Dunure to Culzean 27 March

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Hugh, Ian, Jim, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Rex, Robert

A baker’s dozen of us met at the car park at the Dunure Inn (currently closed) for our walk to Culzean. The weather was dry, and on the coolish side, as we greeted new boy, Hugh Quigley, to the fold before setting off.

As we made our way up beyond the steep steps leading away from Dunure a familiar and welcome figure came to meet us. Yes, it was Holly. Davie had been at the doc’s and, having arrived a wee bit late, had parked his car on the lay-by and waited for us there. Underfoot conditions were good, given the dry weather we had had since the weekend, so the fields were negotiated easily, although Holly had to be put on the lead where we encountered sheep with their new wee lambs. After three-quarters of an hour we were on the beach, or at least the cobbles and shingle which was not easy to walk on, but before too long we managed to get on to firm sand for our approach to our usual coffee stop at the rocks just shy of Croy Caravan Park. Not for the first time have we commented on how money could be made by setting yourself up as a dog-walker, as we encountered one lady with about half a dozen, of all shapes and sizes, on the shore.
It was here that Jimmy and Peter, who had come from Culzean, joined us. Jimmy was still recovering from his bad back, so was happy for a shorter walk.
The walk down to Culzean was straightforward, other than having to negotiate a couple of streams, but the tide was out, and the going was good. Lunch was taken where we normally take it i.e. at the benches on the grass overlooking the gardens at the castle. It was becoming pleasantly warm as we sat, particularly as we were out of the breeze, but needs must, and it was time to leave Jimmy and Peter and retrace our steps back to the cars.
On the return journey the breeze was at our back and the pace picked up meaning that there was a fair distance separating those at the front from the back markers. By this time the sun was breaking through and, with the smell of freshly cut grass at the park, we trusted that spring was well and truly on the way.
Nine and a half miles in four hours ten minutes (including stops) were today’s figures, that is for those who did the complete walk.
FRT was taken at the Maybole Inn where the drinks were accompanied by chips.
A good day out!