Alan McQ, Allan, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Rex, Robert
Nine Ooters assembled in the car park at Sorn on another glorious morning for our walk to the boardwalk along the River Ayr Way towards Muirkirk. Davie had indicated that he would start later and meet up with us on our way back, so we were on our way at five to ten and took the high path from the cars to the main road. Crossing over and finding the start to the trail, we made good progress and noted that the first boardwalk we came across had been recently repaired after some damage. Underfoot was dry after a month of sunshine and with the river to our right and fields of barley (we think) to our left we marched on commenting that the crops could do with some rain. And why did one field in particular have some large stones dotted across it? Answers on a postcard!
The stiff wee climb was negotiated and, before we knew it, we were at our stopping point i.e. the boardwalk overlooking the river. It was about ten past eleven by this time and although some took lunch most thought it too early and just made it a coffee stop.
There was a suggestion to extend the walk by an extra half mile but, in the end, all chose to simply retrace their steps from there. After about fifteen minutes and at the top of the hill we met Davie and Isla coming the other way, so the nine became ten and we made our way back along the path until a short stop at the bench by the river which allowed Isla to go for a swim. Nearing Sorn we diverted down to the Glenlogan bridge where we stopped by the river for lunch/drinks.
Most took the pavement route back to the cars which were reached at about quarter past one. The gizmos didn’t agree as to the length of the walk but a tad over seven miles would be about right. Not our longest walk but, given the hot weather, an appropriate distance for the day.
FRT was taken in the sitooterie at the Black Bull in Mauchline where we received our usual hospitality and were warmly greeted. Thanks again, folks. A pleasant hour was spent here before setting off for home.