Howford to Failford

 Alan, Bob, Davie McM, Gus, Hugh, Jim, Jimmy, Paul and Rex (& Isla)

Nine of us gathered on the old Howford Brig road at the designated time to complete the part of the River Ayr Way that most of us had never done before. The weather was to be sunny all day, although a cold wind was felt occasionally. All agreed that the bluebells and all the other spring flowers in the Mauchline Gorge looked fabulous.

At the Haugh we turned right and up to Haughyett Farm, turning left to head for the Barskimming road, where Isla had to be put on the lead much to her displeasur. At Mosshead Farm we took a right and eventually passed the old sandstone quarry,  (closed 1910 due to flooding) and headed across country to the gatehouse on the main Failford  road.  The path entails walking a fair distance on a busy main road; not to be recommended.

Now on the way back, we retraced our steps to the chopped down forest for lunch sitting on the stumps as we had done on the way out for our coffee break.

With the exception of Paul and Jim, we  made our way along the slippy rocks at the cliffs, enjoying the beauty of the gorge.

The walk had taken 3 hours and 55  minutes, a wee bit longer than we had ettled.

A very enjoyable FRT session was had in the sitooterie of the Black Bull in Mauchline.