Some images from the Dailly/Bargany walk

 

Dailly and Bargany 13th May

 

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Rex, Robert

There was an excellent turnout for our return trip to Dailly and Bargany, a year and a week after our last time here (see blog for 07 05 2025). The weather was fine and dry but still with a chilly breeze as we set off on the trail to the old Dalquharran Castle. Most had spent some time exploring it last year and continued on the track with only a few choosing to go and have a look.

It was decided to do the walk anticlockwise this time, following the red arrows in reverse, so we took to the lower path before eventually climbing up on our return leg and stopping at the bench we stopped at last time for coffee at about quarter to eleven. It was noted that all the benches on the walk were in prime condition, no graffiti at all. This spot afforded us fine views across the valley and to the hills beyond, but jackets were still the order of the day as we were a wee bit exposed. Moving on, we reached the newer of the castles and, as before, some chose to carry on whilst others took time to explore. The first group were back at the cars by quarter to twelve having covered almost four miles and waited for the rest to appear.

Next on the day’s agenda was a visit to Bargany to enjoy the azaleas and rhododendrons in particular, and the whole gardens in general, with the walled garden (lunch spot for most) and pond area (Davie and Isla’s piece spot) much enjoyed. The gardens are only open in May, and we resolved to return in the coming years.

In total we had walked five and a bit miles. A nice saunter in good conditions.

FRT was taken at the High Society in Maybole. A few weeks ago, we had been there and had ensconced ourselves in the games area, not a great atmosphere. Today we sat in the body of the kirk and enjoyed the experience much more, especially when we realised that the bill was most reasonable.

For the record it had been Johnny’s 76^th birthday today and who better to share it with than with his friends. Therefore, why he was out with the Ooters nobody knows. Seriously, Happy Birthday, Johnny!

 

Some images from the Catrine to The Haugh walk

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 20th May

Glasgow

Meet at the Counting House at 9.45am for a guided walk around Glasgow's east end.

Catrine to Ballochmyle Viaduct 6th May

 Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Paul, Peter, Rex, Robert

There was an impressive turnout at Catrine to welcome Peter’s return to walking with us on a dry but rather chilly morning. It was great to have him back with us.

The route is the familiar one along the river and then up to the Howford Bridge. What we hadn’t realised is that someone had done some work to make the various uphill sections steeper than they had been before and therefore some brief stops were made to catch our breath. We took coffee under the bridge at our usual place before continuing up to the Ballochmyle Viaduct. By this time the sky was getting bluer and the temperature, at last, was climbing and since it was only about eleven o’clock it was decided to continue down the path to the river’s edge and continue towards the Haugh. Davie decided to deviate back up away from this path as we approached the rocks as they might be slippy and was followed soon after by Paul. The right decision, guys! These rocks had to be negotiated with extreme care and the ascent back up to the track was challenging.

No matter, we all made it and continued noting the remains of the glade which fed water to the mill at the Haugh for cutting sandstone. We didn’t go as far as the Haugh but cut back up to return to the viaduct having met Davie and Paul who had come the ‘easy’ way. By quarter to twelve we were sitting at the viaduct having lunch. The scenery today was excellent with extensive patches of bluebells to add some more colour to the fresh greens of the trees and bushes, but it has to be said that some of the steps on the path are badly needing repaired.

On reaching the old Howford road on the way back, Alan McQ, Graham and Gus decided to walk up to Mauchline from there, whilst the rest retraced their steps, yet again negotiating the ups and downs, back to the cars. Both groups had covered about five and a half miles in the three hours or so.

The threesome made the Black Bull before the rest arrived and had chosen to sit in the sitooterie for our refreshments. Even a shortage of Guinness did not spoil our post-walk banter, and we were treated as always to very welcome sausage rolls. Thanks again, folks! Another fine day out.