Muirkirk 31 October

Alan, Allan, Andy, Davie C, Davie McM, Ian, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

Congratulations to Alan and Rex for completing their final Munro at the weekend and for raising an amazing amount for the Speur Ghlan charity.

As we met at the car park at Sorn cemetery for the proposed walk from Muirkirk back to there, the rain, which had fallen continuously overnight, continued with a vengeance. Discussion ensued as to whether to do the walk, do the walk to the Haugh, or do the Lunky Hole walk round Muirkirk. The last option was agreed as it would be the least affected underfoot by the rain.

Kaimes was soon reached and, having donned waterproofs, we set off on the well-established route (see 29 June 2011 for details) at about 10a.m.
We had hoped that the rain would relent but we were wrong for it was to be dreich for the rest of the day. As we suspected, parts of the path by the river were well sodden and the wooden bridges had to be negotiated with care, but good progress was made until coffee was called for just beyond the memorial to the covenanter, William Adam. Here Davie C demonstrated how not to sit on a portable seat by falling off his not once but twice. At least he didn’t have far to fall.
As there was little shelter afforded by the adjacent trees we didn’t wait long and were soon on our way again reaching the former opencast quarry - now a massive lake- just before half past eleven.
Having then crossed the A70 we made our way through the heronry and up the minor road to where it meets the B743. Robert then suggested walking back down this road to where it meets the A70 and continuing straight back to Muirkirk. A sort of vote was taken- not a real ooters vote since Rex was there- and the majority opted for Robert’s suggestion despite having to walk down the main road. Quick progress was made back to the cars, and having changed into dry clothes, we went down to the Coach House where the ever-obliging barmaid allowed us to eat our lunches as we partook of FRT. The next time we are down there we are to phone ahead and she’ll make us pie and beans for a nominal charge, but only if we want to!  
The walk had only lasted 2 hours 40 minutes today but, given the conditions, it was long enough for most.