Crosshill to Dailly 16 October

Alan McQ, Allan, Billy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Johnny, Rex

The forecast had been for the wet overnight weather to clear up by about ten o’clock, and so it proved to be as we awaited the half-past ten bus to Crosshill from the centre of Dailly. Once in Crosshill we turned around and headed out of the village on our steady upward trek on tarmac. As we climbed, we could look back and enjoy the view as far as the paper mill in Irvine, a plus for some, a negative for others!  No sooner had jackets been taken off than they were back on again for a wee shower.

Eventually we turned off to the right and followed the access road up to the farm at Blair. So far, so good. At this point, we went through a gate, guarded by an electric fence (ably dealt with by our physicist) and continued on the track which would eventually lead us straight to the limekilns below Barony Hill. To say the track was muddy would be an understatement and it was noticeable that all conversation stopped on this part of the walk as concentration had to be maintained in order to keep our footing. Nevertheless, as the weather picked up and blue skies appeared, the views down the valley and beyond to Ailsa Craig were excellent.

Coffee stop with the limekilns and Barony Hill in the background

We stopped for coffee about two thirds along the track, and just as the going was getting easier. By this time it was well after twelve, with most wondering whether to restrict themselves to coffee or have lunch. However, just as some were getting comfortable, we moved on and by quarter to one we were at the limekilns. Here we got the biggest laugh of the day. We’ll spare Gus’s blushes, but don’t anyone ask him about the limekilns near Dailly!

From here the climb up to the trig point on Barony Hill was made in about fifteen minutes. It was whilst we were enjoying the views that Alan suggested extending the walk by a couple of miles to take in the ruins of old Kilkerran Castle. This was met with a mixed reaction, some for and some against. In any case, the walk across the top of the hill was made in good time and in good underfoot conditions, as was the descent down through the longish grass and then up to the wee ruin (probably a livestock pen) where we have taken coffee in the past. The walk over the field to the track down to Whitehill Farm was soft but the track itself was very muddy and we were glad to make tarmac again at the farm.
At the bottom of the farm road Alan took Billy, Dougie, Gus and Rex off to the left (on the road past where the pigs used to have sty television) and up to the ruins of the aforementioned castle whilst the rest crossed over and followed the pleasant track down towards Dailly, at least it was pleasant until we encountered a part of it completely flooded. This, however, was negotiated relatively easily, and Dailly, and the cars, was reached at quarter past two, three and a half hours after having set off from Crosshill.
Whilst awaiting the rest to arrive, the remains of the pieces were partaken, as this had proved to be a one-stop walk. Thirty-five minutes later the guys arrived having covered about ten miles in total (as against eight for the other group).
Most considered that the climb up Barony Hill was easier from today’s direction, but a repetition would only be considered after a long dry spell. Nonetheless, it was a happy group that took FRT, with chips, in the Maybole Arms, where we were well received and where we enjoyed a comfortable hour.

It's a dog's life