Thursday, 22 May 2025

Sorn to boardwalk 21 May

 


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.


 

Wednesday, 21 May 2025

Some from the River Ayr at Sorn
















Alan's attempt to walk on water ends in failure.


 

Arrangements for Wednesday 28th May

Auchincruive

Meet at the car park near the Bothy Café at Auchincruive for a five mile walk around the estate. We can have coffee at the café.

If approaching the Whitletts roundabout on the A77 from the north, take the first exit and follow the B743 towards Mossblown. Take second road on the right and the car park is a short distance further along on the left.

Tuesday, 20 May 2025

My first Ooters walk - 20 years ago

 Davie, Johnny, Rex, Robert.

I thought better about writing the story of the trek - it would just have been a lot of Cobblers.













 

Thursday, 15 May 2025

Seamill to Portencross and Curry 14th May

 


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

Yesterday had been the hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching 25 degrees but today it was only about 12 degrees when we met up at the car park near Seamill for our walk to Portencross. Fleeces were quickly dug out before we set off along the beach (at 9.50) on this familiar route and, as usual, we were quickly strung out before coming together at the Hydro. Some stayed on the beach whilst the rest took to the path adjacent to the golf course. We paused at the bench at the end of the golf course as Derval Davie had set this as his limit for the day and said he would have his snack there before he and Isla returned to the car. We would see him later at the curry.

Some headed to Portencross by beach and field whilst others made for the road and, by quarter past eleven, we were seated having coffee/lunch.

The return leg saw the sun breaking through and the temperature rising although there was still a fresh breeze. Most stuck to the paths on the way back and, although strung out again, were back at the cars, now in warm sunshine, by one o’clock having covered a tad over seven miles. No FRT today as we were currying at night.

 

Those above were joined by Alan, Billy, Hugh and Jimmy for a curry at the Jewel to celebrate the 75th birthdays of Allan (last December) and Johnny (yesterday). The food was up to the usual standard, and we were well attended to by Catriona and her assistant. A chorus or two of the Ooters song was delivered followed by a rousing rendition of’ Waltzing Matilda’ in anticipation of Rex’s imminent 80th. Ripper!

As per tradition we then adjourned to Wetherspoon’s for a night cap. Wee Davie was going on holiday the following week, so he passed on the kitty to Alan ‘The Tip’ McQ who appointed himself as our investment manager! Watch this space!  

An excellent night out!

Johnny and Allan would like to thank the Ooters for their generous gifts, totally unnecessary, but very much appreciated.