Knockroon to Ochiltree - 15 March

 Rex, Graham, Dougie, Paul, Malcolm, Jimmy, Davie M, Davie C, Robert, Alan, Hugh.

We gathered at Knockroon at 9.45. Given the likely underfoot conditions not much enthusiasm was shown for the ascent of Corsencon ... so Ochiltree it was.

We passed through the impressive Barony Campus and joined the riverside path.  It wasn't in the best of condition with caterpillar tracks having churned it up.  Eventually we came across the guilty vehicle and workmen - unfortunately your scribe was too far away to hear the conversation that ensued but no doubt Robert was giving them useful advise.

Despite the ice-covered puddles on the track we made speedy progress to our coffee stop - the shelter in the nascent arboretum at Dumfries House.  The door was locked but we made use of the ample seating around the building ... although Jimmy opted to stand.

The low-lying ground beneath the Barony bing was swamped by overflowing burns but we managed to pick our way carefully through the floods before reaching higher, drier ground. Surprisingly, given past experience, the path up the bing to the A Frame wasn't too boggy and we were soon settling down to an early lunch at the picnic tables in the shadow of the old headgear. We were even treated to a few glimpses of the sun as the forecast rain had still not arrived.

In the absence of Allan, Robert had taken it upon himself to check bus times.  There is now just one bus an hour from Ochiltree back to Cumnock - on the half hour: and it looked as if we would just miss the 12.30 bus.  We left our lunch spot and followed the river, passing the old water wheel at Mill Affleck and passing over some very rickety wooden bridges to arrive in Ochiltree at around 12.45.  

Some of the company opted to "hang about" but the majority followed Davie M who took us on a bonus walk following another loop in the river. This path was very slippery with half an inch (1.27 cm for the youngsters) of liquid mud sitting on top of a harder base.  We passed the wheel and buildings of an old saw mill, Davie thought he might have seen a kingfisher and we were back in the village by 1.15.  There was just enough time for wee Davie to perform the world premiere of the new verse added to the Ooters' song to commemorate Paul's recent trip.   Your scribe can't remember the full verse but the rhymes included 'night', 'light', 'bright' and 'sh...".  

The bus was on time and bus passes were shown ... although Graham had to cough up £3.10. The first spots of rain were evident on the windscreen as we returned to Knockroon.  Well timed indeed!

FRT was taken in Mauchline at the Black Bull where the complimentary sausage rolls were much appreciated. The usual hour of nonsense ensued.

A good day out. It was suggested that the next time we do this walk we do it in reverse(!) - taking the bus to Ochiltree and walking back.

Distance (including bonus) 7.5 miles.