Annbank Circular 20th August

 

 

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

On reaching Annbank Bowling Club on another bright summer morning we were surprised to see new no parking signs, so, undaunted, we parked in the main street. We were to meet up with Derval Davie later which meant that a healthy number of Ooters, thirteen, set off down towards Privick Mill and then on to the River Ayr path, passing as we did, some recently planted young trees which would eventually form a wood or an orchard. The walk today gave us plenty of shelter from the sun due to the amount of tree cover and underfoot was dry, meaning that walking conditions were as good as we could get on this walk. Soon we reached the point where we could go high or go low. There was almost an even split with those taking the high route keen to avoid the section with the land slip. As it turned out, both groups arrived at the junction at the same time with the report that the land slip was relatively easily negotiated given the dry conditions.

Moving on we did not stop at any of the fishermen’s shelters for coffee but continued to the Tarholm Bridge before stopping for a break. For the next section we followed the path, and all stayed high when the path divided making good progress in the shaded conditions. About fifteen minutes from the Wallace and Burns monument, our lunch spot, we met Davie and Isla coming to meet us, making our numbers up to fourteen, the most we have had for a wee while. He had started later than the rest and walked in the anticlockwise direction to meet us. The final section includes the tricky wee descent down to the riverbank and then up to Oswald’s Bridge and by this time we were well strung out, but by twenty past twelve all were seated enjoying pieces and drinks.

Since we were doing the walk in a clockwise direction today, the walk back to the cars only took forty-five minutes and was straightforward although we had to negotiate round some large fallen trees, and, of course, there is the steady climb back up to the bowling club to contend with, just what you need after seven and a bit miles. The walk had taken three and a half hours, not a record time for this walk, but decent enough and with the ups and downs of the first part, it is a walk that gives you plenty of exercise.

FRT was taken at the very quiet Tap o’ the Brae where the barmaid didn’t seem that happy to see us, strange given the amount of money we gave her. Nonetheless, a merry time was had as usual.

Another guid day oot!