Ayr 12 October

 

Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

The heavy overnight rain had subsided by the time we met at the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum but, since there was still a slight drizzle, we decided to take a coffee in the café before setting off on our walk. It was about twenty to eleven when we emerged into dry and brightening weather, and these conditions remained with us for the rest of our day.

Rex led us down Shanter Way and then to the riverside path until reaching Greenfield Avenue, at which point we turned left and walked down to the Secret Garden restaurant. Taking the adjacent path, we continued to the Millennium Bridge and then walked out towards Greenan Castle. Passing below this, we immediately took the path up to the castle, our lunch spot. It was bright and breezy here, but enough shelter was found to enjoy our break.

Moving on we followed the track up to a farmer’s field, which we skirted until reaching the tarmac which took us on the familiar road up to Dunure Road. We had two options. To go right and then follow the cycle track back towards the cars, or go left, and take the pavement back towards Belleisle. As we knew there was an Art Exhibition at Rozelle, we chose the second option and entered Belleisle at the bottom of the afore mentioned Greenfield Avenue. Since we were there, we spent some time in the tropical atmosphere that was the glasshouse and were impressed by the many exotic plants, but it was so hot and sticky in there that we didn’t delay for too long.

Having walked across the golf course, we entered Rozelle for a bit of culture. The main exhibition and sale was in aid of ‘Save the Children’, with all the proceeds from the sale of the exhibits going to the charity. It was certainly worth a look. The other exhibition was by the artist Charles Jamieson, whose paintings were very expensive and met with mixed reviews from our panel of experts.

Making our way back down to the road, we headed towards Alloway and were back at the cars at quarter to two, having covered six and a half miles.

FRT was taken in the convivial atmosphere of the Balgarth Pines where a most enjoyable and entertaining time was spent.