4 October - Tour of Troon

For the record!

Johnny, Allan, Malcolm, Ian, Paul, Robert, Davie C, Davie M, Jimmy, Dougie.

We met at Malcolm's where we were treated to copious amounts of bacon rolls, tea and coffee. Thank you Malcolm and Anne for your hospitality - it was much appreciated.

Johnny and Allan couldn't be tempted to join us on the walk so we bade farewell to them and drove to Fullarton Woods, which had been designated as the starting point. The weather was dreich and the forecast was for heavy rain, so we opted for a short walk.

Our route took us to the beach via Wilson Avenue, Dundonald Road and St Meddan's Street.

The wind was at our backs as we walked along the beach in the direction of Prestwick, but as we progressed the light rain which had been falling became heavier. Approaching the Pow Burn and turning inland towards the caravan site it was pouring down. Fortunately for those who had brought umbrellas it was a sheltered part of the walk so up went the brollies. There were mutterings from some (Dougie) about brollies not being appropriate equipment for a walking group but this just came across as sour grapes to those fully protected from the downpour.

The rain eased off as we made our way back along the cycle track, eventually  joining up with the Smugglers' Trail which led us back to Fullarton. So replete were we from the fare served up by Malcolm and Anne that we hadn't stopped for coffee etc on the walk. A first? Lunch was taken, in the dry, in Fullarton Woods.

A convivial hour was spent in Mackay's Bar ... even if we didn't get our usual seats.

Distance: approx 7 miles.