Cumnock to Ochiltree via Dumfries House 22 February

Allan, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Jim, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Rex, Robert

There was some rain as we assembled at the swimming pool car park in Cumnock for our walk to Ochiltree. Wet weather gear was the chosen option for most as we set off, and was to remain the dress of choice for the walk despite the weather soon clearing up and remining dry for the duration, but it gave protection against the chill wind.

As expected the track up to Dumfries House estate was muddy (the rains of the previous day had left their mark) but, undeterred, good progress was made. As the leading group turned to head for the new Chinese Bridge, Peter called a halt and suggested going straight on and taking in the renovated gates known as The Temple. This was a worthwhile detour to see the care taken in restoring the stonework and the landscaping which would enhance the structure and lead the eye towards it. From here we took the long and not-so-winding road back down towards the summer house at the Maguire Arboretum for coffee. We admired the craftsmanship of the structure but also noted that work was needed to deal with dampness that was discolouring the stonework and would lead to greater issues if not addressed.
Suitably refreshed, the next stop was indeed the Chinese Bridge, a new spectacle for most of us. The powers that be seem to be continually improving and adding to the attractions on the estate and have to be admired for it. Money appears to be no object, if you have the right friends and benefactors! From there we took in the walled garden which, given the time of year, was bereft of colour but which was being readied for the coming season.

Leaving the estate, we headed towards the Barony A-Frame along the often-travelled track, a track that today tested our mud surfing skills. There was a time when we could all congregate in and around the shelter for lunch, but today the shelter and two of the nearby picnic tables were commandeered for the taking of rations. Before moving off, as is our custom, we took in the information boards that surround the structure, giving a fascinating insight into the pit and the men who worked, and in some cases, died there.
The last leg of our route took us back down the track before veering off to the riverside (the Lugar) and heading up to Ochiltree which was reached in pleasant sunshine. Our timing was perfect and we made the half-one Cumnock bus with a few minutes to spare.
The electronic trackers suggested between seven and seven and a half miles and the time taken of three and a half hours took into account the time taken to explore the estate. A good walk today, not a forced march!
FRT, after some debate, was taken at the Royal in Cumnock. It seemed to have been refurbished since the last time most of us had been there, and made for a pleasant and convivial hour being spent.