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

Crosshill to Dailly 16 October

Alan McQ, Allan, Billy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Johnny, Rex

The forecast had been for the wet overnight weather to clear up by about ten o’clock, and so it proved to be as we awaited the half-past ten bus to Crosshill from the centre of Dailly. Once in Crosshill we turned around and headed out of the village on our steady upward trek on tarmac. As we climbed, we could look back and enjoy the view as far as the paper mill in Irvine, a plus for some, a negative for others!  No sooner had jackets been taken off than they were back on again for a wee shower.

Eventually we turned off to the right and followed the access road up to the farm at Blair. So far, so good. At this point, we went through a gate, guarded by an electric fence (ably dealt with by our physicist) and continued on the track which would eventually lead us straight to the limekilns below Barony Hill. To say the track was muddy would be an understatement and it was noticeable that all conversation stopped on this part of the walk as concentration had to be maintained in order to keep our footing. Nevertheless, as the weather picked up and blue skies appeared, the views down the valley and beyond to Ailsa Craig were excellent.

Coffee stop with the limekilns and Barony Hill in the background

We stopped for coffee about two thirds along the track, and just as the going was getting easier. By this time it was well after twelve, with most wondering whether to restrict themselves to coffee or have lunch. However, just as some were getting comfortable, we moved on and by quarter to one we were at the limekilns. Here we got the biggest laugh of the day. We’ll spare Gus’s blushes, but don’t anyone ask him about the limekilns near Dailly!

From here the climb up to the trig point on Barony Hill was made in about fifteen minutes. It was whilst we were enjoying the views that Alan suggested extending the walk by a couple of miles to take in the ruins of old Kilkerran Castle. This was met with a mixed reaction, some for and some against. In any case, the walk across the top of the hill was made in good time and in good underfoot conditions, as was the descent down through the longish grass and then up to the wee ruin (probably a livestock pen) where we have taken coffee in the past. The walk over the field to the track down to Whitehill Farm was soft but the track itself was very muddy and we were glad to make tarmac again at the farm.
At the bottom of the farm road Alan took Billy, Dougie, Gus and Rex off to the left (on the road past where the pigs used to have sty television) and up to the ruins of the aforementioned castle whilst the rest crossed over and followed the pleasant track down towards Dailly, at least it was pleasant until we encountered a part of it completely flooded. This, however, was negotiated relatively easily, and Dailly, and the cars, was reached at quarter past two, three and a half hours after having set off from Crosshill.
Whilst awaiting the rest to arrive, the remains of the pieces were partaken, as this had proved to be a one-stop walk. Thirty-five minutes later the guys arrived having covered about ten miles in total (as against eight for the other group).
Most considered that the climb up Barony Hill was easier from today’s direction, but a repetition would only be considered after a long dry spell. Nonetheless, it was a happy group that took FRT, with chips, in the Maybole Arms, where we were well received and where we enjoyed a comfortable hour.

It's a dog's life

Images of the walk over Barony Hill

featuring Alan McQ, Allan, Billy, Davie C, Davie McM, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Johnny and Rex

Arrangements for 23 October

Falls of Clyde
This walk was chosen to witness (hopefully) the autumn colours and, as it is a relatively straightforward walk, to make it a more comfortable walk for some of the Ooters..
Meet at the usual spot at Kirkfieldbank at 10am.

Update for Wednesday 16th October

No extreme weather forecast for tomorrow so the walk from Crosshill to Dailly is on.
There is still a risk of showers so a waterproof jacket is advisable. There is also a risk of mud later in the walk so sensible shoes would be in order.
Meet in Dailly in good time for the 10.30am bus to Crosshill and remember to bring your bus pass if you're fortunate enough to have one.

Cumbrae 9 October

Alan, Allan, Billy, Dan, Davie C, Dougie, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Johnny, Kenny T, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

The occupants of Alan’s car made the 9.45am ferry from Largs by a whisker, but, nonetheless, a good contingent of Ooters headed for Cumbrae on a day that promised lots of blustery showers. Given the forecast it was decided that we would simply head up to the Glaid Stone, continue down into Millport, and then return by Ferry Road.

The familiar walk up to our highest point was made in good time and in very decent conditions, and for the most part we were sheltered from the wind, but, because of this, we took coffee in the calm at the benches just below the trig point. On the walk down to the town the rain came, but nothing too drastic, and by the time we made the Garrison, it had abated. We chose to have lunch in the Garrison café, watching, as we did, the sunshine returning.

