Sorn to Kingencleugh 24 February

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Ian, Jim, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Robert

 The morning was cold with a light frost but disappointingly dull overhead as we met at Sorn. A decision was made to leave Blacksidend for better overhead and underfoot conditions and so we set off back up the main road before heading towards the war memorial at Catrine. I say we, but Peter who had joined us at Sorn, had left by his car saying he had business to attend to. As we paused at the memorial Peter reappeared and joined us for the walk up to the bridge at Howford where, as tradition dictatates, we took coffee whilst ‘admiring’ the graffiti on the bridge.

Having made our way down to the old bridge and up the road to our cut-off point for the Ballochmyle Viaduct, Peter suggested a different low-level route to the viaduct. Johnny, Kenny T and Jim joined him, whilst the rest took the easier path up to the structure. The main group waited, and waited, for Peter’s party, and eventually got fed up and decided to continue, but a few minutes later, compassion got the better of us and we stopped whilst Malcolm made contact by phone. They were only a few minutes away so we waited and let them catch up after their ‘interesting’ excursion. Peter then turned back to see to his business and we weren’t to see him again.

You tak the low road, we'll tak the high road!

Peter's deviation from the high road.  A fine view of the viaduct.

Deciding not to go all the way up to the Haugh, we made our way up to Kingencleugh, where, as tradition now also dictates, we took lunch on the railway steps. Making our way back to Howford by the path adjacent to the main road, we then retraced our steps back to Catrine. Having witnessed some dippers, Robert saw a wee bird with a yellow breast and asked its name. Not being satisfied by Hughie, Kenny sensibly said it was a grey wagtail. Robert was not convinced and so the discussion continued. Where is Jimmy when you need him anyway?
From Catrine we took the route up past the Voes and along the River Ayr walk back to Sorn. Almost exactly four hours from start to finish. We had encountered some short sleety rain at times but generally couldn’t complain about the conditions today.
FRT was taken at the Black Bull in Mauchline where Jim produced a picture of a grey wagtail on his phone, complete with yellow breast. Anyone for humble pie?

It was suggested that we would abandon next week’s walk if Jimmy was still no weel, in favour of us visiting him for the day. We would arrive at Jimmy’s about 9am and would be happy to accept his bacon rolls and coffee, although sliced sausage would be an option for some and Jim’s dietary requirements would need to be taken into account. We would settle for some nibbles and a few beers up to lunchtime when soup followed by pie and beans would suffice along with a couple of bottles of Jimmy’s best malt whisky. Aiming to leave about three o’clock, we were sure this would perk Jimmy up i.e. he would feel a thousand times better once we had left. We’re keeping our options open Jimmy, but maybe you’ll now have a miraculous recovery before next week. All the best!