Smugglers Trail (part of) 4th February

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

Normally at this time of the year, we do a ‘snowdrop walk’ from Castle Semple to Howwood, but this year we chose one closer to home. With that in mind, we met at Dundonald Castle on an overcast morning, and with a cold wind at the exposed car park, we set off early (ten to ten), as all who were expected had arrived. The notion was to do the Smugglers Trail and experience the snowdrops in Fullarton Woods but, in order to avoid waiting around for a bus in Troon, we opted to get to the woods and then turn back from there.

The steep climb up the hill to begin with got us warmed up and, with many more ups and downs on the trail, we were getting well exercised. It took us forty minutes to get to the reservoir where we could see a number of vans and workmen in hi-vis jackets at the dam. Whilst Robert, in his own inimitable way, went over to see what was going on and offer his advice as to how they should proceed, the rest waited for him on the road below. Having had a discussion and – how to put it- managed to question the sexual orientation of one of the workmen (which the others found funny), he eventually came down and said they were replacing a rusty old valve with a new one.

Walking down to Loans we turned right and found the path through the bungalows which led us into the woods and a great display of snowdrops. An early lunch was taken at the benches before setting off on the return journey but, as we were about to leave the woods, most chose to take the track to the right up to the main road whilst the rest retraced their steps through the houses. In the event, both groups arrived at Loans at the same time for the next leg up past the new housing estate. Paul left us here to return to his home in Barassie whilst the rest made their way up and over the hill again arriving back at the cars at twenty past one, just as the predicted rain was starting to fall.

FRT was taken in the Auchans where a convivial hour was spent. We had got the best of the day and had covered between eight and a half and nine miles. A good step-out as they say!

 

Some images of the walk around Troon featuring Alan McQ, Alan S, Allan, Davie C, Davie McM, Dougie, Gus, Jim, Jimmy, Johnnie, Kenny T, Malcolm, Peter, Rex and Robert

Who's paying?

Smugglers' Trail 2 May

Allan. Davie Mc, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Peter

Many thanks to Malcolm and Anne for their hospitality in providing coffee and rolls and bacon prior to our Smugglers’ Trail walk.

With six of our number over on the east coast team-building, bonding, gallivanting, and possibly doing some walking, our group was reduced to eight today, but, then again, it’s the quality that counts!

If you go down to the woods today ...

Starting off from Dundonald Castle on a bright, but fresh, morning we made our way over the hill and down to the reservoir/fishery where we have, in the past, had coffee. But, since it was too soon after our breakfast at Malcolm’s, and since the breeze was chilly, we continued on until the benches at Fullarton House, where we had a pleasant fifteen-minute break.
We passed by Crosbie Kirk and were about to cross the railway line when a suggestion was made to extend the walk by going up to the Pow Burn. A quick discussion ensued followed by a vote, with the majority opting for the original walk. So, we crossed the golf course and headed up the beach against a stiff breeze and opted to exit the beach and walk on the path behind the dunes for the last part of the journey.
The technology said eight miles as we reached McKays for FRT three hours and five minutes after having set off. A convivial fifty minutes was spent here before taking the bus back to Dundonald, the journey being even longer than usual due to a diversion caused by resurfacing works on the quarry road.

Smugglers' Trail 6 April

Allan, Davie C, Gus, Ian, Jim, Jimmy, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Robert

 The decision not to go to Arran today was a wise one as, when we met at Dundonald Castle, there was a steady drizzle and the sky showed little signs of brighter weather. Malcolm had organised, with Ann, a tour of the wee museum in the visitors centre followed by access to the castle and this was well received by the guys who were suitably impressed. Following this, as the rain continued to fall, we had coffee in the centre whilst trying to avoid asking certain members about any recent success of a certain minor league team (Paul’s picture says it all).

As usual Robert was keen to make a start, although it was a close run thing as to whether we would just adjourn to Wetherspoon’s, and so we set off just after eleven o’clock in light rain. We made good progress up through the woods, although we had forgotten that there was a steep hill to climb before we had really got into our stride. Having passed by the reservoir we stopped at the road end to take stock. The decision was to continue rather than curtail the walk and so we made our way out through Loans and up to the turn-off to the path to Fullarton Woods. By this time the rain was heavier, but by the time we reached our lunch spot at Fullarton House, it had eased considerably and by the time we made the golf course it was dry and was to remain so for the duration. The course itself was devoid of any golfers and the thought was that it was maybe closed whilst preparations were being made for the Open as we could see lots of equipment stacked up. The walk along the beach was notable for the amount of creamy foam, stirred up by the waves, that was lying on the sand and although the tide was in it did not hamper us. Turning off the beach and taking the path behind the dunes, the ex K.A. boys were delighted to meet a former colleague, Lesley, who was out walking with a friend and who was just as happy to meet up with the guys again.
Just under three hours after starting out we took FRT at McKay’s where the barmaid could not have been more helpful. In the end we had a much better day than we could have hoped for given the weather forecast.

Smugglers' Trail 9 December

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Gus, Ian F, Jim, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

As we sat in Malcolm’s house enjoying coffee and bacon rolls (many thanks again to Malcolm and his glamorous assistant, Anne) the weather did not encourage us to make a move. Yet another dull, damp, dreich morning! But the forecast promised us a window of dry weather between ten and twelve o’clock so we set off, accompanied by new recruit Jim Dinnett, to Dundonald Castle where the walk would begin.

Would it keep dry? Yes it would!

