Castle Semple and Howwood 8 February

Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Ian, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

 

There was a bitterly cold wind as we assembled at the car park at Castle Semple, hence we were champing at the bit to get started although, let it be noted, we waited until exactly 10 o’clock before doing so. Graham Gibson joined the group and was welcomed as the latest Ooter. He fitted in seamlessly.

Robert suggested that we do the walk in an anti-clockwise direction to lessen the wind-effect, so off we strode up the hill to Auchengrange House where, by tradition, we had a look at the snowdrops, not in full bloom yet, but still a pretty sight. Continuing up past Newton of Belltrees we passed a lady walking her two dogs. Robert passed the time of day and managed to get himself entangled in one of the dog leads, much to the hilarity of everyone. Despite our pleas to keep Robert and take him home with her, Robert was freed and managed to see the funny side of things. We knew Kate kept him on the lead but this was taking things a bit far! Coffee was taken at eleven o’clock beside the track and by midday we had come down into Howwod and took lunch in one of the shelters at the railway station.

The walk along the track below the Temple (Folly) on Kenmure Hill was into a very strong wind, but even so, Davie, Gus, Ian, and Rex took to the hill whilst the rest walked round the track to meet up again at the cycle path. We appreciated the shelter from the wind on this path and only battled with it again when we emerged close to the Visitors’ Centre. Three hours and twenty-five minutes for nearly nine miles were today’s numbers and we agreed that going anti-clockwise was the better way to do the walk. The wind was only a feature for a small part of the walk and underfoot had been good with only the grass path as we approached Bowfield being a bit wet and muddy. FRT was taken in the Brown Bull where a relaxing and humorous time was spent.