Greenock and Kelly Cuts 2 November

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Malcolm, Rex

Eleven of us arrived by car at Wemyss Bay for today’s walk whilst Kenny R had come by train and stayed on it whilst the rest of us climbed aboard. The walk had been planned by Gus and was to have been led by him but, still haunted by the Whangie, he decided to use his sair leg as an excuse, and let us travel on without him. It was a nice wee change to start the day with a jant on the train, but all too soon we arrived at Drumfrochar and had to get off. Some of us needed more persuasion than others to leave the comfort and warmth of the carriage but we made our way out of the station and up Peat Road. Following the signs for the Greenock Cut we headed on upwards to Papermill Road, past the Primary School, and then turned off left to where we joined the Cut.

It was a dry, cool day with spells of mild warmth when the sun broke through, although this happened with less regularity as the day went on. We had a choice, go straight on over the hill to Cornalees or go right along the Cut. The former was shorter, but as the latter was flatter and the weather was good, we took the longer familiar route. A short stop was taken for coffee at our ‘usual’ place before continuing towards the Visitors Centre. We didn’t go up to it but immediately veered right to find the start of the Kelly Cut. Time was taken to take stock. Our info had said that the total walk was between nine and ten miles but with the sign saying it was another six to Wemyss Bay we surmised it would be more than that.

Aw, Naw!

Gus had indicated that he would walk up and meet us at the Kelly Reservoir at one o’clock but that seemed unlikely as we made our way along the path across the moor. Bits of this proved to be wet and boggy and, with the sun disappearing, this part of the walk was less interesting. A quarter of a mile from the reservoir we met Gus coming to meet us. He had already had his lunch and had to wait whilst the rest of us fed our faces. Most were happy to sit by the road whilst Derval D, Dougie and Allan went up to the relative comfort of a bench adjacent to the glass-like water.

Leaf us a lane

It was downhill all the way to Wemyss Bay now, although we were too busy blethering to notice the track to our left at the caravan park which would take us down to the station. Steps were quickly retraced and the path down the glen, resplendent in autumn colours and covered in leaves, duly brought us out at the main road.
It had taken us the best part of four and a half hours and the various gizmos reckoned nearly twelve miles. Some tired bodies entered the Station Bar for well-earned FRT.  Thanks to Johnny for buying the first round in celebration of his new granddaughter, Fia.

Today's point of information

‘Last Train to San Fernando’ was a number two hit for Johnny Duncan and the Blue Grass Boys in 1957.

Billy Connolly stated that ‘Last Train to Glasgow Central’ was one of the shortest songs ever:

Last Train Tae Glasgow Central
Last Train Tae Glasgow Central

You better catch this one.
And you better have a ticket cause here's the man
Biddiebiddiebumbum - to Glasgow central

We had a great time. You couldnae wack it
Spent aw ma money, and pawned ma jacket
And on the train, gain hame, I was hidin' in the lavi when the ticket man came
Biddiebiddiebarebum - To Glasgow central

Last Train Tae Glasgow Central
Last Train Tae Glasgow Central

You better catch this one.
And you better have a ticket cause here's the man
Biddiebiddiebumbum - To Glasgow central