I am organising a calendar again this year.
The guys on yesterday's walk have given me their order but if you weren't on the walk and want one, or more than one, please let me know by 31st October. The cost will be determined by how many I order and if I can get a discount.
Allan
Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert
The drive through to Kirkfieldbank promised an overcast day with lots of low mist/cloud but, on arrival, at least it was dry. We were going to do the walk in the more traditional clockwise direction i.e. up to New Lanark and then past the Falls of Clyde and across the dam at the top before returning on the opposite side of the river. The grass path that was flooded the last time we were here was thankfully OK today and rapid progress was made up and down the various hills and steps until we eventually met the tarmac that took us into New Lanark for our coffee stop. The autumn colours had been admired on most enjoyed a relaxing break.
Allan, however, was feeling decidedly ropey, maybe had done the climbing too quickly, and as the rest left to continue the walk, he remained behind with his minders, Johnny and Malcolm. There was thought of them turning back but, as it was probably easier to go on, this is what they did, after Allan had recovered. When the threesome came to the boardwalks they were closed for tree-cutting but the alternative, higher path soon took them back on to the familiar route and the dam was reached at midday.
Whether it was the case that the dam was holding the water back or that this part of the country had not experienced the rainfall that other parts had recently, there was a poor flow over the Falls today, not the spectacular sight we were hoping for. By half=past twelve the three had caught up with the main party at the traditional lunch spot overlooking the Clyde and joined them with their pieces. Not long after resuming, there was an obstacle in front of us, a large fallen tree. Most had to crawl on hands and knees under it with Robert politely refusing to do limbo-dance to the other side. No matter, all negotiated it safely, one way or another, and trekked back to the cars, arriving at about one thirty-five, three and a half hours after having set off and having covered seven miles in decent underfoot conditions.
FRT was taken in the Black Bull in Darvel where an enjoyable hour was spent.
Meet in the usual place next to the local football field at 10.00.a.m. on the left as you are about to enter Dalmellington . The walk is Ness Glen all the way up to Loch Doon and back.
Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert
The bus driver had his pedal to the metal as we travelled to Crosshill from Maybole, meaning that we were walking by five to ten. It was an overcast morning with a cool wind but nothing to trouble the Ooters as we walked back along the main road for a short spell before turning up towards Dalduff Farm, whose pies are to be recommended, and continuing on a quiet road, down past the kennels and then turning left to approach Spring Garden Farm, situated beneath Kildoon Hill and its monument. Alan is a long-term friend of the owners and had organised a wee visit to the newly renovated milking parlour. A very interesting talk was had with our new friends before it was time to set off again. Many thanks to the folks for being so hospitable.
Making our way from the farm, our next stop was our lunch/brunch spot at Lochspouts reservoir, and unlike our previous visit during a baking summer, the water was very high. There wind was quite strong here and shelter was at a premium but nonetheless we took our time as this was to be the only stop of the day.
Retracing our steps back to Lower Burncrooks there was an option to go left and then over the hill or go right and follow the road round the hill and back to Maybole. There was an 8-5 split with the eight going over whilst the five went round. Regular readers can mull over who was in each group.
The five were back at the Greenside by quarter past one, having covered seven miles, whilst the eight arrived about twenty minutes later having done an extra mile. A pleasant hour was spent to finish off a good day out.
P.S. This year’s Ooters’ pantomime has been changed to Snow White and the Nine Dwarfs.
