A Frame to Auchinleck House 14th January

 

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

Fifteen Ooters met at the A Frame on a dry, bright, chilly morning for a walk to Auchinleck House via Ochiltree. Despite the recent rain, underfoot conditions weren’t too bad on the first leg down to the Lugar Walk but in a couple of wee sections of the path some of the recent improvements had been washed away undoing the good work that had been done. Indeed, a length of narrow rope had been attached to trees to afford a ‘handrail’ on a tricky, muddy section. Nonetheless as said before, the path was generally fine, and the bridge at Ochiltree was reached after forty minutes or so.

Crossing the road, we went down the steps, passing the time of day with a couple who were having coffee at the bench, and walked on to the new path which avoids the necessity to cross over the wet grass on the fields. There is a steep climb on this new path but nothing to trouble the company and, in no time, we were at the road leading up to Boswell’s Coach House. Derval Davie decided that enough was enough for one day and turned back with Isla, whilst the rest continued up the road to sit at the steps in front of Auchinleck House for coffee/brunch.

There was some discussion about doing some more, but most decided to simply return from there so all set off back the way they had come. On reaching the new path, Dougie, who had to be home early, decided to go straight on up the road and Alan, Davie and Johnny accompanied him while the remaining ten retraced their steps down to Ochiltree and then back to the cars reaching them at ten to one having covered seven miles. Not the biggest walk we do but with plenty of ups and downs enough to get the legs well stretched. Davie and Isla had only just arrived back whilst the road walkers had been there for around twenty minutes having done six miles.

It was a lot milder by this time and, with rain threatened later, we set off for our favourite pub, the Black Bull in Mauchline where Gillian was on duty today and treated us, as usual, to sausage rolls. Thanks again, much appreciated! A good hour and a bit having been spent here, we set off for home, just in time for the first spots of rain to appear. We had got the best of the weather and had enjoyed our day out.