Muirkirk Circular 16 November

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

The drive to Kames was challenging due to the low late autumn sun, but we all got there in time to start our walk a little bit early. Despite the sun, it was cold, so we were well wrapped up as we headed towards Tibbie’s Brig over the Garpel, and then onwards towards the old railway line and then to the Covenanter’s Memorial. By this time Allan and Robert had got detached from the rest of the guys - they had stopped briefly to take some photos and to let Allan tie his boot laces – and, before they knew it, they were on their own. Shows how quickly the guys were walking. Anyway, the memorial is a traditional stopping point, but not today, so the twosome found the riverside path (River Ayr) and eventually caught up when the main group stopped for coffee at the wooden walkway, another weel-kent stopping place.

From there, it was up to the big hole in the ground, now filled with water, and then across the main road, and down to the minor road which we would follow up to Netherwood farm. By this time most of the jackets and gloves had been removed, but before long they were put on again as the sun disappeared behind cloudy skies and the temperature dipped.

Lunch was taken at the entrance to Burnfoot Farm as our usual lunch spot at the bridge over the Greenock Water was anticipated to be too mucky for such genteel persons as ourselves. From here we then had the rise over the hill to the former opencast site to contend with and, as we reached the highest point, Robert suggested taking a shorter route back to the cars as he was not in peak condition today. The path down was a new one to most of us but it certainly was quicker. Some cut off the path to emerge at the Fire Station whilst the rest continued to the park behind the school before we all found the road back up to Kames.

By taking the shortcut we had covered nine miles in three and three-quarter hours and, although we had missed seeing the lunky hole, we can easily contain our excitement until the next time. Mind you, every time we do this walk, it seems to get longer!

FRT was taken at the Black Bull in Mauchline where we were well-received as always and where we discussed resurrecting our Burns Supper in 2023.

Another guid day oot!