Dean Park Circular 23 February

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Johnny, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Robert

It was cold and windy as we met in the car park at Dean Park and, with wintry showers forecast, most opted for wet weather gear from the off. We were still trying to decide which route we would take as we set off out of the estate on to Assloss Road before taking a right turn down and under the A77 and crossing the river by the footbridge at the ford, and progressing up Wardlaw Road to the junction with Grassyards Road. Right or left? Turning right we headed down towards the A77 again but veered left to follow Silverwood Road on a route well-known to the Monday walkers.

At about eleven o’clock, and just after a heavy shower, we stopped briefly for a quick break to let Killie Davie have his snack. Some others took a snack here also.

Moving on, rather than continuing up to East Raws, Derval Davie suggested we take a right turn down past Grougar Mains Cottage and then taking a right on to Milton Road, a road familiar to us, as this is part of our Hurlford to Galston walk. On the last occasion that particular walk was done, just a few weeks ago, new fencing had been erected part of which barred our path down to the river, but we noticed today that the offending piece of fence had been removed, by fair means or foul. We did not turn on to the Grougar Path but continued along Milton road, up past the old school, and over the A77 and in to New Farm Loch. Passing by the new William McIlvanney Campus, we emerged on to Grassyards Road opposite St Joseph’s and made our way up to Dean Road and back down to the cars.

Two hours and twenty-five minutes for about seven and a half miles were the stats for today. Other than a couple of showers, we had got it dry although it had been really cold at times when in the strong wind and, since we had not stopped for lunch, most took lunch in their cars before setting off for the First Edition in Kilmarnock, where we were joined by Billy. It was great to see him again and hope it will not be too long before he can get out walking once more. All the best, Billy!

Arrangements for Wed 2nd March.

 Meet at 10.00.a.m. in  the church car park Sorn. The plan is to walk up river to the boardwalk ,David McMeekin to lead. The walk will be relatively short to allow plenty of time to get smartened up for the curry at 7.00.p.m.

Arrangements for Wednesday 2nd March ( Curry )

 Meet in the Jewel at 7 p.m. Please take a COVID test before attending.  Virtually all members will be there with the exception Kenny T.( 20 persons)  Anyone not able to attend should let me know ASAP. Some members will probably meet up in First Edition in Bank Street for a pre dinner chat and pint beforehand.

Irvine 16 Feb

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Robert

 Snowdrops at Fullarton Woods taken on the Monday walk, 14 Feb

The forecast for the morning was awful with heavy rain predicted, but, as we enjoyed Johnny’s scones and coffee, we thought we might get away with it as the weather was better than promised. Almost on cue, however, as we stepped out at ten o’clock the first spots of rain appeared and it was to get progressively heavier as we followed Johnny, not to Eglinton, as it would have been too muddy there, on a walk along the paths down to Newmoor Industrial Estate, onwards to the Riverside Lodge Hotel, and then returning to Johnny’s by Kerr Drive and Clark Drive. It had taken us an hour and a bit, and we were thoroughly wet as we arrived back. Once dried out though,we enjoyed beers, courtesy of Johnny, and soup, courtesy of our soupmeister, Gus, whilst reminiscing about previous walks (Johnny had a selection of pictures showing on his big screen) and generally having a good blether.

Many thanks to Johnny for the coffee, scones, and beer, and for his usual hospitality, and to Gus for the soup.

We all returned home about quarter to one to await the arrival of storm Dudley.

Having difficulty making comments so I'll append a "well done " to Jimmy for his retrospective of a Burns Supper moment. Thanks to Allan for continuing to record these precious memories.  Johnny

Memories

 

I was reminded o’ it yesterday,

When we were gaithered yin an’ a’,

O that nicht doon in Johnny’s when

I threw the haggis et the wa’.

 

The whisky flowed like watter,

Johnny’s beer wis guid an a’,

An’ I recited Burns an’ then

Threw the haggis et the wa’.

 

The haggis wis presented

Like a moist an’ tasty ba’,

An’ I trenched its gushing entrails,

Then I threw it et the wa’.

 

Legs and erms and heids did sned,

An’ I never saw at a’,

The haggis fleein aff the knife

Tae splatter oan the wa’.

 

Noo, they talk o’ Jack the Dripper,

Klimt and Klee and a’,

But the décor doon in Johnny’s hoose,

Wis the haggis oan the wa’.

 

O a’ the tales in Ooters lore,

This yin’s abin them a’,

That nicht when doon in Johnny’s hoose,

I threw the haggis et the wa’.

 

Arrangements for Wed 23rd Feb.

 Meet in the Dean Castle car park at 10.00.a.m. The walk will involve making our way to Craufordland estate and back via various routes depending on the weather. The apres walk will be in the First Edition in Bank Street.

Castle Semple 9 February

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Jim, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

The forecast promised wintry showers in amongst some sunny spells, and it was spot on. Sixteen of us waited in our cars at the car park at Castle Semple for the heavy, sleety rain to go off, but, as if by magic, come ten o’clock, the sky was blue, and we set off on our walk to Howwood. We took the path by the loch for the first leg before taking the cycle track up to the turn off to the folly. Kenny had taken Freya up through Parkhill Wood, but everyone else had stuck to the path, and when he got to the turn off, he turned back to retrace his steps.

There was quite an even split as some took to the path round Kenmure Hill whilst the rest went up to the folly, but as we were getting together again at the far side of the hill, the rain and hail hit us again. By the time we got to the end of the track and met the road there was a view to shorten the walk by going left up the road and re-joining the cycle path back to the cars. A few pointed out brightening sky in the distance and were in favour of finishing what we had started. The majority won and we all took the shorter option, although by the time we had regained the path, the sun was out. The last ten minutes saw us in rain again, but we got it dry to get changed before taking our pieces in the cars. We hadn’t seen the snowdrops at Auchengrange House, the purpose of our walk, but had seen a small outcrop just past the loch.

The walk had taken two hours and ten minutes and we had covered about six miles, a short walk for a Wednesday, but few complained as it meant we could hit the Brown Bull in Lochwinnoch earlier, where a very convivial hour was spent.