Knock Hill 15 May

Alan, Allan, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Jim, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Robert

Today we welcomed new boy Iain Bonnar into the fold, and said ‘Hello, Hello!’ to Jim, returning after his foot problems.

It had been one week short of a year since we last did this walk and, remarkably, the weather was exactly the same i.e. a beautiful, warm, early summer’s day.  The sea was as still as it could be as we walked along the promenade before heading up Routenburn Road. This involves a long, steady climb past the golf course, and having gained some height, we then lost it as we headed down past the entrance to Knock Castle towards our turn-aff (remember the Ga’ston turn-aff?) to the right. This track then took us across the fields to our coffee spot adjacent to the Black Glen. We took our time, given the glorious weather, before continuing up the track and turning right just beyond the wall. The path we then followed took us up to the recognised track up the hill. At the base of hill most continued on the spiral path whilst some adventurers went straight up, and all were sitting having a very leisurely lunch just before midday. The views were hazy, but what a great place to sit and enjoy not being at work!
The routes back to Largs were discussed and the decision taken was that we would take the quickest one i.e. straight down and over the very dry golf course before emerging back on to Routenburn Road and down to the A78.
Taking the path next to Noddsdale Water, we stopped momentarily at the boating pond to admire the display of model ships, carefully watched over by their owners, before heading back to the town centre.
Wetherspoon’s, as expected was hoaching and oppressively warm, so we made our way up the beer garden at a busier than usual Drouthy Neebors. Admirably, despite the hot weather, we restricted ourselves to one pint today, as we had business to attend to at night.
From start to finish the walk had taken us about three and a quarter hours, covering seven miles. Underfoot conditions had been excellent making for a great day out.

Heading for the coffee stop

The final group stroll up for elevenses



First to the top by going straight up

This is the life!

What's the collective noun for a group of Ooters?

No bracken to walk through this time!

The Vikings are coming!

Malcolm, Paul and Robert couldn’t make the curry in the evening, but we were joined at the Jewel in the Crown by Davie Mc and Peter. The food, as usual, was excellent and we were well received and attended to by the girls. The night was finished off in a very quiet Wetherspoon’s.