Cumbrae 26th March

Alan McQ, Allan, Dougie, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

Despite the roadworks at Seamill most were at Largs in plenty of time for the 10.15 ferry and had time for a coffee prior to boarding. There was still a cold breeze, and it was a bit overcast, but there was a promise of some sunshine later in the day, so a good day’s walking was anticipated. It has to be noted that Paul, just back from Bath, was sternly rebuked for not coming prepared with a lectern and projector for a much-anticipated talk on Georgian architecture. It’ll keep for another day was the verdict. There was a bit of excitement though as the ferry seemed to do a wee dance halfway across, maybe in celebration of the postponement of the talk!

On arriving on Cumbrae a short discussion was had regarding the route, with clockwise being the favourite, but since we were going to have lunch at the Garrison café it was felt we would arrive there too early, so anti-clockwise won the day, It was one of those days when it was cold in the wind but  pleasant when sheltered from it and with sunshine beginning to break through we marched on before stopping briefly when we encountered a group of P7 kids and their teachers who were on a residential course and were enjoying a raft-building morning on one of the wee beaches.

The next stop was at the benches at Fintry Bay for coffee. It had taken about an hour to get there, and a restful fifteen minutes was spent overlooking the firth. Just beyond there was the opening that could take you up to Millport via the golf course. Underfooot was dry so Alan, Hugh, Jimmy and Paul decided to take this option whilst the remainder stayed on the coast road. As they approached Millport they admired the new sea walls that had been constructed, a feature they were to come across again later. It was just after half-past twelve when they got to the sit-ooterie at the café and met up with the others who had been there for twenty minutes, cutting about a mile off the walk.

All decided to return to the ferry by going up Ferry Road and, on passing the new sea defences, they noted that the standard of the landscaping around the walls i.e. the grass seeding, was of a poor standard. A pity since a vast amount of money had been spent on the walls themselves. Progress up Ferry Road was brisk and, as we approached the main coast road, we could see the ferry leaving Largs. The pace quickened, especially for the backmarkers, and the two o’clock ferry was made by all. Those who had done the longer walk had completed, we think, a tad over nine miles in three and a half hours including the coffee and lunch stops.

The Drouthy Neebors was busy inside so outside in the beer garden was the only option, and we had it all to ourselves. Like last week, it was on the chilly side, so it was no surprise about that, but we made the most of it and treated ourselves to a plate of chips with our drinks. Mind you, one plate amongst the nine of us. The chips were rationed!  

 

Some from the Cumbrae walk

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 2nd April

Meet at Kames at 10am. Walk to be decided on the day.

Girvan to Maidens 19th March

 

Alan McQ, Allan, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex

It was a beautiful morning as we met at Maidens for our bus to Girvan, but the breeze still had an edge to it meaning that hats, jackets and some gloves were still in play. The bus was five minutes late, but we were at Girvan Harbour before eleven o’clock and set off on our walk round the harbour and out to the golf course before eventually cutting through Girvan Mains farm to get to the path by the beach. At the farm we did notice a huge pile of tatties which, no doubt, were to be used to feed the cattle. The things you learn when you’re out with the Ooters!

Further along the path we chose to stop for coffee, a later stop than usual due to our later starting time. Soon we were off again and came to the cottage where a few could remember an altercation years ago with the lady owner who had ‘advised’ them that they should not be walking in front of the cottage but behind it. Today we found the diversion sign that told us to use the path along the field edge. No path though! The field had been planted with tatties so we had to walk between the rows before we could get on to the beach. Not a nice smooth one with hard sand, but one covered in pebbles, cobbles and boulders. Negotiating this was a challenge but after fifteen minutes or so the going got a bit easier. Underfoot was still taxing as the sandy surface was not too firm, but with the lighthouse at Turnberry in sight we ploughed on. The funny thing about the lighthouse was that although it had been in sight for some time it didn’t seem to be getting any closer! Anyway, lunch was called for, and although it was a quick lunch stop, we nevertheless enjoyed sitting down and admiring the view across the water.

