Portencross 25th June

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Kenny R, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

The skies were overcast but it was dry with no rain expected as we set off on the familiar Portencross circuit. Passing the castle, we made short work of the path to the power stations and continued along the road until we saw the turn-off through the gate that would start to take us on the return leg. Coffee was taken at the usual spot at the large stones just before we reached the bridle path.

We enjoyed our break, but fifteen minutes later we were off again making good progress down the track until we came to the path which led to Goldenberry Hill. There was a 5-5 split here with Allan, Davie, Kenny, Malcolm and Robert continuing on the low traditional route whilst the rest took to the hill. The first group couldn’t help but notice the electricity infrastructure that was being installed and remembered that on our last visit only the groundworks had been completed. Having made it to the main road and then turned back on to Thirdpart, they could just make out the guys at the top of the hill. As they made their way back to Portencross Road it was commented that the fields of barley, and there were plenty of them, were in good nick after all the heat and the rain. Turning back down the road towards the cars they met the other group as they emerged from the entrance to Ardneil Farm and the ten made it back to the cars by 12.35pm. Not bad for seven miles by the low group and six and a half for the hill-climbers who said that the hill was straightforward and offered great views for not a lot of effort.

Lunch was taken at the benches at the car park before FRT was taken at the Lauriston where, as usual, a most convivial time was had.