Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex, Robert
The proposed walk from Kames was postponed due to persistent rain, so the alternative was a walk from Knockroon to Dumfries House. There was a persistent smirr/drizzle as we set off up the road before cutting down through the overgrown path to the tress and then down on to the track that takes you under the road and out to Dumfries House. It was very mild, and layers were shed but, with rain jackets and wet weather trousers still on, most were getting wet from the inside.
By ten to eleven we were at the fountain in the gardens, too early for lunch, so Derval Davie suggested continuing to the A-frame. Just twenty-five minutes he said! Of course, the second half of the route to the A-frame is manly uphill meaning that progress was not so quick and by the time we reached the benches for lunch it had taken forty minutes. Davie was politely reminded of this fact! Jimmy, who had to be home early, turned back at this point without joining us for lunch.
As luck would have it, the rain got heavier as we sat, but relented again on our way back, and yes, it only took twenty-five to thirty minutes to get back to the estate. By this time Davie was regretting suggesting the extension, but we ploughed on before stopping just beyond the underpass at the main road. The group then split in half with wee Davie and his minders choosing to avoid the steep uphill section followed by the narrow tricky path and take the left-hand path up to the Cumnock side of Auchinleck whilst the remainder retraced their steps back to the cars and arrived only five minutes or so in front of the others.
Just about three hours for the seven miles in damp conditions and we were glad to get a dry shirt on before heading to The Black Bull in Mauchline for FRT. The sitooterie was not an option today! As usual, we got a warm welcome and sausage rolls and biscuits were provided. Many thanks again to the staff who make our visits here most enjoyable.
