Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Paul, Rex, Robert
The previous days had been really cold with temperatures not rising much above zero during the day and, although not as cold, there was a biting breeze as we assembled in Annbank. Derval Davie said he was just going to do the anticlockwise route to the Wallace and Bruce monument and come back the same way and was joined for company by Alan, Allan, Johnny and Robert while the rest chose to go in the longer clockwise direction.
The five made good progress in nice walking conditions, particularly when sheltered from the breeze, and encountered better than expected underfoot conditions with not too many muddy sections enabling them to reach the monument after fifty minutes. Coffee was taken during which Alan suggested continuing on a path down the river for a bit just to extend the walk. This was agreed on the understanding that it would not be too far as they were keen that Davie didn’t suffer too much discomfort with his back. This path was new to most but after ten minutes or so they decided that it was time to turn back and head to the monument and then up to Oswald House. From there they passed by the cafĂ© and then took the high path back to the cars arriving back at quarter to one. On checking the internet to make sure it was open, they made the short journey down to the Tap o’ the Brae to await the magnificent? seven. Jings and crivens!, the pub was shut and, with no signs of it opening soon, a decision was taken to motor to the Black Bull in Mauchline. Robert managed to contact Rex and tell him of the plan and was informed that they were still at the monument. The five boys, arrived at the pub just after one and were, as usual, welcomed with open arms by Karen, the barmaid, and then settled in for a cosy wait.
The larger group had, as had been expected, experienced some mud on their journey and had also witnessed a cow somersaulting down a field much to its injury, true or was it just bullshit? Anyway, they had lunch at the monument before taking the shorter route back to their cars having covered seven and a half miles, two miles more than the others. It was two o’clock before they arrived at the Black Bull and all then relaxed there until quarter past three. We were treated today not just with sausage rolls, but mince pies and Quality Street sweets as well. Many thanks again to Karen.
A good start to the year and we hope that Hugh’s knee (he had fallen on an icy pavement before leaving Kilmarnock in the morning) recovers soon.
