Knock Hill 27 April

Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Rex, Robert

It was chilly and overcast as we set off along the promenade on our way to Knock Hill, so chilly that Rex even stopped to put his gloves on. Further along the prom we met Kenny T who had arrived a wee bit late and had parked beyond Barrfields and so ten of us walked up Douglas Street and on to Brisbane Glen Road before turning off to the left and following the sign for Knock Hill. By this time, as we were getting warmed up and the temperature was rising, layers were getting shed and, as underfoot conditions were nice and dry, especially the part beyond the farm with its relatively recent hard surface, no doubt to help with the planting of thousands of young trees, most of which needed a good soaking of rain, progress was good. When this surface ran out and we hit the grass path we stopped for a quick coffee break before pushing on towards the hill. With the path still dry we made the base in no time with the mountain goats choosing to go straight up whilst the tortoises took to the spiral path. By twenty to twelve we were all siting having lunch, well sheltered from the breeze.

 Heading for the top

Our route back was down and over the golf course and on to Routenburn Road and by ten to one we were well settled in Wetherspoon’s for FRT. It has to be recorded that the banter was more highbrow than normal taking in such things as how to make cabbage pies and the identification of dummy birds of prey perched on the building opposite. Where was Jimmy when you needed him?

About seven miles in just under three hours were today’s figures for the statisticians among us. Another fine day out!

The answers to the day’s trivia are:

• Richard Bradford played McGill in ‘Man in a Suitcase'.      
• The two words that follow Take That in the title of the band’s first album are ‘& Party’ i.e. Take That & Party, and not as the taller Killie Drillie suggested Take That Ya B******.