Largs. Fairlie and the Gogo Burn 26 January

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Ian, Jim, Jimmy, Kenny R, Kenny T, Paul, Rex, Robert

It was officially ‘dreich’ as we met at the Gogo Burn with grey skies, a smir, a cold wind, and mist on top of the hills. Most took the option to take the low-level walk to Fairlie but Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Kenny R, and Rex decided to go high. Ian had come all the way from Cumbernauld to join us only to discover that he had left his rucksack (and his teeth) at home. What is it about this neck of the woods for Ian? If it is not a missing wallet it is something else!

Robert ordered the ‘high achievers’ to be back at Drouthy Neebors for one o’clock, so off they went whilst the rest of us set off along the path to Fairlie. We took our time, stopping at the Pencil to don waterproof trousers as the rain had become a bit heavier. Of course, soon after, it went off and we reached the benches at our furthest point about twenty past eleven.

We were surprised to see a gaggle of, flock of, congregation of, or whatever the collective noun is for twitchers, who were busily photographing, with rather large lenses, greenfinches and goldfinches, resting on an adjacent tree. Also present was Kenny T with Freya. Kenny had not been at the Gogo Burn but had met up with the smaller group at Douglas Park and had joined them on the climb up the very slippy steps. Having got to the top, the visibility was very poor, so Kenny had left them to continue their walk and made his way back down to meet us. A leisurely lunch was taken before the smir returned and we set off back to the cars leaving Kenny to drive home. When we were about half an hour out, and with the weather improving, Robert got a phone call from Hugh to say that they were already back at the cars and were heading for the pub.

The main group arrived back at about ten to one meaning that the walk of a tad over six miles had taken two hours and fifty minutes. On joining the other group, it was discovered that they had eventually been beaten by the mist, had got slightly lost, but eventually managed to get back down safely, albeit having done much less of a walk than originally anticipated. It was really good to be able to socialise again in Drouthy Neebors, something we’ve been missing for so long.

During the course of the chat it was tentatively agreed to have a curry night on Wednesday 2^nd March to celebrate some important birthdays, although we don’t really need an excuse for a night out, do we?

Arrangements for Wed 2nd Feb.

 Meet beside Hurlford Bowling Club at 10.00.a.m. The walk is along the river to Galston and return via the Chris Hoy way.

Wednesday 26th January

For those wishing a lower level walk, and keeping their feet a bit drier, Largs to Fairlie and back will be the option.

Muirkirk to Glenbuck 19 January

Alan, Allan, Davie Mc (and Isla), Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Kenny R, Paul, Rex, Robert

It was cold, but dry, as we set off from the Kames car park for our walk along the old railway line to Glenbuck and back. Underfoot was generally OK, but a couple of wet bits were easily dealt with by taking some avoidance tactics, and after an hour or so layers came off as it became warmer, particularly when sheltered. No coffee stop today, probably as we couldn’t find a reasonable place to sit down, but by twenty past eleven we were at Glenbuck Loch and decided to add to the walk by going round it anti-clockwise. As we emerged from the shelter of the trees at the end of the loch, we were met by a cold wind which meant that the shelter of the observation hut was welcomed for lunch. Some, however, chose to eat alfresco. Al was a bit underdone but, when you are hungry, you’ll eat anything or anyone!

The walk back along the railway line (River Ayr Way) seemed to go on forever and it was turning colder. Just as well that the layers had been put back on at lunch. However, the advanced guard arrived at about quarter to two with the rest arriving between then and two o’clock. Some light entertainment ensued when the lad with the parrot appeared and allowed Robert and Jimmy a wee shot. Apparently, the parrot is taken out a walk for some fresh air every day!

Four hours for between ten and eleven miles were today’s numbers and no FRT given the current restrictions. By next week we will have the option to return to the pub again.

We all wish Billy a speedy recovery. Missing your mint creams already, Billy!

'It's amazing the strange creatures you meet here'. Yes, the parrot could talk!

Arrangements for Wed 26th Jan.

 Meet in the Gogo burn parking area Largs at 10.00.a.m.The walk is up onto the moor via the many steps above the local park. The plan is to wander up towards the infamous Hill of Stake without actually reaching it then turning leftish to return via the Gogo burn ? and the picnic area. Drouthie Neighbour’s pub calls to us for a visit after a long enforced absence.

Some images from the Ness Glen walk

 

Arrangements for Wed 19th January

 Meet at 10.00.a.m. In the Kaimes  car park Muirkirk. The walk will be along the old railway line to Glenbuck and return.

Annbank Circular 5 January

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

A healthy number of Ooters turned up at Annbank Bowling Club for our first Wednesday walk of the new year. It was a crisp, bitterly cold morning as we exchanged ‘Happy New Years’, so we didn’t waste much time before starting on our familiar Annbank Circular. Today we went clockwise via Privick Mill before joining the riverside path up to the point where some went low and negotiated the landslip, and others went high, before meeting up again for the walk up to the fishermen’s shelter for coffee. To supplement our rations, Malcolm had brought shortbread, Alan distributed Stollen, and Davie C had brought a carton of Lees’ snowballs. Initially we thought he had made them himself as they were the same size as his infamous scones! All gratefully accepted however.

Soon we were over Tarholm Bridge and in good spirits as the going underfoot had been fine so far. This was to change as we encountered the usual ‘glaur’ on this section. For the first time in your scribe’s memory, the group split on two sections of this part of the journey with some sticking to the traditional low level tracks with the remainder going high. No matter, we all made it to the Wallace and Burns monument just after ten past twelve and spent twenty minutes having lunch and a blether. Full marks to Davie Mc who collected all the litter that had been discarded around the monument (not by us, I may add) and binned it.

Crossing over Oswald’s Bridge the return, shorter, leg of the walk was straightforward, and we were back at the cars just at ten past one. Mind you, the final climb up the hill back to the bowling club seems to get longer as the years go on.

Three hours and ten minutes for seven and a half were today’s numbers. A good start to the new year. Given the current restrictions we did not have FRT today.

 

Some images from the Auchincruive walk.

 

Arrangements for Wed 12th Jan

 Meet in the car park beside the Dalmellington football ground at 10.00.a.m. The walk proposed is the Ness Glen.