Loch Fannie 17th June

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

There had been overnight rain, but the forecast was for it to clear as the day went on, and by the time we reached the car park at Loch Doon Castle it had long gone with the temperature being warm and the atmosphere a bit muggy. Derval Davie and Robert motored up to the next car park and started walking from there whilst the rest set off from the castle along the familiar road and forest track catching up with the duo after about half an hour.

The last time we were down here we cut off to the left on a wee path down to a wooden bridge, seat and waterfall, and we repeated that today stopping there for coffee. Unfortunately, the midges were out in force, so we didn’t hang around and continued on the path beyond the seat. This section proved to be very wet and boggy but, just as we were beginning to despair, we reached another forest road where were given an option. Go right and head up to Loch Fannie (another mile, max) or turn left and follow the road until it meets up with the one we had been on earlier (a six mile walk rather than an eight mile one). For various reasons, Allan, the two Davies and Robert took the shorter route whilst the others went up to view Loch Fannie. They viewed the loch, which was described as picturesque, from a small hill (yes, Fannie Hill does exist) and had lunch, minus the midges, before setting off back to the cars.

The foursome got back to the castle at about twenty to one, got changed, had a leisurely lunch, and hadn’t too long to wait for the others to arrive at about twenty past. Robert set out for home whilst the rest headed for the Dalmellington Inn, with some stopping to view the new memorial to a Czech Spitfire pilot.

We’d had a good day, in surprisingly good overhead conditions, and enjoyed our time in the pub.

A few more images from the Loch Fannie walk

Some images from the Loch Fannie walk

 

Curry reminder 24th June 5.00.p.m.

 Curry has been booked at The Jewel on Wed 24th at 5.00.p.m. to allow people to get home in time for the Kick Off  Scotland v Brazil. 19 places have been booked with the only person missing Alan Stewart ,who is away cruising down the Rhine. Peter Kleboe, Ronnie Thompson and Ian Doolan have all indicated their likely attendance. Hope you are all looking forward to a great night out and a famous Scotland victory.

Arrangements for Wednesday 24th June

Lanfine Estate

Meet at the Ranoldcoup Bridge in Darvel for a walk to Newmilns and return.

Amendment: Meet at Derval Davie's at 9.30.

Sorn to boardwalk 10th June

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Jimmy, Robert

It was a dry, bright morning at Sorn, but, as showers were forecast, we didn’t hang about too long in the car park and set off up the high path at five to ten, with all those coming being accounted for. Having reached the main road we crossed over and took the riverside path towards Muirkirk which involves ups and downs, wooded areas, boardwalks and flat narrow sections, before stopping for coffee at ‘the seat’ after about fifty-five minutes. The weather so far had been cool, warm, overcast, but mainly sunny, a right mixture, and it had stayed dry and was to remain dry and bright for the rest of the walk.

Moving on from our coffee stop we encountered the challenge of the steep hill (and it gets steeper every year) before the last leg to our lunch spot at the boardwalk.

Nobody noticed that Robert was missing at this point, but he appeared just as we were starting the return leg, just as the midges in this sheltered area were beginning to be an issue. He had been a wee bit ahead of the group and had walked on past our designated stopping point taking about half a mile to realise he was on his own and couldn’t quite recognise where he was, so turned back. 

It wasn’t too long into the return journey that wee Davie decided to put a new slant on the walk and began to walk ‘away to his right side’ as sometimes is his wont. It was pretty bad today, but the Ooters rallied round, carried his rucksack, and physically supported him for the best part of three miles. Alan and Robert, who had gone ahead, and Derval Davie took the track down to Glenlogan bridge, whilst all others continued the upper track back to the tarmac. Alan was contacted and he came in his car and picked up Davie who by this time was beginning to get himself straightened out, whilst his escorts made their way along the pavement to the cars, arriving back at quarter to two having done the best part of seven and a half miles.

Robert couldn’t make the sitooterie at the Black Bull in Mauchline, but we were joined by Peter who was unable join us on the walk as he had to wait in for a man to sort his boiler. As usual, we were well treated with sausage rolls and biscuits and, once again, have to thank the barmaid for the hospitality shown. Wee Davie was able to make a list for the drinks and sloped off to order them, but your scribe had to leave a bit early so couldn’t say whether he was angling for a third pint. In truth, he was fine, or as fine as he’ll ever be!

A good day out!

 

Some images from the Sorn Walk

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 17th June

Loch Fannie

Meet at Loch Doon Castle at 10am for a walk to the Whitespout Linn and Loch Fannie. Total of 8 miles along forestry roads.

Eglinton Park 3rd June

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Gus, Hugh, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

We met at Portencross at 9.45 to decide whether to go on to do Knock Hill or confine ourselves to a Portencross walk. It was chucking it down so Knock Hill was quickly removed from the equation and whilst we considered the alternative, another suggestion was put forward. To return to Eglinton Park and do a walk round there. This eventually was agreed and we motored back to the car park close to the café. As it was still raining heavily, we adjourned to the café where coffees/teas/scones/bacon rolls, you name it, were ordered and devoured, much to the satisfaction of the company.

It was about ten to eleven when we finally started walking, heading out towards the river and then doing a clockwise walk up to the standing stones and back, arriving back about ten past twelve having done three and a half miles or so. (There are no photographs today as your scribe/photographer for the day was too pre-occupied holding his umbrella!) The rain, though constant, was not too heavy and we were more wet from the inside out.

Lunch was taken quickly in the cars before we set off for Wetherspoon’s where a most convivial hour was spent and we left the establishment … in warm sunshine! The day had turned out fine after all.

Arrangements for 10th June

Sorn to boardwalk

Meet in Sorn (usual place) for a 10am start. 

Alteration to the Wed walk ( 3rd June)

 Very wet forecast . Meet now at Portencross at 9.45.a.m. This allows time to go to Largs to do the Knock Hill walk if the forecast improves. The walk from Portencross will be the usual circular one round Hunterston.