Coylton to Auchincruive 16 August

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Francesco, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

The day was overcast, but not cold, as we assembled to catch the bus to Coylton. It was good to have our Italian member, Francesco, with us again, who was obviously enjoying our summer warmth as he had his hood up waiting for the bus. Gus, still suffering from his Achilles issue, chose not to come with us, but would walk out to Auchincruive and meet us there. This bus was on time, and we were at Coylton starting our walk at ten o’clock.

We went up Barclaugh Drive before turning left down the minor road which took us to the road up to Sundrum. Passing over this road, we continued past workers who were carrying out renovations to overhead power lines and continued up to Milncraig Farm where we veered left and proceeded on this road until we eventually met the B744, a short distance from the familiar sight of Tarholm Bridge. It was not quite eleven o’clock when we took coffee here with most thinking that we would take the path on the side of the river which would take us up towards the Burns/Wallace monument and then across to Auchincruive. However, the option chosen was to take the path on the other side of the river, a very well-kent path, up to Annbank and the bowling club, and then take the track down to Auchincruive from there.

The stragglers reached there at about half-past twelve just in time to see Gus, who had taken his lunch at the monument, join up with us.

Lunch was taken at the Riverside café’s sitooterie, where the kitty bought the coffees, and a leisurely and peaceful time was spent. Davie took the opportunity here to present Jimmy with a Mars bar, to make up for the one that Jimmy had provided to revive him a couple of weeks ago whilst at Dalmellington. Such acts of friendship, or perhaps folly, don’t go unrewarded. It was interesting to note how many other Ooters were carrying Mars bars, just in case. Maybe we should also invest in a spirit level to check that we are upright at all times.

 My hero!

 As a group of ladies were leaving to continue their walk, one stopped and spoke to us and referred to us as gentlemen. Now we were chuffed as it had been a while since we had been called that, in fact Gus couldn’t remember ever being called that, but nonetheless, we took the time to explain to her that we were actually a group of retired, professional gentlemen, no less.

Alan said it would be a fifteen-minute walk to the bus stop, so the two o’clock bus was our target as we walked down the estate road arriving at the stop at quarter to two for the bus – which was late and didn’t arrive until twenty past. No matter, we were in no particular hurry, and by the time we got back to Ayr and the Market Bar, the sun was breaking through.

The total distance of the walk, including the walk to the bus stop, was about seven miles, and from start to finish, including stops, the time taken was three and three-quarter hours.

A rare time was had at the pub, and it was well after four when we left in brilliant sunshine, after commiserating with Alan on his imminent return to work. An excellent day out!

P.S. Even with the kitty having bought the coffees earlier, it was still in profit at the end of the day.