Darvel 24 May

 

Allan, Dave Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Kenny R, Paul, Rex

We had planned an earlier start today to accommodate Paul who had a dental appointment in the afternoon, so we were all present and correct, at least we thought so, before the 9.30am starting time. Davie and Kay invited us in for coffee and cookies, an offer we couldn’t refuse, Thanks guys, especially Kay, who was left with the washing up. It was nearly quarter to ten when we eventually set off only to see Kenny turning into Davie’s street. He was ready in no time and joined us for what was meant to be a shortish walk.

Unbeknown to us, Davie had decided not to do the walk through the woods but led us left at the gates to Lanfine and up the hill and on to the Long Cairn Walk towards Loudoun Hill. The warm weather forecast for later in the week had not arrived yet and the chilly breeze was still around, so it was a walk where layers came off and went back on again depending on the location. Given the recent dry weather underfoot conditions were good, and we reached our lunch spot just above the Spirit of Scotland monument, having chosen not to stop for coffee earlier, two hours after having set off. Johnny chose to walk on and get the last wee bit of climbing done rather than stop and start again. It was cold as we sat and had our pieces, so we didn’t delay too long before skirting the hill and catching up with Johnny at the road.

From there it was on to the old railway line, now with a pukka path, which took us along and back down into Darvel. Some chose to walk along the main road back to the cars, a slightly shorter route, whilst the rest took to the riverside path and arrived back having covered just over the nine miles in three hours and thirty-five minutes. “Not bad”, said Davie, “for a four-hour walk”.

Paul had departed by this time and Kenny had an appointment with a cold beer back home, so seven of us took well-earned FRT in the Black Bull where the coffees were free, and we all got a biscuit as well. Well done, the Black Bull! Must be something about pubs of that name as they appear to be very appreciative of our business. From one corner came a call for a three-pint day but, in the absence of some of our thirstier Ooters, the call was rejected.

Another grand day out!

 

Hurlford to Darvel 23 November

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

Derval Davie said that this was a six mile walk and we would be finished by half past twelve and therefore he was thinking of extending it a wee bit. Few believed him, but we set off on a dreich morning on our customary path to Loudoun Kirk. The rain was light and intermittent, and we were in our waterproofs, so we didn’t encounter any issues and were at the kirk for coffee just after eleven.

As luck would have it, we got the heaviest shower of the day when we were there but, after the rain went off, it brightened up and we were to get it dry and bright for the rest of the day. Having crossed over into Galston, we took the riverside path to Newmilns and then on towards Darvel. Stopping about a mile before our destination we took lunch before walking on to the furthest gate into Lanfine at the far end of the park.

Rather than take the bus back to the cars at Hurlford Bowling Club and then go for FRT in Kilmarnock, we decided to have our refreshment in the Black Bull in Darvel and then travel back. A pleasant hour was spent there, although most missed the opportunity to change into fresh clothes.

And, by the way, we had covered nine and a half miles (with no wee extension) in three and a half hours. Davie miles now rival Jimmy miles!

Ooters Burns Supper

Johnny is willing to host the event on Wednesday 25^th January.

However, the Ooters themselves will need to organise it i.e.

·             Confirm who will be providing elements of the meal

·             Confirm who will be doing the addresses/speeches/readings/entertainment.

·              Firm up numbers

This needs to be done before Christmas.

 

Wish you were here? 

 

 

 

Darvel to Galston 15 June

 

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Hugh, Jim, Jimmy, Malcolm, Robert

It was a lovely summer’s morning as we met at Davie’s in Darvel. We were invited to inspect his new, recently landscaped garden, and what a transformation. Well done, Davie……for keeping out the road when the work was done.

It was exactly ten o’clock when we set off over the park and into Lanfine, but instead of going straight up the road we turned and followed the path up past the boars, big wans and wee wans, before turning off just before the bridge and taking the path up on to the track which led us to the road up towards the woods. The grass track was a bit overgrown, and it is a steady climb, so, just before entering the woods, we took a breather which gave us a chance to look down over the valley and over to Loudoun Hill.

Just after eleven o’clock we took coffee before resuming our trek. Underfoot was mainly OK but there were some muddy sections and slippy bits so care had to be taken, as Jim will testify. We eventually emerged from the trees and made the climb up over the field to our lunch spot i.e. Gallow Law Cairn, which we reached at quarter past twelve.

We enjoyed our lunch, especially as we had been climbing for the last two hours and took time to recharge the batteries before moving off downhill towards Windyhill Road and heading for Galston. There were two more wooded sections to negotiate before we emerged on to the Sorn road in Galston. Isla doesn’t like roads or traffic, so Davie had arranged for Kay to meet him here and to take Isla home. Jim, who had turned his ankle during the walk, gratefully accepted the offer of a lift back to his car, leaving seven of us to walk to the bus stop in the middle of the town. We got there at about quarter to two having covered just over eight miles and we were glad we weren’t walking back to Darvel.

We didn’t have long to wait for the bus, a new electric one at that, and before too long we were sitting in the sun trap which was the sitooterie at the Black Bull for a well-earned FRT. Thanks to Killie Davie for buying the first round to celebrate the birth of his first granddaughter, Maeve.

A guid day oot!