Dalquharran Trails and Bargany Gardens
Meet in Dailly for a walk on the trails around the old and new Dalquharran Castles followed by a visit to the nearby Bargany Gardens which are only open to the public during the month of May when the azaleas and rhododendron are in bloom. Total mileage for the day will be around 6 miles on easy, well-surfaced paths.
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 cafĂ© 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!
