Maybole to Maidens 9 August

 

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Hugh, Malcolm, Paul

We were all at Maidens in plenty of time to catch the bus to Maybole, a bus which takes a detour to go in and out of Kirkoswald. Anyway, the bus dropped us at the top of Gardenrose Path at 10.30, and we got underway immediately. It was perfect walking conditions, dry and bright, but without direct sunlight, as we headed across the bypass and up the road which is familiar to us from previous walks. Just beyond the first section of tree-felling (a feature today was the enormous amount of tree-felling that had taken place recently in the area) we took a left up a minor road and continued until just beyond Trees Cottage where we turned left and headed to the main road (B7023).

Having crossed the road we were now on the slightly overgrown grass path which was the start of the climb up Mochrum Hill (270m). After fifteen minutes or so we took a break before following Alan, on what he assured us, was the gentler of the routes up the hill. Underfoot, the path was a bit muddy at times but, before too long, we emerged from the trees and on to the final track up to the trig point. Reaching here at five to twelve, we had excellent views and there was a thought to take lunch, but it was a bit early and so we started our descent and before too long we came to recently built shooters’ platforms which led to a brand-new shooters’ howf, Camp David, by name. Our own camp Davids posed for some pictures. Remarkably, they didn’t need much persuasion and seemed very comfortable, maybe too comfortable, as they posed! The hut became our lunch spot, albeit it was locked, but we took our pieces in a very leisurely fashion and enjoyed our break.

In front of us stretched out a new road constructed of loose stones which would lead us right down to the main road and the entrance to Culzean, a big improvement on the overgrown track we used to encounter, but a road where boots are recommended due to the rough surface. Just as those at the back thought we were going across to enter the country park, Alan led us up to the left towards Thomaston and the wee caravan park, and on past more felled trees up to Balvaird Cottages. By this time, it was noticeable that Davie Minor was leaning away to his right. He said he felt fine, but we took a stop and he loaded himself up with an assortment of his sugary sweets, just to be safe. How’s this for compassion? Hugh, Gus, and Malcolm then took it in turns to carry Davie’s rucksack back to the cars. Not too much compassion though as they politely refused to carry the rest of our bags!

We turned right on to the road our bus had earlier taken us down towards the A719 and ten minutes later, without being passed by a vehicle of any description, we followed Alan on a grass path to our left which took us in to Knockanidding Wood. It had begun to smir and Gus was vindicated in bringing his umbrella, but it was still warm and wasn’t too much of an issue, although it got heavier as we eventually left the trees across from the sawmill and the caravan park.

Entering the caravan park, we very quicky found a path, again a bit overgrown with some dodgy underfoot conditions, before emerging on a track down to the Culzean end of Ardlochan Road, the road where most had parked their cars. Ten minutes later, at quarter past two, and having covered nearly eight miles in three hours and forty-five minutes, we were getting changed in quite wet conditions, before heading for the Balgarth in Ayr for FRT. This had been a good walk!

As we were on our second drink, we saw Iain and his wife coming in and we blethered to him for a wee while. Having been released from child-minding duties they were out for a coffee, and quite right too. Disappointingly, he declined the opportunity to add a tenner to our kitty!

And to end in a positive note, Davie made a remarkable recovery in the pub and was vertical when he left. One supposes that makes a change. Strangely enough though, the Balgarth had the same effect on Gus, who also had a leaning to the right, not politically it has to be said, a few months earlier. Is the Balgarth a cure for any other symptoms? Let’s hope we don’t have to put it to the test.