Prestwick to Troon 26 June

Wednesday 26th June 2024

Prestwick to Troon and return

Present: Malcom, Johnny, Allan, Jimmy, Graham, Bob, Gus, Rex, Hugh, Paul, Killie Davie, Derval Davie

The above Dirty Dozen met at our usual appointed time in the newly tarmacked car park just beyond the old swimming pool in Prestwick. It was a pleasant and warm morning and so it was to remain for the whole walk. 

Even at the start, however, there was a schism with some opting to climb the banking onto the road while the others chose the low road leading to the sandy path with nice views of the sea. The tide was far out this morning so we had no problems negotiating the corner at the Pow Burn.

The going was easy and soon we began to notice the all the preparations for the Open Golf Tournament. At roughly where the signpost indicates the right of way across the golf course towards Fullarton Park Allan decided he had had enough as he was due to go into hospital the next morning. We wish him all the best and hope that everything goes better this time around. Johnny and Malcom accompanied him back to the cars. 

We reached our usual end spot in Troon about half eleven, where some of us proceeded to have lunch, whereas others treated merely as a coffee stop. Our Treasurer, being a kindly generous bloke, sussed out the price of the ice cream at the stall and then informed us, "It's too bloody dear! £2.70 fur wan wee scoop of ice-cream. Nae chance!"

Derval Davie decided he would return by the way he came, owing to the possibility that Isla would have a go at the bicycle wheels, were she to take the cycle path. So the Lone Ranger took off with his dug and the baddies made their way to the cycle path. Davie and Isla arrived  back at the cars a good 20 minutes before the rest arrived; seemingly a second lunch break had been called on the way back.

Frt was taken at the sit-ooterie of the Red Lion in  Prestwick, this being the first time your scribe had been in this particular establishment; I was  very impressed and having asked a couple how their meal was, I was told that the food was excellent. So a return visit with the wife is promised.* A very pleasant hour of banter was spent sitting under the large parasol.  

Derval Davie

* this last sentence may have been added by the wife!

Photos by Jimmy

 

Arrangements for Wed 3rd July

 Meet beside Annbank bowling club at 10.00.a.m. The walk will be along the river Ayr to Auchincruive and back. F.R.T. will be accessed in the Tap o’ the Brae pub.

19 June 2024 - Ness Glen

 Paul, Davie M, Hugh, Robert, Rex, Graham, Dougie

We met up at the dam on a cool, dry, still morning and were greeted by the local residents - swarms of biting midges.

Fortunately this was the only location where they were a pest.

To accommodate Robert's need to get back early this was a relatively short walk. We took the higher route from the dam making use of some recently installed steps where the path rose sharply. Having descended to the suspension bridge we followed our usual route back to Dalmellington but took a left turn to an attractive stone bridge over the River Doon.  This was our coffee stop.

We now headed back towards Craigengillan along the main estate road.  We gave way to a Lamborghini tractor from which a couple of estate workers descended to patch up some potholes in the tarmac.  There was time for a chat, with Dougie and Rex trying to book them for repairs in Prestwick and Ayr. Back to the suspension bridge we went, this time taking the lower route up the Ness Glen.  All bridges were passable but a few had been damaged by falling branches. It's to be hoped they are repaired quickly rather than being allowed to deteriorate further.  

We were back at the dam soon after midday and had lunch at the lochside. Distance 7 kms.

FRT was taken in Dalmellington Inn's sitootery and a pleasant hour was spent there.

Arrangements for Wed 26 June.

 Meet at 10.00.a.m.in the new car park behind the Play Group building on the front in Prestwick. The proposed walk will be along the beach to Troon and return.

Seamill to Portencross 12 June

 

 

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Rex, Robert

It was a bright morning with no prospect of rain as we set off from the car park and on to the beach following our familiar route to Portencross. We were well spread out as we passed the golf course but most of the group re-assembled on the road up to the castle.

Lunch was taken at the castle at about twenty past eleven before starting on the return journey. The weather was warming up and again we were strung out, but the back markers made it back to the cars at five past one having covered about seven miles. By this time the sky and the water were blue and Arran was seen in all its glory.

FRT was taken in the sports bar at the Lauriston, where a convivial hour was spent.

Some images from the Portencross walk

 

Arrangements for Wed 19 th June.

 Meet beside the Loch Doon dam and coffee shop at 10.00.a.m. (not in the usual place) The plan is to do a figure of eight down and up the Ness Glen.  A slightly shorter walk as R.McGarry has a birthday dinner to attend in Airdrie at 6.30 p.m. 

Doonfoot to Ayr 5th June

Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Paul, Rex

Just for the record: Having met at the car park at the Co-op in Doonfoot, it was decided to abandon the walk from Dunure back to the starting point due to the wet and windy conditions. Instead, the guys did a circular walk into Ayr and back to Doonfoot covering about ten miles.

Arrangements for 12th June

Meet at 10am in the second carpark on the coast road to Seamill for a walk to Portencross and maybe beyond. FRT in Lauriston.