Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert
The weather had been dreich since last week and today was no different with grey skies, mist and intermittent drizzle. Meeting up at Largs, the group split into two factions i.e. Allan, Johnny and Malcolm would accompany Dougie, whose leg was giving him issues (maybe tendon trouble), on a flat walk to Fairlie, whilst the rest would make their way to Knock Hill.
The former group made their way along the path to Fairlie, but when walking along the newer section at the water’s edge they encountered a barrier stating that the rest of that section was closed for remedial work, and so they went up and followed the main road down towards the picnic benches. However, as they approached the turn-off, the rain was getting steadier, so they stopped for a coffee in a bus shelter before retracing their steps. Stopping for lunch in a shelter beside the esplanade, they phoned the main group who had similarly stopped for lunch in a shelter near the boating pond on the other side of Largs.
For the bigger group the conditions had not been good either with the mist preventing any views, persistent drizzle/rain, and some soggy underfoot conditions. It had been even difficult to see Knock Hill until they were very close. Given the conditions they did not linger on the top but made their way downhill and over the golf course and back to Largs.
The two walks were about the same distance, say seven miles, and had taken the same time with both groups meeting up at Drouthy Neebors for FRT at one o’clock. As per usual, the chat was lively and, for some, it was a three-pint day. In fact, we had enough time to make it a four-pint day, but discretion was the better part of valour.