Having spent a leisurely forty-five minutes there, it was time to move off and, as we did, the rain reappeared. It did not amount to too much and by the time we were heading down towards the ferry the weather had improved drastically. Passing the shore at the water sports facility, we noticed a seal sunning itself on a rock not too far out into the water. We’ve encountered a basking shark or two on the Cock of Arran walk, but today it was our turn to witness a basking seal!

We reached the slipway at ten past one, three hours and ten minutes after having set off, and having covered seven miles. A good step out, as they say, and perfectly adequate given the very changeable conditions, and indeed, it was raining again as we boarded the half-past one ferry.

Wetherspoon’s was, as usual, very busy, so we headed for Drouthy Neebors for FRT, but, as we got settled, we were informed we could not be served as Dan was under eighteen. Only if a family meal was bought could we have refreshment, and a couple of portions of chips didn’t count. Not even the mention that Holly had been allowed to join us on many occasions, and she was under eighteen, could sway the decision. So, we left and returned to Wetherspoon’s and managed to get ourselves organised to sit together. The licensing laws seem to be a strange thing and be interpreted differently in different locations.

A lively hour and a bit was spent here, and, eventually, most decided to make their way home. Not even the offer of a complimentary third drink from Davie to celebrate his recent birthday could tempt them to stay. However, he was kept company by his carers. How does the song go?

When I get older losing my hair
Many years from now
Will you still be sending me a Valentine
Birthday greetings bottle of wine

Will you still need me, will you still feed me
When I'm sixty-four

Etc etc

The saga of Ian’s wallet

Ian couldn’t find his wallet after having given Davie his kitty money whilst awaiting the ferry at Cumbrae slip. He checked out his bag on the ferry but, on failing to find it, he returned to Cumbrae to have another look, before returning to Wetherspoon’s after having gone to the local bank to cancel his card. He was not a happy bunny, naturally. On the way home we wondered whether he had simply put it in someone else’s bag by mistake. To cut a long story short, when Allan was emptying his rucksack at home, what should he find?

All’s well that ends well! Well, nearly. Does this go down as a senior moment? Or is there a conspiracy theory? Answers on a postcard please.

Cross your fingers and make a wish!

Is this the same day?

Arrangements for Wednesday 16th October

Meet in the centre of Dailly for the 10.30am bus to Crosshill. The walk will be back to Dailly via Barony Hill with the option of a short detour to visit the old Kilkerran Castle. In the event of a poor forecast then an alternative arrangement will be made by 6pm next Tuesday.

Cumbrae 9 Oct

The walk will go ahead as planned.

Millport 9 Oct

Suggestion if walk goes ahead as planned we could use the Garrison for lunch perhaps.

Darvel 2 October

Allan, Billy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Hugh, Ian, Jim, Kenny T, Malcolm

This was the first morning of the autumn/winter when windscreens had to scraped of ice before setting off on a beautiful morning to Davie’s in Darvel. Full marks to him (and his assistant Kay) for accommodating us with scones and coffee despite the house being remodelled. Kay says that Davie is next! Thanks, folks, for your hospitality!
We set off bang on ten o’clock and made our way up through Lanfine to see the boars as some of us hadn’t seen them before, and, on cue, a big wan and a wee wan were seen basking in the early morning sunshine. From there we continued up and out of the estate and headed relentlessly up to the woods. Layers were being shed as the temperature rose and the incline increased, but we made it to the entry point to the woodland path that was to be the next part of the day. The going in the woods ranged from easy and pleasant, to undulating, to muddy, but progress was good until it was agreed that Jim needed a rest and a bite to eat, so we stopped for fifteen minutes for a coffee about two thirds of the way along the path.
The next section had some tricky bits and a couple of wee burns to cross but we made it safely back on to tarmac not too far along the road that we had emerged on to from Lanfine about an hour and a half earlier. Following this road down into Newmilns saw us reach the bridge over the river at quarter to one. Kenny and Jim decided to return to their car along the riverside walk whilst the rest of us continued up past the dry ski slope and took lunch at the gates to the cemetery.
At this point Malcolm produced his bottle of raki (remember the Rothesay walk earlier in the summer?) for those who had not tried it before. Suffice it to say that it went down surprisingly well and Malcolm was wise to put the bottle back in his rucksack before the boys went to raki and ruin!
Continuing up Dalwhatswood Road we had great views across the valley and beyond before we turned down Foulpapple Road and on to Burn Road for our return to Darvel.
The cars were reached four hours and twenty minutes after having set off and having covered nine miles on a glorious day for walking.
FRT was taken at the Black Bull in Darvel where a pleasant hour was spent relaxing.

A lovely morning for a walk

In to the woods

The Lone Ranger minus Tonto

Getting strung out

Coffee stop

Helping hands

Coming back down to Darvel