Ness Glen 12 December

Alan, Allan, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Paul, Robert

It was dull and a bit dreich as we set off from the car park next to Station Park for the familiar Ness Glen figure of eight. There was a bit of moisture in the air, but hardly noticeable, as we followed the Muck before heading up the road to the footbridge and hence up to Dalcairnie Linn. Little time was spent here as it was decided to have coffee at the bench (all right for some who put on a sprint to get to it first) at Barbeth.

Ten minutes later and we were on our way down to the Craigengillan road where Jimmy took his leave of us and headed back to his car. Elizabeth was in hospital and he was going to visit her, and he did so with our best wishes.
The going up the gorge was better than anticipated with only the heavy leaf cover and slippy wooden walkways to worry about, but with adequate handrails these were negotiated easily. One wee section had succumbed to the weather, but nothing to worry about.
As was to be expected there was a cold breeze blowing off the loch, so we took lunch at the benches outside the Roundhouse café, with the permission of the owner who was just leaving.
Although we had some shelter it was getting cold as we sat, so by half past twelve we were on our way back, taking the higher route to the footbridge at the foot of the glen and then following the path to where it met the tarmac of the Craigengillan road. We were back at the cars three hours and fifty minutes after having set off and had covered about ten miles. The weather had stayed dry with any moisture on our bodies coming from the inside out, indeed some of our number had had to shed layers on the last part of the walk.
FRT was taken in the very hospitable Dalmellington Inn where we accepted graciously their offer of cups of chicken and rice soup. Just what was needed!
This was another good day out.