Knockroon to A-frame 3rd September

 

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

The proposed walk from Kames was postponed due to persistent rain, so the alternative was a walk from Knockroon to Dumfries House. There was a persistent smirr/drizzle as we set off up the road before cutting down through the overgrown path to the tress and then down on to the track that takes you under the road and out to Dumfries House. It was very mild, and layers were shed but, with rain jackets and wet weather trousers still on, most were getting wet from the inside.

By ten to eleven we were at the fountain in the gardens, too early for lunch, so Derval Davie suggested continuing to the A-frame. Just twenty-five minutes he said! Of course, the second half of the route to the A-frame is manly uphill meaning that progress was not so quick and by the time we reached the benches for lunch it had taken forty minutes. Davie was politely reminded of this fact! Jimmy, who had to be home early, turned back at this point without joining us for lunch.

As luck would have it, the rain got heavier as we sat, but relented again on our way back, and yes, it only took twenty-five to thirty minutes to get back to the estate. By this time Davie was regretting suggesting the extension, but we ploughed on before stopping just beyond the underpass at the main road. The group then split in half with wee Davie and his minders choosing to avoid the steep uphill section followed by the narrow tricky path and take the left-hand path up to the Cumnock side of Auchinleck whilst the remainder retraced their steps back to the cars and arrived only five minutes or so in front of the others.

Just about three hours for the seven miles in damp conditions and we were glad to get a dry shirt on before heading to The Black Bull in Mauchline for FRT. The sitooterie was not an option today! As usual, we got a warm welcome and sausage rolls and biscuits were provided. Many thanks again to the staff who make our visits here most enjoyable.

Arrangements for 10th September

Meet at Kames at 10am for the walk to and around the new big loch i.e. the walk that was postponed on 3rd September.

In the event of  adverse weather the alternative will be a walk from the Burns Centre in Alloway.

Check the blog on the Tuesday evening. If no new post then it will be Kames. 

Some images from the Knockroon to A frame walk

 

Change of plan for 3rd September

Meet at Knockroon at 10am for a walk to Dumfries House. (Heavy rain forecast for Muirkirk area and liitle shelter on proposed walk.)

Irvine to Barassie and 20th Anniversary Curry 27th August

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

It was overcast as we met at Irvine beach park for our walk to Barassie, and, with rain forecast for between 10 and 2, we set off along the beach at a steady pace. There was plenty of firm sand with the tide being out, so even with walking into what breeze there was, the seats at Barassie were reached after an hour. Twenty-five minutes were spent here having a rest and, for some of us, having a snack. As we sat watching the Glen Sannox disappear towards the raincloud-covered Arran we couldn’t help but notice a fisherman in waders (we hope) casting his line out beyond some rocks and by the time we left, with the tide coming in, the water was well over his waist! The assembled company thought that his devotion to his sport was too much to say the least.

The walk back always seems longer but with the breeze behind us it again only took us an hour to get back to the cars, just as the rain began to fall. Six miles in all and we had won a watch with the weather.

 

In the evening, we gathered at The Jewel to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of the Ooters. The eleven above were joined by Alan McQ, Billy, Ian, Jimmy, Kenny T, Peter and Robert for the meal and it was great the original three, Derval Davie, Peter and Robert were there.. It was much appreciated that Peter could join us and that Ian had travelled down from Cumbernauld to celebrate the occasion. During the course of the night both Robert and Davie spoke about the origins of the group and what it has become to its members i.e. a source of exercise, camaraderie, banter, laughter, mental wellbeing, and mutual support. The words were well received. As always, Killie Davie led the company in some verses of the Ooters song to round the occasion off. Thanks again to Katrina and Lucy for their attentiveness. We all enjoyed the meal and will be back in October to celebrate the birthdays of Wee Davie and Malcolm. Most then adjourned to Wetherspoon’s for a wee nightcap.

An excellent evening! Let’s hope there will be many more celebrations to come.

 

Arrangements for 3rd September

Meet at Kames car park at 10am for a walk via Tibby's brig and the boardwalk to the former opencast site, now the big 'loch'. We''ll meet Derval Davie there and go round the loch before returning to Kames.

Logo information NOW on Ooters whatsapp chat.

