Storms Ciara and Dennis had come and gone but the forecast today was still for rain from about 11 o’clock, so we were champing at the bit to get started, only to get a phone call from the Prestwick/Ayr contingent to say that they would be delayed. And the reason… they had been too busy talking in the car, missed the Kilwinning turn-aff (another one of a certain Ooter’s conquests?) and ended up heading for Largs. Some mothers do ‘ave ‘em!
Anyway, they were only five minutes late in arriving, so it was about ten past ten by the time we set off, just as the first spots of rain appeared. Taking the lochside path to begin with. we made our way in a clockwise direction with the waters of Castle Semple Loch lapping at our feet on certain sections. Soon, however, we were on the cycle path and heading straight for the cut-off to the folly. By the time we got there, the rain was persistent, and Malcolm and Allan decided to deviate from the walk and simply walk along the cycle track for a bit, leaving the rest to continue on their way.
The ‘less than dynamic’ duo had walked for about an hour and ten minutes before turning back and making for the visitors centre. The rain was relentless by this time and they were very happy to find the warmth and shelter of the centre to get changed and then to have their lunch and a coffee. They decided to head for home just after one and, on reaching the big roundabout, passed the rather drookit eleven making their way back to the cars. They had made good time with your scribe surmising that they hadn’t stopped for very long, if at all.
For the record, the eleven who completed the circuit were fairly drookit but not totally. Coffee was taken in the shelter on the platform at Howwood station whilst lunch was consumed in similar surroundings at Lochwinnoch station. Those for whom the snowdrops were a new experienced appeared somewhat underwhelmed by the sight - takes all sorts I suppose.
A convivial hour was spent in the Brown Bull in Lochwinnoch. The beer was good, the hostess was welcoming and Davie got a free half pint. - Paul
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