Some from the Irvine Valley walk

 

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? 

 

 

 

Hurlford to Galston 3 August

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

Many thanks to Gus and Rita for their hospitality in providing tea and rolls for us before our walk today. The gesture was much enjoyed and appreciated.

Billy didn’t join us on the walk so thirteen of us, plus Isla, motored to the bowling club in Hurlford to start our weel-kent walk to Galston. It was dry to begin with but, as we trekked along the Grougar Walk, heavy drizzle came on leading to rain jackets being sought. Unfortunately for Alan, he had forgotten to transfer his jacket from his car, so he turned back to get it saying that he would meet up with us at the start of the Chris Hoy Way. The walk to Loudoun Kirk was done in intermittent, but warmish, drizzle, and when we stopped for a coffee/lunch break in the churchyard we were unlucky to encounter a steady shower.

 

Gus turned back here as he was attending his granddaughter’s birthday party in the afternoon and was fair excited! The rest took the short-cut (missing out passing Loudoun Academy, thankfully for Alan McQ) and headed straight for Galston. The path and grass were reasonably dry, so good progress was made, and once across the main road, Kay was waiting to take Isla home. Crossing Portland Park and making our way up out of the scheme we found Alan waiting for us at the start of the cycle track.

By this time, it was drying up, but jackets were kept on just in case. After about forty minutes the bridge, our usual stopping point, was reached, and the remains of our pieces were devoured before the last leg into Hurlford and back to the cars. We had done eight miles in three hours and set off for FRT at the First Edition in good spirits. Billy was able to re-join us there and, as usual, an enjoyable time was had.