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!
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