 Check in with Rex if you are not on the whatsapp chat list,

Annbank Circular 20th August

 

 

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

On reaching Annbank Bowling Club on another bright summer morning we were surprised to see new no parking signs, so, undaunted, we parked in the main street. We were to meet up with Derval Davie later which meant that a healthy number of Ooters, thirteen, set off down towards Privick Mill and then on to the River Ayr path, passing as we did, some recently planted young trees which would eventually form a wood or an orchard. The walk today gave us plenty of shelter from the sun due to the amount of tree cover and underfoot was dry, meaning that walking conditions were as good as we could get on this walk. Soon we reached the point where we could go high or go low. There was almost an even split with those taking the high route keen to avoid the section with the land slip. As it turned out, both groups arrived at the junction at the same time with the report that the land slip was relatively easily negotiated given the dry conditions.

Moving on we did not stop at any of the fishermen’s shelters for coffee but continued to the Tarholm Bridge before stopping for a break. For the next section we followed the path, and all stayed high when the path divided making good progress in the shaded conditions. About fifteen minutes from the Wallace and Burns monument, our lunch spot, we met Davie and Isla coming to meet us, making our numbers up to fourteen, the most we have had for a wee while. He had started later than the rest and walked in the anticlockwise direction to meet us. The final section includes the tricky wee descent down to the riverbank and then up to Oswald’s Bridge and by this time we were well strung out, but by twenty past twelve all were seated enjoying pieces and drinks.

Since we were doing the walk in a clockwise direction today, the walk back to the cars only took forty-five minutes and was straightforward although we had to negotiate round some large fallen trees, and, of course, there is the steady climb back up to the bowling club to contend with, just what you need after seven and a bit miles. The walk had taken three and a half hours, not a record time for this walk, but decent enough and with the ups and downs of the first part, it is a walk that gives you plenty of exercise.

FRT was taken at the very quiet Tap o’ the Brae where the barmaid didn’t seem that happy to see us, strange given the amount of money we gave her. Nonetheless, a merry time was had as usual.

Another guid day oot!

 

Arrangements for 27th August

Irvine to Barassie and back along the beach

A shorter walk because of the curry in the evening.

Meet at the large car park before the pilot house at Irvine beach park at 10am. 

Some images of the Auchincruive walk

 

Hurlford to Loudoun Kirk 13th August

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Francesco, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

 

It was a seriously hot morning as we met at Hurlford Bowling Club for our proposed walk to Galston going along the Chris Hoy Way and it was great to welcome Francesco once more into the fold. However, Davie preferred the route along the Grougar Walk as it suited Isla better and he was only going to do part of the walk anyway. There was no disagreement to us all following this route with the intention of going to Loudoun Kirk and then returning the same way. This would avoid the long, boring walk, which provided no shade from the sun, along the CH Way.

We set off at a sensible pace and after twenty minutes were at the wee bridge which took us on to Milton Road. Discussion the ensued as to whether continue up the road or take the riverside path. The latter option was agreed but this proved not to be the best choice as we had to negotiate the initial steep, slippy descent, overgrown paths, a muddy patch, and a field of longish, wet grass which at least got our boots cleaned. Nonetheless, we emerged back onto solid road again and marched on taking in some golden fields ready for harvesting.

The next deviation was to take the path round Ladyton Loch which afforded us some shade whilst in the woods and which brought us out close to the farmyard where, in the past, a joke has decorated the entrance. Not today however and, if your scribe’s memory is correct, not the last time either. It looks as though that ship has sailed. We were at Loudoun Kirk at twenty to twelve and we sat down for well-deserved coffee/lunch/water and a restful break.

This was as far as Derval Davie was going so he and Isla awaited the arrival of Kay to take them home whilst the rest went back the way they had come sticking to the road all the way this time and being back at the cars by twenty past one. For the record, Jimmy caught sight of a kingfisher as it flew down river. None of the rest of us, though, managed to catch a glimpse of it. The gizmos said eight miles in three hours and twenty minutes although the walking time was two hours and fifty minutes, this being more than enough in the hot conditions.

Gus suggested the Kings in Fenwick for FRT, and this was accepted as a good idea, so off we went there to meet up again with Derval Davie and Robert, who couldn’t make the walk earlier because of a hospital appointment. The pub was very quiet, but we enjoyed the hour spent there replacing the fluids that we had lost during the walk. Another good, if tiring, day out.

The Ooters wish Jim a happy 70^th birthday, We hope to see you soon, Jim.