22 August, Failford to Gadgirth Bridge and back

Distance 16.4 kms

A large assembly of Ooters (only Rex and Jimmy failing to report for duty) were joined by Eddie for this walk. The forecast was not promising, with heavy showers expected - indeed, the TV weather map, the previous evening, had shown a big circle of rain sitting above Mossblown for much of the day.

Rev McMeekin sees a sign!

Within ten minutes of setting off we were sheltering under a convenient tree, donning our waterproofs, as we were assailed by a heavy shower.  But this turned out to be the only shower of the day!

The short detour to Peden's Cave was made and Big Davie mounted the steps and preached to the assembled faithful below. It's to be hoped Peden got a more respectful hearing than Davie did.

It is said Peden preached his last sermon from here. He made 5 predictions - his first was "a bloody Sword, a bloody Sword, a bloody Sword for thee, O Scotland, that shall pierce the Hearts of many."
By contrast, the other four predictions were a bit gloomy.

Continuing the walk, we got to the edge of Coilsholm Wood and halted for a short coffee break. Pressing on, we were met by a notice which informed us the River Ayr Way was closed between this point and Stair. A diversion was shown around the back of Daldorch. We debated the merits of ignoring the notice, then we persuaded Peter that it didn't mean Daldorch outside Catrine. The notice's instructions were obeyed and we headed off across fields, round the back of the farm and through a field full of inquisitive bullocks.

Lazin' on a sunny afternoon

Reaching the B730 we chose not to descend into Stair and rejoin the riverside walk, because Paul knew another route. This took us past Enterkine Mill, once a watermill for grinding corn, and now an attractively converted dwelling. Next up was Enterkine Country House Hotel, a haunt of the rich, the famous and Ian.

Footpath needs maintenance!

By this time we had two detached Ooters - Ronnie and Peter. We reckoned they might have found something to talk about. We waited, and waited some more, but when eventually they were spotted  in the distance we didn't wait any longer.

A short downhill road walk took us to Gadgirth Bridge and our lunch spot. And a fine spot it was, a sunlit bank of the River Ayr. Ronnie and Peter eventually arrived, complete with a "Just Married" sign  so we wished them well.

There wis hunners o' scuddin' stanes lyin' aboot an' Ian wis awfy guid at skippin' 'em ower the watter.

We headed back alongside the river, under the Enterkine Viaduct. This stretch was badly overgrown and several of the wooden walkways are starting to fall apart. The path eventually turns at 90 degrees from the river and it was under water which had drained into it from surrounding fields.  Black marks to South Ayrshire Council.

By this time we had again lost our two newly w stragglers. We waited a while but there was no sign of them so the Ooters' motto became operational.  As we reached the main road, who should be walking up the hill from Stair but the aforementioned stragglers. They had continued along the river at the point the path turned.

Another debate ensued. Retrace our footsteps, following the diversion? Follow the river?  

There was a schism.

A dissident group, including your scribe, set off for the river. There had been a substantial landslip but the dissidents negotiated it easily.  Heading back towards Daldorch the conformists were spotted on the skyline. As they entered the field above the farm the bullocks showed a great deal of interest in them, especially Holly. As you might expect, the dissidents expressed concern for the plight of the conformists.

Back in Coilsholm Wood, Johnny and Holly chose to charge ahead so it came as a surprise to the rest that there was no sign of them back in Failford. They eventually arrived separately and Holly was ticked off for not taking care of Johnny.

Refreshments were taken in the beer garden of the Failford Inn. Paul (birth of grandson) and wee Davie (first anniversary) bought the first round and must have blanched visibly when they saw that Peroni was on tap.

A good varied walk, mainly in sunshine ... but South Ayrshire Council needs to get its act together.