Loch Doon 19 July

 

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Paul, Rex, Robert

We met at the car park at Craigmark’s football ground and, given the excellent weather, we decided to do the walk from Loch Doon Castle. The views up the loch were grand and, before we knew it, we had assembled again at the car park across from the castle. This was to be a new walk for most of us. So, we set off, towards the head of the loch, in good heart and at a decent pace and before long had crossed the first bridge of the day, the one over Carrick Lane (our Cumnock sage tells us that burns are called lanes in this part of the world). Most of us went down to see the wee waterfall before returning to the road. Passing the renovated Starr Cottage (a Starr Trek today) we walked along the forest road until the next bridge was encountered, over Gala Lane, and just beyond here we stopped for coffee.

Gus was suffering from an Achilles tendon injury, so he decided to walk back to his car from the coffee spot. He had come prepared to pass his time bringing, some reading material, a deck chair, and a knotted handkerchief.

The rest continued up the track with the Rhinns of Kells on our left and the Galloway Forest hills appearing on our right, making for some inspiring scenery. We had feared that we would be enclosed by the trees on either side of us but, because of tree-felling, at least one side was always open. By about half past eleven we were at the second bridge over the Gala Lane, a point where some thought the walk would turn round, but those at the front walked on. Allan decided to turn back here (A Bridge Too Far) and return to his vehicle, not realising that the main party was just going to walk for another ten minutes or so along the track until it deteriorated on to some rough, soggy grass and then to another bridge for lunch.

The return journey was by the same route with the main group returning to the cars having covered nearly nine miles in about three and a half hours. Killie Davie was having knee problems when he arrived back. It was not to be his day!

If it wisnae for the Ooters, where wid ye be?

Lyin’ on a trolley at the infirmaree

So, bring along a chocolate bar

And another wan for me

When you come for a walk wi’ the Ooters

 FRT was taken at the sitooterie at the Dalmellington Inn where, as usual, we enjoyed our drinks and the legendary banter. As we were about to leave, we noticed that wee Davie was ‘not with us’. Thankfully, with the help of Dr Porter (The Wizard Of Oz) and Nurse Kerr (Carry On, Nurse! Eat your heart out Ronnie Thompson!), and a Mars bar, he eventually came round and was able to be driven home without the need for medical treatment. What he doesn’t know is that whilst trying to revive him, he was given a gentle slap on his cheek by Gus or one of his assistants. This was too much of an opportunity to miss, so the rest of the Ooters formed an orderly queue behind him so we could all have a slap. Mind you, when the kiss of life was suggested, everyone took a step back and thought of the motto*. Seriously though, it was a relief that he recovered, even better that the kitty was intact! And to be fair to the punters in the pub, genuine concern was shown.

A memorable day out!

*Thou shalt not show undue compassion or concern. Or words to that effect.