Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Jimmy, Paul, Rex, Robert
There had been overnight rain, but the forecast was for it to clear as the day went on, and by the time we reached the car park at Loch Doon Castle it had long gone with the temperature being warm and the atmosphere a bit muggy. Derval Davie and Robert motored up to the next car park and started walking from there whilst the rest set off from the castle along the familiar road and forest track catching up with the duo after about half an hour.
The last time we were down here we cut off to the left on a wee path down to a wooden bridge, seat and waterfall, and we repeated that today stopping there for coffee. Unfortunately, the midges were out in force, so we didn’t hang around and continued on the path beyond the seat. This section proved to be very wet and boggy but, just as we were beginning to despair, we reached another forest road where were given an option. Go right and head up to Loch Fannie (another mile, max) or turn left and follow the road until it meets up with the one we had been on earlier (a six mile walk rather than an eight mile one). For various reasons, Allan, the two Davies and Robert took the shorter route whilst the others went up to view Loch Fannie. They viewed the loch, which was described as picturesque, from a small hill (yes, Fannie Hill does exist) and had lunch, minus the midges, before setting off back to the cars.
The foursome got back to the castle at about twenty to one, got changed, had a leisurely lunch, and hadn’t too long to wait for the others to arrive at about twenty past. Robert set out for home whilst the rest headed for the Dalmellington Inn, with some stopping to view the new memorial to a Czech Spitfire pilot.
We’d had a good day, in surprisingly good overhead conditions, and enjoyed our time in the pub.
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