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.

 

Arrangements for 29th July

Millport

Meet in Largs in plenty of time to catch the 9.50am ferry to Cumbrae.  Route to and from Millport can be decided on the day.

Arrangements for 22nd July

 Meet at Kames at 10am for a walk up to and around the new big loch (Lapraik, Wellwood, whatever!)