Glenbuck and Hareshaw Hill 25 August

 

Allan, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Iain, Jimmy, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

Thankfully, the A70 was shut for re-surfacing just beyond the cut-off for Glenbuck, so we all made it to the Heritage Village Centre in good time on a beautiful August morning. Most had packed extra water as the temperature was expected to climb well into the low to middle twenties, but, at least, we didn’t have to pack wet weather gear or jackets.

The Glenbuck Cherrypickers

Bill Shankly's memorial

A gentle climb to begin with

Moving through the Centre and passing Bill Shankly’s memorial (now repositioned at the Centre) we walked steadily up into the remains of the opencast, thankful that all the roads had dried out and there was no mud to negotiate. Reaching `the big hole in the ground’ (now a settling pond) we could remember a previous visit when we walked down into its base from the opposite end from where we were now, passing huge tractor tyres and taking in the geology of the sides of the man-made canyon. After stopping for photos to be taken, we moved on until we stopped for coffee at about quarter to eleven.

Davie opts out of diving in

The relentless haul up the hill

At the top

And he's off!

Hareshaw Hill (467m, 1532ft) was now in sight and the route to its top was made ‘easier’ (comparatively) by the well-constructed wind farm road which we followed at a fair rate of knots until the summit was reached and a much-needed breather was called for. Some wondered about having lunch there, but a decision had been made to move on, and since Waspy aka Robert (more about this later) had ants in his pants, the stop was shorter than expected even although the views all-round were brilliant.

The descent was the steeper cross-country route down to Glenbuck Loch and, thirty-five minutes after leaving the top, we were settled by the side of the loch having lunch. Gus, having to be home early, made his way back to his car from here whilst the rest extended the walk by continuing round the loch, with the far side gloriously in the shade. Walking back up the road to Glenbuck, Davie quizzed us on our local knowledge regarding the old iron works and its association with Laigh Milton (ask Davie for the answer) before the cars were finally reached at twenty past one, three hours and twenty-five minutes after setting off, and with a distance covered of about six and a half miles.

Coming down the hill

Glenbuck Loch

Reflections on a good day

A much-needed bout of FRT was taken in the beer garden at the Black Bull in Mauchline where apprentice kitty man, Dougie, showed promising signs, although his fees were a bit steep. The only flies in the ointment were some wasps, determined to have some of the beer. They paid no attention to cries of ‘Get on your bike!’ but hadn’t, however, bargained with Robert’s prowess in dispatching them, and by the time we were ready to leave, there was a pile of dead ones beside his chair*. It may have been a coincidence but the music channel playing in the background was playing tracks by Sting, the Bee Gees, Midge Ure and Jake Bugg. Or maybe your scribe had just spent too long in the sun.

A very pleasant and relaxing end to an excellent day out.

*Anyone wishing to hire Waspy can get him at wekillanywasp.com.

Glenbuck - 25 Aug, some photos, KennyR

Arrangements for Wednesday 1st September

 Meet at 10.00.a.m. in Darvel Davie’s house. David McM will lead the walk up one side of the  valley, then along towards Galston then back either by bus or on foot. Bring bus passes and face masks.

Ballageich Hill 18 August

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Ian, Jimmy, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

We met in Polnoon Street in Eaglesham on an overcast morning, some parking at the top of the street and others, being smart, parking further down at the Swan Inn, our chosen hostelry today, allegedly! The spirits were good as we set off back up the road to gain the access point to Ballageich Hill. It is 333m in height but most of the ascent is made as you walk up the road, although the last 60m or so up the hill is a steep wee climb. Everyone made it in good time, and we sat down for coffee forty-five minutes after having set off.

The views were decent with Whitelee across the road and the expanse of Greater Glasgow in the distance, with the wind turbine at Cathkin Braes prominent. We could recall the day that Ian Hill took us up there for a walk almost ten years ago. Coffee taken, we moved on across the top of the hill following the track until it was time to descend. The Pathfinders General took us down some rough stuff before emerging on to a cut field leading to Bennan Loch. As we looked back up the hill, we could see a path down the hill some twenty yards or so from where we had descended. You win some, you lose some! The next obstacle was a fairly high barbed wire fence, but fortunately, the lowest strand of wire, not barbed, was loose and we could get below the fence rather than over it. From there it was a walk round the side of the loch and then on to Lochcraig reservoir, noticing a fair amount of works going on, before joining the road up to South Moorhouse Farm.

Some missed the track just before the farm which would take us back towards Eaglesham but eventually we were all on the right road, Lochcraig Road, which took us past the farm which breeds Clydesdale horses, with foals and their mums in the fields, and then up to where it joins Kirkton Moor Road and to our usual lunch spot. This time however, rather than sit at the side of the road, we found a cutting where we were sheltered from the breeze.

The last leg took us past Bonnyton Golf Club and back into the village reaching the cars just after one o’clock having covered 7.3 miles. The weather had been kind and the temperature had picked up on our road back, especially when in sheltered areas.

FRT was to be taken at the Swan but, to our dismay, but we couldn’t swan in to the Swan Inn as it only opens on certain days of the week, and this wasn’t one of them. Those who had parked next to it had been foiled and Plan B was a walk further down to the Eglinton where we enjoyed FRT and a blether. Ian, a very proud grandfather, bought the first round to celebrate the birth of his granddaughter. Thanks Ian!