This is familiar territory so little description is needed for the route. It is sufficient to say that underfoot conditions up through the wood were soft and muddy in places, but not as bad as we might have expected. Before long we made the reservoir, continued down through Loans and made our way up to the path leading down to Fullarton Woods. Coffee/lunch was taken at our usual place on the benches at the remains of Fullarton House, before we progressed to Crosbie Kirk, and then across towards the golf course which, given the windy conditions, was very sparsely populated by golfers.

On reaching the beach we met Robert who had walked up to meet us from his parked car (he had attended a hospital appointment) and the thirteen of us were blown down the shore. We decided to leave the beach and seek the shelter of the pathway behind the dunes after a mile or so and this allowed Robert to pick up his car. Before long we were at MacKay’s for well-earned FRT.

We were extremely lucky today in that the only rain we saw was a few spots prior to reaching the pub. Like last week, we had taken some exercise and had the cobwebs blown away, before enjoying our usual conviviality. A tad under three hours for the walk, for those interested.

Smugglers Trail 1 October

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Kenny, Johnny, Malcolm

The scene as we hit the beach

Having enjoyed Anne and Malcolm’s bacon rolls and coffee, many thanks again, we motored to the car park at Dundonald Castle and joined the Smugglers Trail from there.

The route was familiar taking us up through the woods before coming out at the reservoir, where tradition dictates, we took a break. As we entered Loans the rains came but, by the time we were turning off the main road on the other side of Loans, jackets were off again and were to remain so for the rest of the day as the sky was turning blue and the sun was starting to break through. Coffee/lunch/brunch was taken at the remains of Fullarton House before moving on past Crosbie Cemetery and through the lanes towards the golf course. The scene was idyllic and we took time to watch some play prior to moving on to the beach and heading for Troon. What was left of our food
was devoured in a shelter overlooking the bay and as we sat we could hardly believe that this sun-kissed vista heralded the start of October.

Malcolm walks on water

Heading for Troon

From our pit stop before heading for the bus

The bus was taken back to Dundonald and FRT was taken in The Old Castle Inn. Thanks to Malcolm for buying the first round on his birthday. I won’t divulge his age but if you think of a number between 62 and 64 you won’t be far wrong. He was then setting off for a romantic, candle-lit dinner with his good lady. Whether that meant Anne will be disclosed next week.

Dundonald to Irvine 12 March

Alan, Allan, Andy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Peter, Rex, Robert

Special guest appearance: Paul

What a change from all the rain!

Johnny seems to have lost his wooden leg

It is amazing what a glorious spring morning and the promise of coffee and bacon rolls does for the Ooters i.e. no call-offs other than for very legitimate reasons. Malcolm and Anne provided the purvey and we are indebted to them for their hospitality. Thanks again folks.

Davie C decides to walk the rest of the way

From Malcolm’s house we made our way on to the Smugglers’ Trail by taking the road past the Nursing Home and continuing on into the woods. The path at this point was still mucky but we were soon on dry ground and before long were at Collennan Reservoir. Tradition was broken here as there was no coffee stop, it being only a short time since we had partaken at Malcolm’s. When the main road was reached we turned right and made for Barassie shore front where a short stop was made. Davie Mc, returning to the fold after illness and not fully fit yet, was able to reassure his wife by phone that he would be O.K. to complete the walk although the walk along the beach to Irvine would prove to be a struggle at times. Still, it was good to have him back – well, somebody had to say it!

Doing what they do best

The walk back to Irvine was made at a very sensible pace and time was taken to enjoy the sunshine and clear blue skies. Lunch was taken at ‘the dragon’ where it soon became standing room only as we were joined by others. By one o’clock we were at the Ship Inn at Irvine harbour and a good hour and a half was had enjoying FRT in the sitooterie. Holly slept most of the time having run herself ragged on the beach and having managed to procure many a bit of peece at the lunch stop.

We were delighted to be joined by Paul, still recovering from his op, and Margaret for part of the afternoon. We wish Paul a speedy recovery and hope it won’t be too long before he is back in action with us.

Smugglers' Trail 3 July

Alan, Allan, Andy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Ian, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

A change was made to today’s walk with the proposed journey to Abington put in abeyance for a week or two in favour of the Smugglers’ Trail from Dundonald to Troon.

Smugglers' Trail as opposed to....

The meeting place was Malcolm’s, where Anne had surpassed herself (although she quickly recovered) by providing tea/coffee, fruit juice and bacon rolls. A standard has been set yet again! Thanks to Malcolm and Anne for their hospitality.

We then drove down to the car park at Dundonald Castle and followed the designated trail from there. The day was warm and overcast at this stage but brightened up as the first stop of the day was reached at the reservoir. After a 5 minute rest we were on our way down towards the main road and followed this for about a mile before cutting off and heading towards Fullarton Woods where coffee (lunch for some) was taken on the benches at the play area.

Off we went again past the Rugby Club, down to Crosbie Churchyard and then across Royal Troon Golf Course towards the beach where another obligatory stop was made for whatever was left to eat or drink.

...Budgie Smugglers' Trail

The walk along the shore was very pleasant but the beach was relatively deserted as the recent weather had not encouraged the throngs to the seaside. The local Council had obviously been working on the sand as it was in pristine condition for anyone who was brave enough to venture forth for a paddle.

Next target was the bus stop for the trip back to Dundonald where FRT was taken in the pub and, since the kitty was healthy, it became a 3pd.

It was noted that Holly had been limping during the walk, something that had happened the night before. Davie said that he didn’t want to take her to the vet in case he sorted her but put him down.