Cumbrae 29th April

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Paul, Rex, Robert

The beautiful weather continued as we met in Largs for the ferry to Cumbrae. Diversions in Irvine meant that the Kilmarnock guys made it just in time, but the 9.50am ferry had us at the slip in Cumbrae in no time. There are serious construction works beside the slip, and it was later found out that a new one, terminal buildings and parking lanes are on their way.

A quick discussion took place as to the direction to go but, as Jimmy had indicated that he needed to be back early, all agreed to head up to the Glaid Stone for coffee before dropping down into Millport. Jimmy turned back straightaway from here after a look at the cathedral and headed back to the ferry via Ferry Road. Most had a bite to eat in the Garrison whilst some took their pieces in the gardens at the front. Dougie hasn’t had a lot of luck at the café in that that they usually forget to bring him his meal but today, just as we were beginning to think that the same was going to happen, it eventually appeared. It was a leisurely break, and it was a thought to move on again with Alan, Allan, Davie, Ian and Johnny choosing the shorter way back up Ferry Road whilst the remainder took to the west side of the island.

The former group were in the Douthy Neebors by quarter past two whilst the others, some of whom had stopped for an ice-cream at Fintry Bay, arrived about three. It was very pleasant sitting in the busy beer garden and indeed it had been a most pleasant walk with the temperature being perfect and the scenery magnificent. According to Alan McQ, his group had done ten and a half miles whilst the others had done about seven and a half miles according to Johnny.

A grand day out!

More images from Cumbrae

 

Some images from the Cumbrae walk

   

Arrangements for Wednesday 6th May

Catrine to Ballochmyle Viaduct

Meet in Catrine for walk along River Ayr Way to the Ballochmyle Viaduct and return.

Future plans

Wednesday 13th May

Dalquharran Trails, Dailly and Bargany Gardens 

Wednesday 20th May

Guided walk in Glasgow

Erskine to Clydebank 22nd April

 

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Ian, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

We started the day with a coffee in the café at Caulders Garden Centre before, reluctantly, getting underway on a bright, sunny morning, but still with a wee edge to the breeze. Alan, Allan, and Davie took the option to drive over the Erskine Bridge and park at the far side before walking up to Clydebank shopping centre whilst the rest set off on foot from the garden centre. The threesome walked leisurely along the canal path expecting the others to catch them up, but they reached their target ten minutes before the main group. It was then a short walk by all to McMonagles for lunch, and a very tasty and filling lunch it was, fish and black pudding suppers.

The walk back was even easier as the breeze was behind us, and it was most pleasant in the warm sunshine. As per earlier, the three took to Alan’s car whilst the rest walked back over the bridge with the last man getting back at about twenty past two, approximately four hours after having started. The bridge walkers had done nine miles whilst the others had done a tad over six. It was good to have had Ian back with us, but he could not join us for FRT, so we said our farewells and set off for the Brown Bull in Lochwinnoch where we had the place to ourselves and relaxed after our walk. 

Last week we had been in constant rain, this week in constant sunshine. That’s Scotland for you, and all enjoyed today’s outing.