Falls of Clyde 4th November

 

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Ian, Jimmy, Paul, Rex, Robert

The low autumn sun made driving to Kirkfieldbank a challenge at times, but with the landscape looking at its best in the slight, morning frost and, with the added interest of temperature inversions misting the lower areas, the journey through for most was relatively pleasant and, with the prospect of excellent walking conditions, spirits were high. Prior to the ten o’clock starting time both Paul and Alan McQ phoned to say their cars would be a bit late, so not to wait as they would catch up.

It was just after five past ten when the on-timers, including the welcome sight of Ian, set off on the clockwise direction and before long were climbing the path up the hill having forgotten how steep this was to start a walk. Anyway, we took our time and were not too much out of breath as we then descended to the riverside path which took us up and down towards the viewing platform. The colours were just past their best but wonderful all the same and, as we admired the buildings of New Lanark in the distance, the latecomers caught up with us. Next up was coffee at our usual benches in New Lanark before heading up the river to our crossing point at the dam. This section certainly had plenty of ups and downs with the ups seeming more up since the last time.

Davie and wee Davie decided to turn back and retrace their steps from here whilst the rest marched on down the opposite bank following the well-known path with the only slight difficulties being a couple of fallen trees and a few muddy sections. Lunch was taken at the remains of Corra Castle, a new location for lunch for the Ooters, before the final push back to Kirkfieldbank. Conditions today had been ideal but as we reached the cars at twenty-five to two, three and a half hours after having set off and with seven miles covered, there was no sign of the two Davies.

Derval Davie was contacted by phone, and he informed us that they were still a good bit away and that we were to go on ahead to the Black Bull in Darvel and he would bring wee Davie. The rest thought that, in retrospect, it might have been easier for them to come with the rest of us as the route we took would have been less of a challenge for them.

The drive back to Darvel was again into the sun, not as bad as the morning but annoying nonetheless, and we were well into our second drinks when the twosome appeared, shaken, not stirred. Their walk had taken four hours, and they were well in need of a refreshment. A good time was had in the pub which, believe it or not, became very busy and it was about four o’clock when we left, rounding off a very full, but enjoyable, day. 

The arrival of the Messiah!

 

Some autumn images from the Falls of Clyde walk

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 11th November

Wardlaw Hill

Meet at Kames for a walk up Wardlaw Hill.

Prestwick to Troon and Curry 28th October

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

The Walk

The aftermath of storm Boelo was evident as we assembled at the car park beyond Kidz Play in Prestwick. Lots of debris littered the adjacent car parks and there was severe damage to the promenade nearer the town, but where we parked was relatively unscathed. There was still a wind blowing but nothing like the weekend, the sea was choppy, but overhead was fine as we set off towards the caravan park and the Pow Burn.

As we took the path beyond the caravans there was a scene of devastation as the debris washed up covered the path making the going difficult and had us wondering who had the responsibility to clear this up and when might this happen. Probably not a high-priority matter but needs to be done. The saddest part was seeing all the plastics that had been washed up to litter what had been a pristine section of the walk. Once the beach was reached, the going was much improved and soon we were at the turn off to the Smugglers’ Trail. 

Decision time

 

Alan McQ, Graham, Jimmy, Paul and Rex decided to walk on whilst the remainder left the beach here and walked over the Royal Troon Golf Course to have coffee/lunch just over the railway. It was about twenty past eleven when they moved on along the cycle path, over Prestwick golf course and back to the cars having covered four and a half miles. Peter was left to await Jimmy’s return whilst the rest made for home.

On reaching the Lookout café in Troon, Jimmy turned back whilst the others went in and had a coffee and a roll before Paul walked on home and the others returned by the cycle path etc. covering nearly nine miles.

 

The Curry

Dougie had turned 75 years of age, and it was appropriate to celebrate this with a curry, with a difference. A new venue! With Katrina and her husband selling up and the new owners of the Jewel not yet having a drinks licence, Robert had booked the Taj in Kilmarnock. This proved to be a great choice as we had a room to ourselves, the service was slicker and the bill was very acceptable. Seventeen were present, the fifteen who were on the walk plus Billy and Kenny T, Dougie eventually managed to finish his speech after many interruptions (can you believe that?) and wee Davie read an amusing article from a newspaper which met with the Ooters approval before he was told where to stick it!

The evening was finished off with a nightcap in Wetherspoon’s, bringing to a close a really good night.

Happy Birthday, Dougie!

P.S. We hope that Jimmy has dried out by now. It was only a pint after all. And thanks to Robert for his organisational skills and his diplomacy (knowing Robert not sure that is the right word to use) in getting us a complimentary dram and a promise of another one at our Christmas night out.

Christmas Curry Wednesday 16th December

Taj in Kilmarnock has been booked for 7pm on Wednesday 16th December for our Christmas curry.