Cumbrae 30th July

 

Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex

The overcast sky was lifting and with the prospect of a fine day ahead eight of us got on the 9.45 ferry to Cumbrae slip. Davie and Hugh had gone AWOL, but to be honest, in true Ooters spirit, nobody seemed bothered. However, the two of them were waiting for us as we left the ferry. Whilst the rest of us were buying coffees or whatever, they had got on a ferry thinking it was the 9.45, but it was in fact the 9.30, there being two ferries on today. Explanation accepted.

Johnny wasn’t feeling that great, so the decision was to head clockwise along the shore road and then up Ferry Road. Blue skies were appearing, and it was getting warmer, so it wasn’t too long before layers were shed as we approached the turn off to the Glaid Stone. Rather than continue down to Millport, Johnny felt well enough to do the climb up the hill meaning that we all turned right and by ten to eleven we were seated at the trig point having coffee and enjoying the excellent views afforded by the Firth of Clyde.

The walk down to Millport was easy and, although it was still quite early, we decided on lunch at the Garrison with some taking their pieces in the gardens whilst others bought a lunch at the café. For the second visit running Dougie’s meal failed to appear, but after he had complained, it eventually came and with a refund which he kindly donated to the kitty.

By the time we were ready to move on it was getting overcast again and with an unusual amount of compassion being shown to Johnny, it was decided to take the short way back i.e. going via Ferry Road and arriving at the slip just in time for the 1.15 ferry, the wee one this time. We reckoned about seven miles today in good walking conditions.

FRT was taken in the beer garden at the Drouthy Neebors until spots of rain were felt and we moved inside to continue our chat. The rain had come to nothing and after an hour we headed for home. As for Johnny, he still managed to make it a tpd!

Some images from the Cumbrae walk.

 

Arrangements for 6th August

 Meet at Knockroon at 10am for a Jimmy-led Cumnock walk to Lugar and Logan.

Ochiltree to Knockroon 23rd July

 

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

It was a fine, dry, warm morning at Knockroon as we awaited the bus to Ochiltree. However, Jimmy, complete with yet another gash on his head, silly boy, had left his bus pass at the caravan, so cousin Davie drove him to Ochiltree whilst the rest followed on by public transport. The riverside walk towards Dumfries House posed few problems other than a couple of small sections that needed repair and vegetation on either side of the track that needed cut back. Before too long we were at the juncture where we could go left to the A-frame (as we normally do) or go right, straight to Dumfries House. Unusually, the decision was to miss out the A-frame today and head straight for our coffee spot at our howff at the arboretum. It has to be said that this section of the path very much needed a trim (or a strim) but all were seated by ten past eleven enjoying their snacks and the good weather. The wooden shelter is still closed but there was adequate seating outside to accommodate the thirteen Ooters.

A visit to the walled garden was next on the agenda and the garden was looking terrific with a stunning border greeting visitors as they entered. Whilst some concentrated on the flowers and shrubs, and even took cuttings, others concentrated on the vegetable patches full of produce ready for the table. By the time we were leaving the garden it was noticed that Derval Davie and Isla were missing, and it was assumed that we would catch up with him back at the shelter, but we didn’t. It was surmised that he had started to walk back on his own and a couple of phone calls confirmed this. Whereas the walled garden was in good fettle, the arboretum and surrounding area was badly needing some TLC and although there were a couple of workers on site, it was certainly not looking in its normal pristine condition. Has maintenance been cut back? Who knows.

We eventually caught up with Davie just beyond the bypass and from there we took yet another overgrown path back up to the main road and then back down to Knockroon, arriving back about twenty to one. Jimmy took Davie back to collect his car whilst the rest took lunch before setting off to the sitooterie at the Black Bull in Mauchline where we received our usual hospitality. Thanks again, folks!

The walk was one of the shorter ones we will do being between six and seven miles but, given the warm temperature, it was perfectly satisfactory and was well rounded off with drinks and laughs at the pub.

Another good day out!

Arrangements for 30th July

Cumbrae

Meet at the usual spot in Largs in time to catch the 9.45am ferry to Cumbrae. Walk will be decided on the day. 

Some images from the Ochiltree to Cumnock walk

Himalayan Balsam

British white cattle calves

 

Prestwick to Troon 16th July

 

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Johnny, Rex, Robert

An elite group of Ooters met at the car park in Prestwick for the walk to Troon and back. The weather was bright and warm and fleeces that had been put on were quickly removed as we passed Prestwick golf course, then the caravan park and ultimately on to the beach at the Pow Burn. The tide was well out so we managed to find firm sand to walk on and before too long we left the sand just beyond Royal Troon to take to the path. Davie and Isla stopped for lunch here before returning the way they had come whilst the rest headed for the benches at the toilets for coffee/lunch.

After fifteen minutes or so we set off on the return journey heading up to Royal Troon and then taking Crosbie Road on to the golf course and following the Smugglers Trail path to the bridge across the railway line. From there it was a matter of following the cycle path to the main road and then veering off to cross Prestwick golf course and the return to the cars. The main group arrived back at ten past one, exactly eight minutes after Davie and Isla, not that Davie was counting!

Almost eight miles had been covered and, after lunch had been taken by those who had chosen not to have it earlier, we set off for the sitooterie at the Red Lion for a very well-deserved FRT. A relaxing time was had here although Johnny might disagree as he could not get comfortable on the benches. His Guinness was fine though!