Knock Hill 5th August

 

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Kenny R, Paul, Robert

It was a warm, dry but overcast morning as we met in Largs and, with the threat of rain, we wasted no time in setting off. A brief discussion took place as to whether to attempt Knock Hill or choose a low- level walk but the majority opted for the hill and so all made their way along the promenade towards Brisbane Glen Road. Those at the front, Gus, Kenny, Paul and Robert, and we were well spread out even by this time, must have been so engrossed in conversation that they continued up to the boating pond and, on reaching the main road realised that they were facing the road that they should come back down, No matter, Paul led them up through the houses to join the correct road and up to the track to Brisbane Mains Farm where they caught up with the others.

Unfortunately, at this point the rain came, and it was heavy enough for twenty minutes or so before it slackened and then went off. Having passed the farm building we took a coffee stop at our usual place in the shelter of some trees at the side of the path.

Fifteen minutes later we were off again following what was quite an overgrown track, and given the recent rains, the going underfoot was a bit wet, but we emerged from the overgrown section and headed for the foot of the hill. The light drizzle we had just encountered had given way to some blue skies and we had an unexpected clear view up the Firth of Clyde. Gus and Paul chose to go straight up the hill whilst Alan, Allan, Kenny and Robert took to the spiral path and met the other two coming down at the path to the golf course. It has to be said that the spiral path also was overgrown and was in need of some TLC. The six then fought their way cautiously down through head high bracken, brambles and gorse before emerging on to the course and making contact by phone with Davie and Dougie, well Dougie of course.

Not wanting to do the hill, Davie had been sure that there was a path round the bottom of the hill so set off, with Dougie in tow, to find it. The path soon ran out, but they decided to continue through the bracken and boggy ground in the hope of finding the path the rest were on. When contacted Dougie stated that they were struggling but couldn’t help laughing as Davie, for the umpteenth time, had fallen and was trying to extricate himself from the bog. He said they would catch us up eventually. For your information, Davie wasn’t exactly dressed for a jungle exploration with trainers and shorts, although he did have his waterproof socks on!

The six marched on over the golf course and on to Routenburn Road which took them down to the main road, which they crossed, and then took lunch in the shelter by the boating pond. It was ten to one at this point and contact again was made with Dougie. Davie and he had made it as far as a gate and fence beyond which was a field next to the golf course. Problem was that Davie couldn’t get over it, so they were going to have a bite to eat and then retrace their steps. They may be some time!

The guys made their way to Wetherspoons for FRT but Gus took his car up to the entrance to Brisbane Mains Farm and awaited the weary two who eventually appeared and were glad of the lift back to Largs. Well done, Gus! They weren’t as late as some had feared but it was still after half past two when they appeared to join the rest in a pleasant afternoon.

The walk is normally seven miles or so and the weather had been better than anticipated leading to a good day out, at least for six of us, and it was good to have Kenny back with us. The Adventures of the Early Ooters right enough!

 

Arrangements for 12th August

 Meet at the Square in Darvel at 10am for a walk to Galston and return by bus.

Cumbrae 29th July

 

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Johnny, Paul, Rex

The forecast wasn’t good at all, but it was dry and warm at Largs, so we decided to give the Cumbrae walk a go. The Ayr/Prestwick car just made the 9.50am ferry meaning it was nine Ooters today. The first thing was to decide the route and with rain forecast we chose to go up to the Glaid Stone first rather than going round the island. Not long after starting, layers began to be shed given the warmth, and steady progress was made but by the time we made the Glaid Stone at ten past eleven we were well strung out and, with the first signs of moisture arriving, wet weather gear was put on as we finished our coffee break. Given the conditions, the views weren’t good today, but we’ve seen them all before.

There was a drizzle as we walked down into Millport, and yet again, we managed to get ourselves detached from each other with the front markers hitting the Garrison well before the rear gunners. Nobody sat outside today with, as usual, some buying lunch there and others taking their pieces on the seats in the entrance hall. The café itself was busy, mainly because nobody was eating outside, meaning that seats were at a premium and a couple of the Ooters decided just to have their pieces rather than sit down and buy something.

The rain was a wee bit heavier when we left with Alan McQ, Gus, Paul and Rex deciding to go back the way they came and do a Glaid Stone doubler whilst the rest took to Ferry Road. This group were pleased when, on the downward section, the rain went off but within ten minutes it returned and was heavier than it had been. They managed to catch the half past one ferry back to Largs and headed for the Drouthy Neebors to await the others who were not far behind them and must have caught the next ferry at ten to two. According to Johnny, the doublers walked 9.4 miles whilst the others did 7.7 miles.

Although the forecast had been correct with rain moving in, we’ve had a lot worse days and were well protected by a plethora of umbrellas. As usual, a pleasant time was had in the pub although the bar staff need to have a bit more training on how to make coffees. It was a thought to leave but eventually we had to and it was still raining!

 

Arrangements for 5th August

Knock Hill, Largs

Meet at the usual place in Largs for a 10am start. 

Kames to Loch Lapraik/Wellwood 22nd July

 

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

The fine weather continued as we met at Kames although, thankfully, it was a bit cooler this morning. As we left the car park we, unforgivably, missed our normal path, perhaps due to it being a bit overgrown, but were soon back on track, albeit having taken another overgrown grass path. Passing over Tibbie’s Brig, we went straight on rather than following the riverside route and soon came to the wooden steps that lead to the old railway line and a straight road to the loch. It was a fine day and the pace was casual and with only a couple of closed gates to negotiate, easier for some than others, we arrived at the loch (Lapraik or Wellwood depending on who your loyalties lie with, Davie or Jimmy) at ten past eleven and sat down for a leisurely coffee break.

Fifteen minutes later and it was time to move on, but in different directions. Derval Davie, Gus, Paul and Rex decided to go round the loch clockwise and return via the boardwalk whilst the rest took the easier option, considering the increasing temperature, and simply retraced their steps, arriving back at the cars at twenty to one. The last time we did this walk the path was extremely wet and mucky in places but, given the recent dry weather, it had almost dried out completely. Having taken lunch and ascertaining that the others would be some time yet, they headed for the Black Bull in Mauchline to await the foursome.

It was a good hour later that they arrived back having done nine miles compared to the six done by the earlier group and having, on their way back, taken a wrong turning or two. Now, with some wrong turns last week as well, are the Ooters losing it, is it due to the paths being overgrown, or is it due to being involved in the riveting conversations that take place during a walk? Answers on a postcard! Derval Davie was cream-crackered and asked those present to stop him choosing the longer options on any walk in the future. Silly boy!

The pub treated us well as always, thanks folks, and a merry time was had. Johnny was in good form giving a masterclass on how to cook a dinner primarily with spaghetti and an Aldi steak. His demonstration should be on YouTube soon. He then turned his attention to his gnarly knob, a subject that caught the imagination of all, and not a pleasant picture. Before he could offer us photographic evidence, too much detail, he explained that it was to do with a bush/tree in his garden, although, to be fair, he wasn’t too convincing. Well, it makes a change from Georgian architecture!

Another good day out.