Maidens Culzean 25th February

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

Constant rain was forecast, and it proved to be correct, so the proposed Straiton walk was postponed in favour of a walk at Culzean where some shelter could be gained. Meeting at Maidens, we set off at about ten past ten (the Kilmarnock charabanc being delayed) and, with umbrellas to the fore, made our way along the road through the caravan park and to the entrance to the country park. Most then turned left along a path whilst the rest continued up the road to the Swan Pond. The group re-assembled at the head of the pond and made for our usual coffee spot at the howff beside the Battery. Currently, there is no charge for eating here but, after a vote, it was decided to continue up to the café at Home Farm and purchase coffees/scones there. This proved to be a welcome stop as it allowed us to get dried off, being wet from the inside, as the mild temperature today had caught most out with too many layers.

Disappointingly for some, the book shop was closed so we started to retrace our steps back to Maidens with most taking the cliff path whilst wee Davie and his escort, Alan, took to the path to the Swan Pond and waited for the guys to join them. It was ten to one when we arrived back at the cars having done the best part of six miles. Underfoot had been mucky in places, not surprising given the amount of rain that had fallen recently, and although it rained constantly it was not heavy rain and hadn’t been much of a problem. As said before, we were more wet from the inside out.

Lunch was taken here before we set off for the Dunure Inn for FRT where Johnny was presented with a bottle of whisky in appreciation of Helen and him hosting the Burns Supper. Wee Davie bought the first round to celebrate the birth of his grandson, Fraser. Thanks, Davie, and we wish the best to Fraser, Jennifer and Richard.

A good time was spent here, as usual.

Arrangements for Wednesday 4th March

Galston to Darvel

Meet at Barrmill Park in Galston for a walk to Darvel via Loudoun Castle.

Some images from the Maidens-Culzean walk

Wed 25 New arrangements

 Meet in the Maidens  , park close to Culzean. The plan is to seek the shelter of Culzean because the forecast is 100% chance of rain. Bring a brolly and a change of clothes.

Glasgow 18th February

 Alan McQ, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Hugh, Ian, Malcolm, Rex and Robert

It was half past ten when we started off from the Counting House due to the bus from Ayr being delayed by roadworks. Emerging into a chilly north-easterly breeze, we made our way around the northern side of George Square, followed North Hanover Street and crossed the motorway using the Sighthill Bridge (or "rusty bridge" as it is known by the locals due to its weathering steel structure). Speirs Wharf was soon reached and thereafter it was the familiar route alongside the Forth-Clyde canal past Firhill Stadium to the locks at Maryhill. Thankfully, the chill wind was behind us along this stretch and the only issues involved being constantly aware of cyclists approaching from both directions. After posing for a photo at Maryhill Locks, the group continued for a short distance alongside the canal before finding the path on the left which leads down to the Kelvin Walkway. After a toilet break at the Botanic Gardens, we kept up the brisk pace all the way along Great Western Road to Charing Cross and then to our lunch venue at Hengler's Circus in Sauchiehall Street before we made our separate ways home by train or bus having covered 9 miles or thereabouts. Despite it having been cold and overcast, the weather had remained dry for the duration of today's walk.