Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Some from the Tunskeen bothy walk
















 

Arrangements for Wednesday 7th May

Dalquharran Trails and Bargany Gardens

Meet in Dailly at 10am for a walk on the recently opened trails around the old and new Dalquharran Castles followed by a visit to the nearby Bargany Gardens which are only open to the public during the month of May when the azaleas and rhododendron are in bloom. Total mileage for the day will be around 6 miles on easy, well-surfaced paths.

Thursday, 24 April 2025

Dunure to Doonfoot 23rd April


  

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul

Ten of us waited for the 10.33 bus to Dunure opposite the Co-op at Doonfoot on a lovely morning. By 10.50 we were beginning to despair, but it eventually arrived with Alan McQ already onboard, as was a wee dug which got aff at the next stop!!!

The journey to Dunure didn’t take long, but on the way there was discussion about some going up and over the hill back to the cars rather than doing the coastal walk. In the end though, all agreed to stick to the original plan.

The start from Dunure was not easy as we were on a shingle beach, but soon we found the white markers which directed us on to the grass and we went up and down, and in some cases flat on our back (Davie got stuck in a wee muddy section) until we arrived at our coffee spot on the beach. The going so far had not been the easiest but the next part which included a walk across slippery stones was treacherous and seemed to go on forever until we found firm footing again leading to the ‘stairway to heaven’. These steps which took us up to the fields above and away from the beach get steeper every time we do this walk, and it was a joy to take a breather on reaching the top.

On reaching the old railway line the going on the grass was easy and we reached the caravan park in fine fettle before finding the path back down to the beach. On the way down we stopped at the benches for lunch and to enjoy the view. The views today had been idyllic, and we were in no mood to continue but, needs must, and by half-past one we were on the last leg or our journey along the beach and around the Heads of Ayr. Again, underfoot was taxing but we emerged at the bay at the holiday park (Craig Tara) and trudged on until seeing Greenan Castle. By this time we were well strung out (nothing new then) but the front markers waited at the exit from the beach for the rest to catch up and take yet another breather.

Following the path across the field, planted with tatties, we made our way to the tarmac which took us up almost to the main road where we turned left and walked the shortish distance back down to the cars. Arriving back at quarter to three the walk had taken us three hours and forty minutes. As far as the distance covered is concerned, the smart watches etc could not agree ranging from six and a half to seven and a half miles. Let’s settle on somewhere in the middle, but, as always on this walk, it felt more like ten miles given the underfoot conditions i.e. soft sand, shingle, slippy rocks. It is not a walk which we will rush to do again any time soon!

FRT was taken in the Market Bar in Ayr where a good time was had, where the prices were reasonable, and where weary bones were rested!

Wednesday, 23 April 2025

Some from the Dunure to Doonfoot walk

























 

Arrangements for Wednesday 30th April

Tunskeen Bothy

Meet at the War Memorial in Straiton at 9.30am. Alan McQ will lead a convoy up to Stinchar Bridge from where we will walk along forestry roads to Tunskeen bothy and return. This walk was previously done by us on 7th August 2019.

Thursday, 17 April 2025

Mauchline, Haugh, Viaduct, Howford 16th April


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

It was dry as twelve assembled in the car park at Mauchline for a circular walk to the Haugh and the Ballochmyle Viaduct, but with persistent rain forecast for later, we started early (9.50) and followed Alan McQ out through the town and on to Barskimming Road and then Haugh Road, down to the Haugh itself. Most had put on wet weather trousers from the beginning, and they proved to be a useful protection from the cold breeze, as well as hats, gloves etc.

As we entered the path through the gate we were greeted by a friendly, familiar face coming towards us. It was Isla, closely followed by Derval Davie who had parked at the old Howford Bridge road and had walked down to meet us. Having exchanged pleasantries for a few minutes we all set off towards the viaduct with Jimmy, Graham and Alan choosing the low riverside route whilst the rest took the higher path, assuming the low path would be a bit slippy. Coffee was taken under the arches before we set off again to the Howford Bridge for lunch. Most took the direct route whilst a few, Alan McQ, Jimmy, Graham and Davie C, veered off to visit the ‘cup and rings’.  DD stopped short of the bridge and made his way back to the Fisher’s Tryst for lunch and then back to his car.

The twelve made their way back down to the old bridge with Alan McQ and Jimmy choosing to get there by going straight down under the new bridge, just because they could! The rain had started, albeit a drizzle, but a persistent one, so the pace quickened as we went up the old road and cut in to the wood adjacent to the A76. At the Kingencleugh road end we found the pavement and along this we marched arriving back at quarter to one, almost three hours after having started and having covered between five and a half and six miles. Having managed to get changed in the wet, the Black Bull beckoned, and we had timed it nicely as it opened at one o’clock, and before long we were thirteen again. Thanks again for the usual hospitality, it is much appreciated!

We had got the best of the day as it was raining steadily as we left. Not a long walk by our standards, and at a moderate pace for the most part, but long enough to spare us from the worst of the weather.