Croy to Maidens - 30 November 2022

 Present: Alan, Bob, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Malcolm, Paul and Rex.

All nine of the above were kitted up ready to go by a quarter to ten on a beautiful calm November morning. However we decided to wait to see if there were any latecomers but since nobody showed up we set off at 3 minutes to 10. Walking along the sand on the shore was a pleasure although some paddling through the stony burn caused some dancing about.  

In about 40 or so minutes had reached the esplanade at Culzean Castle where a coffee stop was called for. Culzean was very quiet as one might expect at this time of year. Having gone along the west side of the Swan Pond, we cut off to the right and Davie called a view stop on the cliff above Maidens shore, with the lighthouse in the distance presenting a lovely picture.

Lunch was taken down at Maidens harbour before we set off on our return journey, taking the shorter route  round the east shore of the pond, and going down the steep steps to the shore-side cottages.

We reached the car park 3 hours and 35 minutes after we we had set out. FRT was taken at the Balgarth Hotel in Alloway, where a discussion was held as how to pronounce the Italian lager Menabrea. 

A first class day out.

2023 Calendars

 I have now received a supply of the latest Earlyooters calendar and will have them with me next week.

The cost per calendar is £8. Payment can be made by cash, cheque, or bank transfer. Details will be attached to the calendars.

For those who will not be walking next week I will attempt to get them delivered somehow.

Photographs from the Croy shore walk.

 

Arrangements for Wed 7th Dec.

 Meet in the usual place beside the Gogo burn in Largs at 10.00. to be on the Millport ferry at 10.15.a.m.

Very poor forecast meet in the car park close to Portencross Castle at 10.00.a.m. for the usual wet weather walk around Hunterston Power station.

Hurlford to Darvel 23 November

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

Derval Davie said that this was a six mile walk and we would be finished by half past twelve and therefore he was thinking of extending it a wee bit. Few believed him, but we set off on a dreich morning on our customary path to Loudoun Kirk. The rain was light and intermittent, and we were in our waterproofs, so we didn’t encounter any issues and were at the kirk for coffee just after eleven.

As luck would have it, we got the heaviest shower of the day when we were there but, after the rain went off, it brightened up and we were to get it dry and bright for the rest of the day. Having crossed over into Galston, we took the riverside path to Newmilns and then on towards Darvel. Stopping about a mile before our destination we took lunch before walking on to the furthest gate into Lanfine at the far end of the park.

Rather than take the bus back to the cars at Hurlford Bowling Club and then go for FRT in Kilmarnock, we decided to have our refreshment in the Black Bull in Darvel and then travel back. A pleasant hour was spent there, although most missed the opportunity to change into fresh clothes.

And, by the way, we had covered nine and a half miles (with no wee extension) in three and a half hours. Davie miles now rival Jimmy miles!

Ooters Burns Supper

Johnny is willing to host the event on Wednesday 25^th January.

However, the Ooters themselves will need to organise it i.e.

·             Confirm who will be providing elements of the meal

·             Confirm who will be doing the addresses/speeches/readings/entertainment.

·              Firm up numbers

This needs to be done before Christmas.

 

Wish you were here? 

 

 

 

Arrangements for Wed 30 Nov

 Meet in the Croy Shore car park at 10.00.a.m. The walk is along the shore to Maidens and back.

Muirkirk Circular 16 November

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

The drive to Kames was challenging due to the low late autumn sun, but we all got there in time to start our walk a little bit early. Despite the sun, it was cold, so we were well wrapped up as we headed towards Tibbie’s Brig over the Garpel, and then onwards towards the old railway line and then to the Covenanter’s Memorial. By this time Allan and Robert had got detached from the rest of the guys - they had stopped briefly to take some photos and to let Allan tie his boot laces – and, before they knew it, they were on their own. Shows how quickly the guys were walking. Anyway, the memorial is a traditional stopping point, but not today, so the twosome found the riverside path (River Ayr) and eventually caught up when the main group stopped for coffee at the wooden walkway, another weel-kent stopping place.

From there, it was up to the big hole in the ground, now filled with water, and then across the main road, and down to the minor road which we would follow up to Netherwood farm. By this time most of the jackets and gloves had been removed, but before long they were put on again as the sun disappeared behind cloudy skies and the temperature dipped.

Lunch was taken at the entrance to Burnfoot Farm as our usual lunch spot at the bridge over the Greenock Water was anticipated to be too mucky for such genteel persons as ourselves. From here we then had the rise over the hill to the former opencast site to contend with and, as we reached the highest point, Robert suggested taking a shorter route back to the cars as he was not in peak condition today. The path down was a new one to most of us but it certainly was quicker. Some cut off the path to emerge at the Fire Station whilst the rest continued to the park behind the school before we all found the road back up to Kames.

By taking the shortcut we had covered nine miles in three and three-quarter hours and, although we had missed seeing the lunky hole, we can easily contain our excitement until the next time. Mind you, every time we do this walk, it seems to get longer!

FRT was taken at the Black Bull in Mauchline where we were well-received as always and where we discussed resurrecting our Burns Supper in 2023.

Another guid day oot!

 

Curry arrangements on the 14th Dec.

 The Jewel has now been booked for 15 persons on the 14th Dec . They have agreed to open at 3.30.p.m.for people arriving from various routes. Please all be seated and ready to order food by 4.00.p.m.

Ooters in attendance are as follows:-  Robert, Gus, Paul, Dougie, Hugh, Malcom, David C, David McM,

Jimmy, Allan Sim, Alan St, Johnnie, Ian B, Rex, Billy.

If for any reason you either wish to withdraw or add to the numbers in the group please let me know asap.

Some images from the Muirkirk walk.