As we approached Turnberry, and some very soft sand, we were unable to cross the Milton Burn so we retraced our steps for a hundred yards and found the path, which we probably should have taken in the first place, which takes you to a bridge over the burn. Decision time. To turn left and go back to the beach and walk up to the lighthouse, or go right, and to the main road and walk along the pavement all the way back to Maidens. There was no dissent when the latter option was chosen as we had had enough of walking on soft sand today. It is fair to say that hotel, the golf courses, and the surroundings were looking magnificent in the sunshine.

It was about half past two when the stragglers arrived back at the cars having covered the eight and a half miles (some said nine), in three and a half hours. For most of us this had been the first time we had done this walk and the challenging underfoot conditions meant that it wouldn’t be one we would necessarily rush to do again.

A much-deserved FRT was taken at the Balgarth where we could not be accommodated inside (it looked as though they wanted to keep the tables for those buying food) and hence we took up residence in the beer garden. We enjoyed our drinks, but it wasn’t too comfortable as it was just a tad too cold to be sitting outside. Anyway, the banter and the laughs rounded off a good, but challenging, day out.

                                         

 

Some images from the Girvan to Maidens walk

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 26th March

Cumbrae

Meet in Largs in time for the 10.15am sailing to Cumbrae. Route can be decided on the day. Wet weather alternative will be a walk from Largs to Fairlie and return.

Erskine Bridge to Clydebank 12th March

 

Alan McQ, Allan, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

It was a bright, cold morning as we met at Caulders Garden Centre at Erskine for a coffee before starting our ‘fish supper’ walk to Clydebank. Going over the Erskine Bridge we had a cold breeze to contend with as well as the incessant traffic noise but after half an hour we were down the other side and joining the canal path. Progress was good and by quarter to twelve we were all at McMonagles for our various tasty treats at the picnic tables in the sunshine.

It was twenty past twelve when we set off on the return leg and, as usual, we were strung out but re-assembled at the exit from the canal. On the climb back up to the bridge some of our members took a wrong path and had to retrace their steps, much to the pleasure of the few who had taken the right path after all.

The walk had taken three and a half hours for the nine miles or so and, with Kenny and Paul choosing to go straight home, the rest motored to the Kings Arms in Fenwick for FRT. A good day out yet again!

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 19th March

Girvan to Maidens

Meet at the shorefront in Maidens in time for the 10.30am Service 60 bus to Girvan. Walk 8 miles back to Maidens via the Ayrshire Coastal Path. Wet weather alternative can be a walk from Maidens to Culzean Country Park.

A-Frame to Dumfries House 5th March

  

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

It had been raining heavily on the way to the A-Frame but, thankfully, it had gone off by the time we were ready to start our walk to Dumfries House. It was good to have Jimmy back with us and it was he and Davie who led us off. After a few minutes though we came to a halt when we discovered that Paul had gone back to his car as he had forgotten to put on his rucksack. Last week it was his boots, this week his rucksack! It comes to us all! By halfway to the rotunda, our coffee stop, the persistent drizzle had returned, but at least it wasn’t cold. On reaching there after forty minutes we discovered that a class of S.E.N. kids and their teachers/helpers were ensconced on the benches, but just as we were about to search for an alternative, they moved off leaving the seats for us – and no, Robert did not encourage them (see recent Prestwick to Troon walk). At least he said he didn’t.

Davie and Isla turned back at this point, leaving Jimmy to take us up through the estate to Dumfries House Lodges before coming down to skirt round the big house and back to the rotunda for lunch. It had been intended to visit the walled garden after lunch, but the rain was getting a bit heavier, so it was a no-brainer to simply make our way back to the cars in increasingly wet conditions.

We arrived back at about twenty to one having done five and a half miles and had then to find a way to get changed into dry clothes in the rain. Probably the hardest part of the outing. The Black Bull in Mauchline was very quiet when we arrived and, as usual, we got a good reception and were treated well with sausage rolls and biscuits provided. Thanks again, folks!

Despite the weather, we had enjoyed being out for the day. The weather dried up on our way home!

 

Arrangements for Wed 12th March

 Meet in Caulders Garden Centre Erskine, at 10.00a.m. for coffee. The walk will be our usual ,start by crossing over the bridge and make our way down to the canal.  We will follow the canal into Clydebank where we can acccess lunch from McMonagles restaurant. We will simply reverse the route and make our way to the King’s Arms Fenwick for liquid replacement therapy.