Loudoun Valley circular - 18 December

Davie M, Hugh, Paul, Kenny T, Robert, Gus

Whilst the majority headed off to Glasgow for their Play, a Pie (or Quiche) and a Pint the remnants gathered at Davie M's where they were treated regally by Davie and Kay to Victoria Sponge, Christmas pies and coffee. We were also greeted by Holly, recuperating from her recent illness.

After gorging ourselves we headed for Newmilns by the riverside (the reverse of that part of the walk from a few weeks ago) accompanied by Holly.  It was icy underfoot but the day was pleasant enough and we made good progress. As pre-arranged we were met in Newmilns by Kay who collected Holly, though it looked as if she could have gone on further. We also bade farewell to Kenny, though he had to walk back.

We crossed to the other side of the valley and this time we eschewed our usual stopping place at the cemetery, and headed up the steep hill past crumbling Dalwhatswood Farm.

Paul had considered heading back to Darvel from  the crossroads close to Foulpapple Cottage but we had made such good progress that he was persuaded to continue as far as Mucks Bridge. Paul and Davie were a bit behind the others and were discussing the time they had met their former colleague Janet as she exited her farm track onto our road ... and lo! and behold! she appeared again just as we approached the track.  We had a 10 minute blether before we parted company.

Davie pointed out ahead of us the private house that had been Sir Alexander Fleming's primary school so Paul chose not to turn around at Mucks Bridge but go on for a photo opportunity. At the old school building we were met by a friendly old collie  who seemed to be enquiring of Davie the whereabouts of Holly.  And Davie informed Paul there was was now no point turning back since Darvel was equidistant whichever route was taken.

At the T-junction where we turned towards Darvel the road was blocked by a "Road Ahead Closed" sign which, of course we ignored. A quick lunch was taken here before we headed off again.  Braidley bridge had suffered quite a bit of damage, hence the road closed sign, but it was fine for walkers.  We ascended another steep hill which Davie admitted to never having been able to cycle up and passed the track to Lochfield farm where Alexander Fleming grew up.

From there it was downhill all the way to Darvel and we were back at Davie's 3 hours 15 minutes after departing, covering 10 miles. We had set a rare old pace and had worked up a fair appetite for the curry to come.

Thank you Kay and Davie for the hospitality!