Wednesday 7th July 2021 Darvel

 Alan McQ, Billy, Derval Davie, Killie Davie. Dougie, Iain, Jimmy, Kenny T and Malcolm.

Several Ooters were posted missing today for a variety of reasons, but the above nine gathered at Darvel at the appointed time to do the Valley Circular  Walk in a clockwise direction, although we had set out before Kenny arrived at the last minute. However he managed to catch up with us before we had exited Darvel park.

The route led us along the "waterlip" past the rear of Darvel Juniors park to Glenbrig. As we ascended the brae towards the cemetery, Alan suggested we make a small detour to view the underground bunker which lies in a field next to the cemetery. Although Davie has lived in the valley for more than fifty years he did not know of its existence! You live and learn!

We then retraced our steps to join the old railway line which would lead us up to Loudoun Hill. As expected, no maintenance has been done on this part of the path and  grass and nettles were neck high. Luckily underfoot conditions were good.

As we emerged from the undergrowth, Derval Davie decided to show the company the huge tunnel which runs under the railway. Some of us tentatively made our way through to the other end, There is a much smaller one beside the main one, taking another wee burn under the railway. Jimmy and Alan decided they would crouch down and make their way back through this smaller one. Some people just don't act their age!

Eventually we continued along the old line and discovered some workmen digging it up and laying grey chips to create a completely unnecessary sanitised path. They were ripping up a perfectly good walking path to create this, authorised by East Ayrshire Council. Creating new paths when they don't even maintain existing paths. Grey paths also now surround Loudoun Hill, spoiling the view completely.  What a complete and utter waste of tax payers' money.

We lunched on top of Loudoun Hill with a view over Rough Diamond farm across to Drumclog and Strathaven. We then set  off for Saughall where we met up with Mike, Alan's bothy pal, and Liz who lives opposite Mike and who came out with her laptop to show us a photo she had taken of us on the top of Loudoun Hill. A good  20 minutes was taken exchanging pleasantries with Mike and Liz.

Liz's photo

Eventually we passed the Long Cairn and Loanfoot farm and headed down to Bransfield farm. Going through the wee wood beside the Gower Water behind Priestland, Malcolm couldn't resist having a wee swing on the tree swing, eliciting comments about him being a "swinger".

5 hours and 10 minutes after we had set off we arrived back in Darvel, most of us feeling knackered. This is normally and four and a half hour walk, but with our two detours and a lot of blethering, it had taken much longer. However it was a fine workout, seemingly enjoyed by all.

View of Darvel from the bunker

the big tunnel

Loudoun Hill