Cumbrae 7 December

 

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

It was a cold, frosty, overcast morning in Largs, but with the prospect of some sunshine later, and no rain, we boarded the 10.15 ferry to Cumbrae. There had been a thought to go up to the Glaid Stone, but that would get us to the Garrison too early for lunch, so we took the coast road going anti-clockwise towards Millport. A couple of ladies had got off the same ferry and were ahead of us walking in the same direction and it took us a good wee while to overtake them, but as we stopped for coffee at the benches at Fintry Bay, they passed by us, no doubt saying that these ‘gentlemen’ have no stamina, and were not to be seen again.

The temperature was rising slightly and, with the odd bursts of sunshine, hats and gloves began to be removed, and by half-past twelve we were all at the Garrison, either to take our own pieces or to buy a lunch.

The target was to get the 2.30 ferry back, but since we had plenty of time and we were not going up to the Glaid Stone today, just returning via Ferry Road, we visited the Cathedral. Most had a cursory look outside and moved on, but Alan, Davie, Jimmy and Paul went inside for closer inspection and fell behind the larger group who just made the 2.00pm ferry and then made for the Drouthy Neebors where the others, having caught the 2.30 ferry, joined them later for well-deserved FRT.

The best estimate was that we had covered nine and a half miles at a very decent pace. Some things don’t change!