Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Iain, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny,
Peter
The weather was dry and bright, but
the temperature was on the cool side, as we set off from Catrine following the
River Ayr Walk up to the Howford Bridge. Peter took us down to the old bridge
saying that we couldn’t get through the grounds of Catrine House any longer, but
this was no hardship as we turned left and headed up to the road on our right
which would take us to Auchinleck House. Holly, as is her wont, was well in
front, so Davie followed her as Peter took the rest of us towards the gorge
walk (Dippol Burn). (On this occasion we didn’t make our customary visit to the
cave house as Peter said it was too muddy down there.) Next, we took the path
heading for the rear of the big house and deviated down to see the remains of
the much older house (fifteenth century) but didn’t go to the old castle as
time was pushing on.
We found Davie having a cuppa outside
Boswell’s Coach House, but he didn’t take much persuasion to join us inside for
a coffee and scone (or cake, as the scones soon ran out). The boss man, Jamie,
was very welcoming, and seemed intrigued by Johnny’s hat, enquiring as to where
he could get one, before producing a magazine with adverts for some exotic
hats/helmets. We thought of ordering one for Robert but as the kitty was
picking up the tabs for the coffees, it was decided that it couldn’t stretch
that far.
It was well after midday that we got
ourselves into gear again, having a quick look at the house before starting
down the long estate road. Before we hit the main Barony Road, we took a right,
down a track which led us, with little difficulty, to the bridge over the Lugar
at Ochiltree. Well done to Jimmy for checking out this track last week!
From here it was on to the well-known
path to Dumfries House (mind you the last time we did this in the opposite
direction it appeared to be not so well-known!). Emerging on to the bing, there
were calls for a lunch stop, but we pressed on and made our howff in the
arboretum at bang-on two o’clock.
Auchinleck or Dumfries was the
question regarding where to next. We decided not to have a look at Dumfries
House itself and head for Auchinleck, as it was closer, so most of us made our
way up the long straight path through the gate at the Temple and continued up
to Barony Road. Peter and Johnny had taken the road up past the farm and the
outdoor centre and emerged a few minutes after us. We arrived at the bus stop
at quarter to three, just in time for a bus back to Catrine. We did notice,
however, the black and gold flags adorning many of the buildings in Auchinleck,
ahead of Talbot’s Junior Cup Final appearance on 2nd June. We also need
to mention Largs Thistle, who also play in black and gold, and who will be
Talbot’s opponents.
Ten and a half miles in four and
three-quarter hours (including leisurely stops) were today’s numbers.
FRT was taken in the Black Bull in
Mauchline where snacks were once again provided. Thanks again to our favourite
barmaid!
Walking conditions had been excellent
leading to a grand day out!
Footnote
In 2012 Paul provided a translation
of the inscription above Auchinleck House:
Whatever you seek is here in this remote place, if only you have a good firm mind.
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| The spirit of the Ooters |
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| Jimmy gives us a history lesson at the old house |
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| Davie gets adventurous in his old age! |
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| Davie Mc was away looking for Holly! |
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