Thursday, 25 October 2018

Ardrossan (or maybe closer to Seamill) to Portencross 24 October


Allan, Davie C, Jim, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny T, Rex, Robert

As we met at the car park on the coast road the rain came on, not heavy, but with a strong, chilly wind against us on the northward journey, waterproofs, hats and gloves were the order of the day. We hit the beach first, then followed the path, which was well marked, behind the Waterside Hotel and Seamill and on beyond the Hydro. By this time the rain had gone off and progress on the path adjacent to West Kilbride Golf Club was good. By about quarter past eleven we were at Portencross Castle, which was shut, and since there was little shelter there we walked back to the car park where the benches were well sheltered from the wind.
A leisurely early lunch was taken at which point we engaged with an American tourist, who had managed to trace his family back to Kilmarnock in the seventeenth century. Some people have nae luck!
The walk back was easier with the elements behind us and, as luck would have it, by the time we reached the cars, the wind had eased and there were patches of blue sky. The top of Goat Fell could even be seen!
Three hours in total and about six and a half miles.
FRT was to be taken at the Lauriston but, not for the first time, the bar was shut, so we motored on to Irvine and to Wetherspoon’s, where the banter was good.
One of our shorter walks, but we had the cobwebs blown away, got some exercise and breathed in some fresh air, not to mention partaking in the ever more important social aspect of the Ooters. A good day out!

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