Having walked from the cars to the Eglinton and back again meant that we probably had done about eight miles in total today. This had been a good day out, finished off with a relaxing time at the Eglinton. 

Coffee with a view

Walking across the top of the hill

One of Jimmy's pictures. He only has a black and white licence

Under, not over

By the loch

Lunch spot

Arrangements for Wednesday 25th August.

 Meet at 10.00.a.m. in the Glenbuck visitor centre car park. Things have changed since we were last here. Follow the signs for the visitor centre to the new car park which is straight on after leaving the Muirkirk road.

Failford to Stair 11 August

Alan McQ, Allan, Billy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Robert

It was dry as we met at Failford but, with rain forecast, some of us decided to put on wet weather gear from the word go. However, it wasn’t too long before shirt sleeves became the norm as the rains stayed away and the temperature was warm. We decided not to go for another look at Peden’s pulpit but continued on our way until Davie and Billy decided to take the lower route by going down the steps whereas the rest stayed higher on the path. Meeting up further along, we had a short stop before making our way to Daldorch, eschewing the option to go up past the farm, and marching on to the dodgy bits of the trail. Thankfully these were managed without alarm, and we were at our lunch spot next to the weir at Stair by half eleven.

Deciding to return by taking the road up and around to Daldorch, the rain started, albeit lightly, but by the time we rejoined the riverside path, most had decided to don rain jackets. The rain got a bit more persistent, but we were in the shelter of the trees most of the way, so it wasn’t much of an issue. As we normally do, we took the higher path back to Failford and were back at the cars by ten past one, three hours and ten minutes for just over seven miles.

As we were going out in the evening, half decided to go straight home whilst the rest took FRT in the Failford Inn.

 

Later on, we were joined by Iain, Ian (good to see him again) and Jimmy for our long-awaited return to the Jewel for a curry. Gus proposed a toast to all who had had significant birthdays and grandchildren over the last eighteen months (504 days since the first lockdown as Johnny kept reminding us), and also to the Ooters in general for still being here. The food was excellent and the service from the staff was great. We were even coaxed to sing the Ooters’ song by the promise of a free drink! Thanks again to the staff for welcoming us so warmly. Most then adjourned to Wetherspoon’s to finish off the evening where Johnny bought the drinks to belatedly celebrate his seventieth. Thanks Johnny. A great night out!

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 18th August.

 Meet at 10.00.a.m. in Eaglesham. Park at the top of the hill on the left branch of the road as you enter the village from the Fenwick moor. The walk is the circular route over the Ballageich hill. F.R.T. will be accessed in Eaglesham to celebrate the birth of Ian’s first grandchild.

The boys are back!

 

Turnberry to Maidens 4 August

Alan McQ, Allan, Billy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Robert

It was a lovely, fresh summer’s morning as we met at the Lodge Road car park in Turnberry for the walk to Maidens and back. The first stretch saw us take to the beach for a stroll to the lighthouse where we met up with Alan’s dad, Bryce, who treated us to a coffee from the halfway house. He then gave us an informative and amusing talk about the history of the golf course, the hotel, and the air base as well as his family’s association with the club. We spent a very leisurely time here before going up to the memorial dedicated to those in the first and second world wars who died whilst training at the air base. We thanked Mr McQuiston for his input before moving off towards Maidens noticing as we did the gathering dark clouds behind us.

As we entered Maidens the rain. albeit light, started and was to last during our lunch stop at the picnic benches at the harbour. Moving on, the rain went off, the skies brightened, and we were back to excellent weather again as we made our way across the football field, riddled with deep rabbit holes, and up to Shanter Road, which we followed past Shanter Farm. Continuing up the track, we went through Turnberry Wood before emerging at the clay pigeon shooting range. The red flags were flying, but as there seemed to be no-one shooting, we carried on, re-entered the woods, and emerged at the side of the hotel.

We went round the back of the hotel, which is actually the front, and paused to take in the ornate fountain. From there it was a matter of going down past the spa and leisure centre and down the steps towards the main road. The whole complex looked magnificent today given the weather.

The cars were reached after three hours and fifty minutes with us having covered six and a half miles, illustrating that we had stopped on numerous occasions and did not push ourselves today.

FRT was taken at the Greenside in Maybole where all fourteen of us enjoyed our post-walk drinks. In appreciation of Mr McQuiston buying us coffee and giving up his time for us, we bought him a gift voucher for a meal at the Greenside, which we hope he and his wife enjoys. Many thanks.

Starting off

Approaching the lighthouse

The memorial

All those remembered died in accidents

Iconic view

Robert the Bruce's head?

The remains of the runway

A wet lunch

The front of the hotel faced the station

Arrangements for Wed 11th August

 Meet in Failford at 10.00.a.m. Walk to Stair and return. 

Evening at 7.00.p.m.

Meet at the Jewel ( previously known as The Jewel in the Crown) for a much longed for evening of banter ,beer and curry. We have various significant events to celebrate including the ending of COVID restrictions.