Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Rex, Robert
After the recent rain it was dry as we met at Belleisle, and there was even the prospect of a bit of blue sky as we set off across the golf course towards Rozelle. Most took in the Burns-themed Hallowe’en experience in the big house whilst others headed straight for the gallery to look at the exhibition meaning that this was a leisurely start to today’s outing.
From here we made our way to the Burns memorial gardens for coffee before continuing to the Brig o’ Doon. There were a number of tourists there who were interested in the significance of the brig and Jimmy didn’t need much persuading to recite an excerpt from Tam o’ Shanter to them. Whether they understood a word is open to debate, but they seemed well pleased. Jimmy then offered his hat for donations, but nothing was deposited, at least nothing of a monetary nature. Well done, Jimmy, anyway!
We walked across the brig and followed Alan McQ up the other side and then on to the cycle path turning back the way to take in the Alloway Tunnel and its murals. We were fortunate to meet one of the chaps behind the project who gave us some information regarding the work before also meeting the muralist himself, Chris Rutterford, who was very obliging. Turning back, we then headed out along the path before eventually emerging above Greenan Castle. On the way from here to the Millennium Bridge we came across another set of walkers of our own vintage and the Killie boys were pleased to recognise a former colleague who shared some time with us.
The next port of call was the benches adjacent to Ayr India and the Remedy cafĂ© where lunch was taken. On the way back to Belleisle from there our guide for the day, Alan, showed us a post box with the initials E V111 R indicating Edward the Eighth. Quite a rarity you would imagine given the history of the abdication and the fact that he was never crowned, if your scribe’s memory is correct.
We were back at the cars by two o’clock having covered a tad over seven and a half miles according to Johnny’s gizmo. A good step out at not too brisk a pace. FRT was taken at the Market Inn where we were disappointed to hear that they were awaiting a delivery and that the selection of beers on offer was very restricted. Nonetheless, a good time was had before setting off for home.
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