Prestwick to Troon 1 March

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

This was to be a reasonably short walk today as we were going out in the evening to celebrate Alan’s seventieth. Meeting at Dougie’s in Prestwick, we were treated to an array of Irene’s scones* to complement our tea and coffee. Many thanks to both for their hospitality!

Dougie led us first of all down to Bruce’s Well before we continued on to the prom at Prestwick adjacent to St Nicholas Golf Course. The morning was chill to begin with but was beginning to brighten up and warm up as we made our way in the direction of Troon. Passing KidzPlay, we met Johnny’s daughter-in-law with daughter Fia and we spent a few minutes with her whilst trying to attract Johnny’s attention. He had taken the high road whilst the rest had taken the low one, but was soon aware of the situation and came down to greet the folks.
Moving on, we skirted the Old Prestwick golf course before moving inland a bit to cross the Pow Burn and, later, the Rumbling Burn at the entrance to the caravan park. Robert left us at this point to return to his car as he an appointment with his grandson in the afternoon. We rejoined the Pow Burn just before it met the sea and took advantage of a spot on its banks for a stop. If not exactly idyllic, it was as close as you could get at this time of the year, and a leisurely lunch was taken.

Pow..wow

From here it was on to the beach for the walk  past Old Troon G.C. and into the town itself, but before long we encountered Jimmy Begg (of Ayrshire Coastal Path fame) and his colleague who were out surveying this part of the route. An interesting fifteen minutes was spent listening to Jimmy and learning about the trials and tribulations of maintaining the Path. Thanks must go to him and his team of volunteers for their efforts which have made for many a satisfying Wednesday for the Ooters.
We made Troon in plenty of time for the one o’clock bus back to Prestwick and arrived back at Dougie’s three hours and twenty minutes after having set off. Taking into account the walk from the bus up to Dougie’s, today’s walk amounted to nearly seven miles.
No FRT today but, being joined by Davie C, Gus and Malcolm, we enjoyed an excellent night at the Jewel in the Crown and at a rather cold Wetherspoon’s. Happy birthday to Alan!
*The scones were so good that comparisons started to be drawn and even a scone competition mooted. One of our own celebrity chefs declared that Dougie’s scones could not be included because his wife had made them. However, it can be exclusively revealed that Dougie was allowed to lick the bowl, meaning that he had in fact had a hand, or at least a tongue, in their production. What has not been established is exactly at what stage of production he licked the bowl!! A definite case of scone, but not forgotten, or maybe even here today, scone tomorrow!