Smugglers' Trail 18 January

Alan, Allan, Davie Mc, Gus, Jim, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

We partook of coffee and bacon rolls at Malcolm’s on a grey but reasonably mild morning before setting off for the castle car park and the Smuggler’s (or is it Smugglers’) Trail. Thanks to Anne and Malcolm for their hospitality!

The early going was a wee bit muddy, but nothing exceptional, and we were soon at the top of the trail and heading down past the reservoir (no stopping for coffee today – too soon after Malcolm’s) and on to the main road. Passing up through Loans, Davie, still traumatised by Benwhat, led a group past the turn-off for the trail and up to the tarmac road down to the Marr Rugby Field, whereas those a bit further behind turned off at the usual path. The second group made the usual lunch stop at the benches a minute or two before the main party and had their choice of seats.
The farm track from the rugby pitches to Crosbie Kirk was pretty muddy, but before long we were crossing the road and heading for the golf course, noting that work was being done to provide a better approach to the bridge over the railway. The course was as busy as we’ve seen it recently, with the hardy souls taking advantage of the wind-free conditions. The walk along the beach was straightforward with plenty of firm sand to make the going easy, and before long we were at McKays (no apostrophe as there weren’t any on the signs outside). Holly wasn’t allowed in the bar so, above and beyond the call of duty, the assembled company agreed to join Davie and Holly in the beer garden outside. The things we do to give Holly some company! Anyway, as the afternoon progressed and we cooled down after the walk, hats, then jackets, then gloves went on before eventually it was time for the bus back to Dundonald.

All in we had taken about three hours from start to finish, with the various gizmos reckoning between seven and eight miles. A good day out!