Ness Glen 28 April

 Allan, Billy, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Hugh, Jimmy, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

Coffee stop at Barbeth

The forecast had been for dry weather, but we had encountered some heavy showers on our way down to Dalmellington for our Ness Glen figure of eight walk. Fortunately, by the time we got there, it was dry, although cold, so jackets, gloves and hats were donned as we set off following our usual route.

Part of the walkway leading to the wooden bridge over the river had collapsed, but it was easily coped with although most chose to walk a bit further up the road and avoid the issue altogether. After half an hour the temperature had warmed sufficiently for layers to come off and Dalcairney Linn was reached in good time. We chose not to have coffee here but made our way up to Barbeth for our stop. It was cold again as we were exposed on the top of the hill, so we continued round to the sheltered remains of an old building where a pleasant quarter of an hour was spent.

As we left the field before heading up to Graigengillan we were pleased to note that the recent dry weather meant we did not have to trail through a muddy quagmire at the gate as is our norm. Before long we were at the start of the gorge and, by half past twelve, we were all seated in the shelter of the cool wind at the rocks beside Loch Doon enjoying the views. Jimmy had been to the café to find out about the osprey watch and was able to tell us that there was an osprey sitting on three eggs at the other side of the loch. There was a camera observing the nest.

We took the high road back down the glen and were all back at the cars by quarter past two. Nearly ten miles in just over four hours were today’s figures, and no rain at all.

A good day out!

The magic of the glen

The rear guard

Settling down for lunch