Cumbrae 30 March

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Robert

It was a bright, but bitterly cold, morning as we headed for Cumbrae on the 9.45am ferry. There were even some light flurries of snow/hail which only lasted a few seconds, but the forecast was good. We had decided that we would do the walk in an anti-clockwise direction and, on leaving the ferry, we noted that the road on the left was closed for resurfacing meaning that all traffic, including the bus, went right. Obviously, the road was therefore more busy than usual, but we marched on undeterred with the first half hour or so into a biting wind but, once we were round the other side, the conditions were very pleasant and good for walking.

At this point there were ten of us but, all of a sudden, we were eleven. Kenny had missed the 9.45 ferry and had taken the next one. He had then got on the bus, which fortunately today was going round the west side of the island, and was allowed off as it approached us. Coffee was taken at Fintry Bay before resuming our walk into Millport. The views across to Arran, Bute and beyond were excellent and by the time we were on the approaches to Millport the temperature had risen allowing hats and gloves to be temporarily removed.

Derval Davie wanted to have his lunch at the Glaid Stone, so he marched on as the rest of us headed into the Garrison at about midday. Half bought lunch here whilst the other half ate their pieces. The piece boys were finished first and were keen to get a move on, so they left first heading for Ferry Road with the lunchers following ten minutes later. The latter group could see the 1.30pm ferry approaching but, other than Kenny, decided to settle for the next ferry at 2pm. Kenny burst into a sprint jog and managed to join the rest of the guys, who had applied the motto, and got on the boat. This left Alan, Allan, Dougie and Robert to wait for the next crossing, and as they waited, they spied a familiar figure approaching. It was Davie Mc, frozen to the core after being up the hill.

Eventually we all teamed up at Wetherspoon’s for FRT where the prices were much more to the liking of the kitty and where Dougie gave a masterclass on curtilages. We await his fee! A grand day out!