Smugglers' Trail 6 April

Allan, Davie C, Gus, Ian, Jim, Jimmy, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Robert

 The decision not to go to Arran today was a wise one as, when we met at Dundonald Castle, there was a steady drizzle and the sky showed little signs of brighter weather. Malcolm had organised, with Ann, a tour of the wee museum in the visitors centre followed by access to the castle and this was well received by the guys who were suitably impressed. Following this, as the rain continued to fall, we had coffee in the centre whilst trying to avoid asking certain members about any recent success of a certain minor league team (Paul’s picture says it all).

As usual Robert was keen to make a start, although it was a close run thing as to whether we would just adjourn to Wetherspoon’s, and so we set off just after eleven o’clock in light rain. We made good progress up through the woods, although we had forgotten that there was a steep hill to climb before we had really got into our stride. Having passed by the reservoir we stopped at the road end to take stock. The decision was to continue rather than curtail the walk and so we made our way out through Loans and up to the turn-off to the path to Fullarton Woods. By this time the rain was heavier, but by the time we reached our lunch spot at Fullarton House, it had eased considerably and by the time we made the golf course it was dry and was to remain so for the duration. The course itself was devoid of any golfers and the thought was that it was maybe closed whilst preparations were being made for the Open as we could see lots of equipment stacked up. The walk along the beach was notable for the amount of creamy foam, stirred up by the waves, that was lying on the sand and although the tide was in it did not hamper us. Turning off the beach and taking the path behind the dunes, the ex K.A. boys were delighted to meet a former colleague, Lesley, who was out walking with a friend and who was just as happy to meet up with the guys again.
Just under three hours after starting out we took FRT at McKay’s where the barmaid could not have been more helpful. In the end we had a much better day than we could have hoped for given the weather forecast.