m.
The plan is to leave at least one car in the car park then travel on in the remaining cars to Lendalfoot. The walking route may be along the Ayrshire coastal path or over the hills back to Girvan. The remaining car can be used to retrieve the cars left in Lendalfoot

Muirkirk Circular 30 October

Alan, Allan, Billy, Davie Mc, Dougie, Hugh, Gus, Ian, Johnny, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

We met at Kames on a cold, frosty, bright morning for our ‘lunky hole’ walk.  Progress was good and soon we were over the Garpel at Tibbie’s Brig  and on the familiar path which took us past the Covenanter’s (William Adam) memorial and down to follow the River Ayr up to our coffee stop at the wooden walkway fifteen minutes away from the ‘loch with no name’ (maybe ‘America’ could come up with a song!). It was cool sitting there meaning that top layers that had come off earlier were put back on and, by and large, stayed on for the rest of the day. The aforesaid loch, or settling pond, was looking much better now that the grass had established itself round about it, but we didn’t admire it for too long, only briefly reminiscing about how it only seemed like a year or two back that we could see the excavations still going on at its base.
Crossing the A70 we were now on tarmac as we walked up to Netherwood only to see a convoy of 4x4s coming the other way. Earlier on we had heard shots being fired in the distance and surmised that these were the shooters making their way home. Surprisingly we were then passed by another 4x4 going in the same direction as us, whose front passenger was holding a hawk!
Lunch was taken on the bridge over the Greenock Water just past Burnfoot Farm before continuing up the track and over the former opencast. We didn’t take the low road as it was flooded, not a surprise really, but took the higher option down to Glasgow Road. At the point where the track met this road, we were dismayed to see the rubbish that had been deposited there. Some people! It was ironic that, at the drystone dyke area, there was a banner claiming that Muirkirk was a litter-free town! Not so just a quarter of mile up the road!
Anyway, our lunky hole virgins were completely and utterly underwhelmed at the sight and explanation of the lunky hole. They did, nonetheless, succumb to the traditional initiation ceremony!
At this point Alan, Allan and Davie continued down the road in an attempt to catch up with Johnny who hadn’t stopped in case he had seized up, whilst the rest decided to go down through the woods, getting slightly lost in the process, and return to Kames that way.
The smaller group had taken three hours and fifty minutes for today’s walk of about ten miles whilst the others took four hours.
A good walk in very favourable walking conditions.

In the evening Malcolm and Kenny couldn’t join us for our curry, but our numbers were bolstered by Alan McQ, Davie C, Iain, Jim and Kenny T. The curry celebrated the recent birthdays of Davie C, Dougie and Malcolm (any excuse does these days) and, as usual, we were well catered for by the staff at the Jewel in the Crown. A most enjoyable night followed by a wee refreshment at Wetherspoon’s.

Arrangements for Wed 6th Nov.

Meet in the Counting House Glasgow at 10.00.a.m.where a decision will be made about where we will walk.
(The favoured option would be our canal walk ending up in Wetherspoon's in Sauchiehall Street for lunch, so no need to bring packed lunches).

Some more images from Falls of Clyde

Falls of Clyde 23 October

Alan, Allan, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

Careful, Jimmy! (The boys from Ayr had not yet caught up)

It was a dry and reasonably mild morning as we awaited the arrival of our Ayr/Prestwick contingent, only to be informed that they had taken the wrong road (too busy blethering, no doubt – they really should not be let out on their own) and would be late. The plan, therefore, was for us to leave Kirkfieldbank and walk up to New Lanark and wait for the guys to catch up whilst we took coffee.

The walk up to our customary coffee stop was straightforward, although Jimmy, with us again after a good number of weeks, was taking things gingerly due to his continuing back issues. We didn’t have too long to wait before the lost boys caught up with tales of seeing parts of the countryside unknown to man.

As we moved up past the power station towards our next wee stop at a viewpoint, we enjoyed great views of the Clyde crashing down over the various falls and, with a background of autumn colours, cameras were working overtime. It was at this point that Jimmy decided that discretion was the best part of valour and decided to retrace his steps back to his car. We wished him well and continued up to the dam, our highest point today, crossed over, and took lunch, overlooking the falls, a few minutes down the path. Johnny, however, decided to forego lunch and walk on slowly as his leg was giving him some discomfort.

As we had anticipated, the track on the last part of our walk, prove to be a bit muddy in places, but not as bad as we had encountered before, and nowhere as bad as last week, and it was not until very close to Kirkfieldbank that we caught up with Johnny.

The walk, about seven miles, had taken three hours and twenty minutes in total, and had been done in good conditions. FRT was taken in the Black Bull in Darvel where our second round was bought for us by Geoff, a regular, who had recently benefited from a tax rebate. Thanks, Geoff! We reciprocated by buying him a drink. And, in case anyone was wondering, Johnny was revived by his hour in the pub!

Arrangements for Wed 30 Oct.

Meet at 10.00.a.m. in Muirkirk beside what was the Kaimes Outdoor Centre.  The walk is a large circle of Muirkirk taking in the Lunkey  Hole.
Curry night.
I have provisionally booked the Jewel in the Crown for 16 persons arriving at 7.00.p.m. Numbers to be confirmed on Tuesday 29th. Anyone who can not attend please let me know a.s.a.p.

Falls of Clyde by DM