Glasgow Calton 20th May

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Robert

Having had coffee in the Counting House, we met Kevin, our guide for the day, at 9.55am as planned and he led us down to the Trongate for the start of our tour of Calton. It was a grey day but, so far, so good, as it stayed dry as we ventured up the Gallowgate, the scene of the most recent ‘battle of Glasgow’ following Celtic’s league triumph, with Kevin describing the history of the buildings as we went. We passed the Wee Man’s Bar, no prizes for guessing about the comments made to some of our company, before looking at the impressive façade of the old meat market, and then turning down Abercromby Street and on to London Road.

Next stop was Templeton’s carpet factory and then the People’s Palace and Doulton Fountain before wending our way back to our starting point at Glasgow Cross. We were lucky in that we had experienced only ten minutes of lightish rain when we were in the old Calton cemetery before heading to Glasgow Green, and we thanked Kevin and wished him well as he moves to St Andrews. A healthy sum was given to him to donate to the RNLI. Best of luck, Kevin!

Lunch was taken in the Crystal Palace, quieter than we’ve seen it recently, and we were on our way home just before two o’clock. We had covered five miles on the walk that had taken two hours and were well pleased with our day out in the big smoke. Thanks to Gus for organising the jant!

Arrangements for Wednesday 27th May

Prestwick to Troon

Meet at the far away carpark at Prestwick for walk to Troon and return.

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