Adventures of the Early Ooters

Thursday, 15 October 2026

Ooters Calendar 2027

I spoke to the guys on Wednesday’s walk regarding ordering a 2027 calendar. Could those who weren’t present at the Lauriston yesterday (14^th Oct) please let me know, one way or the other, by Friday 23^rd October whether you want one (or even more than one).

Robert and Katrina on her giving up the Jewel

Seamill to Portencross 14th October

Alan, Alan McQ, Alan W, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Jimmy, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

Given this was the week of the school holidays, all were present in plenty of time for the walk to Portencross as traffic was remarkably light. The wind was very strong as we left the car park near the Waterside Hotel but it was behind us as we were blown up the beach and then on to the grass track between the shore and the houses at which point we met Alan Watson (and Angus) coming towards us as pre-arranged on the Monday walk. Fortunately, Isla didn’t seem to bother with the newcomer, and before long we were at the bridge over the burn at the Hydro and back on to the beach for a spell. The photos don’t really show the intensity of the wind and, even when we left the beach to join the path adjacent to the golf course, there was little shelter and at times our faces were getting attacked from wind-blown sand. No matter, we soon made the end of the path and were about to turn up to the Portencross Road when we briefly stopped to consider the options. Alan and Derval Davie decided to turn back from there whilst the rest walked on for another quarter of an hour to reach the castle and sought some shelter for coffee/lunch.

Setting off on the return leg at half past eleven we were now into the wind which made the going much harder and soon we were well strung out. On reaching the road up to the golf course clubhouse we decided to take this option and gain some shelter from the elements by going up to the main street and walking back to the cars along the pavement. Arriving in dribs and drabs from about quarter to one having done just over seven miles, we weren’t too far behind Alan and Davie and were surprised to learn when Jimmy arrived that Robert was struggling and needed someone to drive up the road and pick him up. Alan did the needful to find, in fact, that it was Gus who was struggling with his back problem with Robert acting as his minder. Both were given a lift back to the car park by which time Gus had recovered and was vertical again. Thanks to Alan for his compassion!

As we prepared to leave for FRT at the Lauriston wee Davie managed to head-butt Alan’s tailgate as it was closing (you can take the boy out of Glasgow but ….), but luckily there was no damage to Alan’s car! Davie, however, required a plaster when he got to the hotel and received, in true Ooters’ spirit, little sympathy. A pleasant hour was spent here as the rain began to fall but it had gone off by the time we had left.

A challenging day out given the wind, but enjoyable nonetheless!