24 April 2024 - Cumbrae

 Jimmy, Davie M, Davie C, Allan, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Dougie, Gus, Hugh

Ten Ooters assembled in Largs on a sunny but cool morning for the 10.15 crossing to Cumbrae.   Allan and Johnny were warmly welcomed back after their absence.

We set off in a clockwise direction. At the junction of Ferry Road and the road to the Glaid Stone, Johnny, Allan and Malcolm chose to continue directly to Millport while the rest took the longer and higher route to the Glaid Stone.  To quote Davie M, the view from the Glaid Stone was "fabulous".  Blue sea, blue sky, with every peak on Arran standing out. Jimmy was able to name the line of mountains visible to the north of us in the direction of the Arrochar Alps and Ben Lomond.  

By now it had warmed up considerably, with layers of clothing gradually coming off. As we descended to Millport, Jimmy had to head back to the Glaid Stone for one of his discarded items of clothing. The remaining Ooters, in caring mode, slowed the pace and he was soon back in the fold.

As we entered Millport we met up with the other three who had already lunched at the Garrison and were about to head back to the ferry.  They weren't going to the pub in Largs so we bade them a fond farewell.

We had lunch in the gardens in front of the Garrison.  Everyone apart from Dougie had brought packed lunches so he popped inside and emerged with a tuna and sweetcorn roll.  Sadly for Dougie there was no evidence of any sweetcorn in the roll but no doubt he can sue them for damages under the Trades Descriptions Act.

There is a major construction project going on in Millport with the building of a new sea wall.  We had to deviate a little from our usual route but managed to strike up a conversation with a workman. Sadly for him, Robert wasn't there to offer him advice.

Hugh and Dougie steamed ahead on the west side of the island leaving the rest of us in their wake.  The prospect of ice creams at Fintry Bay was mooted and the treasurer was consulted.  The treasurer said "Yes" but paled a little when it came to settling the bill.  £14 for 5 ice creams! Hugh and Dougie could not be tempted to join us.

The Native American Rock was located, many greylags were spotted on the coastline and soon we approached the building close to the north end which had been used until recently as an Outdoor Centre.  Davie M challenged us to name it and of course no one had a clue. But the name was on a gatepost - "Hush Hush".  Our next challenge was to explain the name but before we could, Jo, who was working on the site with her partner Les, came to speak to us.  They had been gradually renovating the whole place and converting it into a dwelling over a period of nine years and they had made good progress since we last passed by.  Jimmy's "Scottish Athletics" sweatshirt impressed Jo since she had worked with the Scottish Athletics team during the Commonwealth Games.  She explained how the buildings had been a secret listening post for submarines during WWII, hence the name.

Having spent another pleasant 10 minutes chatting we were well behind Hugh and Dougie.  They eventually phoned us from the ferry terminal and said they would wait for us, even though they could have caught an earlier ferry back to the mainland.

As we approached the terminal things, didn't look quite right on the ferry front.  We had spotted one ferry manoeuvring off Largs before heading back in.  Another one was on its way to Largs.  Eventually a ferry did arrive and its cargo was unloaded but the crew weren't happy with the ramp.  Something (WD40 was suggested) was sprayed around the pistons and then a hammer was sent for.  But all to no avail.  Meanwhile the other ferry arrived and took up its place alongside the stricken one.  It was unloaded and loaded successfully and off we went leaving behind a very long line of waiting vehicles and the clapped out ferry.  No doubt it was the SNP's fault.

It must have been well past 3.30 by the time we got to the Drouthy Neebors, where a pleasant hour was spent in the beer garden, with the sun still beating down!  Another great day out even if the day's kitty only yielded a surplus of £2!

Some images from the Cumbrae walk

I got pelters from Dougie for always showing him from the back (Which I consider his best side) so here he is in all his glory.

 

Arrangements for 1 May

The plan is to climb Windy Standard from the Waterworks at the head of Glen Afton. 

It was agreed to meet for a weather check at 9.45 am at the Cemetery, which is half a mile along the Glen Afton road out of New Cumnock.

Sorn to Kingencleugh and return 17 April 2024

Present: Dougie, Malcolm, Bob, Paul, Gus, Killie Davie and Derval Davie 

Due to holidays and other commitments, only the magnificent seven above turned out on a lovely spring morning at Sorn Kirk carpark to walk to Kingencleugh. We chose, because of Isla and the roadworks, not to go up the main road but instead over the old Sorn brig and up into the wood. Everything was much greener than it had been a week ago and we were all enjoying a rainless walk for a change. We met up with Peter at Catrine and had a 10 minute blether with him before crossing the Square and proceeding along the river by Catrine Holm. The steep steps just beyond the Burn O' Need had us all pechin' and pantin'; Isla was enjoying fetching sticks from the middle of the river Ayr.

We stopped as usual, being creatures of habit, under the new (? built 1960-2!) Howford Brig. Thereafter we all headed for the Mauchline Gorge, with Derval Davie daring all to walk onto the precipitous ledge. Only Bob took him up on it! Walking along this part of the gorge is an absolute pleasure and soon we were walking off the path to make for Kingencleugh. It's been a few years since we took our lunch on the wooden steps leading down to the railway. Today we noted that the old steps have been replaced by a metal staircase with the gate padlocked.

The first part of the Kingencleugh wood running alongside the main road proved to be really muddy but soon we were back on the old Howford road having our lunch on the big stones on the brig. Most of us at this point divested ourselves of heavy coats and jackets as the day had fairly warmed up. 

We retraced our steps back through Catrine and arrived back at the cars at roughly 10 past 2, our walk having taken roughly 4 hours and 10 minutes.

FRT of course was taken at the Black Bull in Mauchline with the banter being accompanied with pizza slices supplied by the barmaid for which we were extremely grateful. The pizza, the banter, a 4 hour plus walk and nice weather for a change made this a very enjoyable day out.

Arrangements for Wed 24 April

 Meet in Largs at around 10.00.a.m. to get the 10.15 .ferry to Cumbrae. The actual walk around Millport will probably be decided on the ferry. Bus passes  may be useful for some people.

Arrangements for 17 April

 Meet at Sorn Kirk at 10 am for a walk to the Ballochmyle Viaduct and on to Kingencleugh if the weather is OK.

Revised revised arrangements for Wednesday 10th April

"Single A" walk: Ayr

I checked out the "Annbank Circular" route today and would suggest that it's not appropriate to follow this route tomorrow. Several trees have blown down around the route following storm Kathleen last weekend, the path is under water in places where the River Ayr has burst its banks and underfoot conditions are very muddy pretty much everywhere. Wet weather forecast for tomorrow is just going to make conditions worse.

Therefore, I propose that we go for plan B - meet in Ayr for a walk out to the Burns Museum where any Ooters just wanting a coffee can meet us there at 11am. We can follow the "Tam o' Shanter" trail from Burns Statue Square out to Alloway. Return route can be decided as weather and enthusiasm dictates. 

Suggest we meet at Rabbie's statue in Burns Statue Square for a 10am start. Free parking available in the car park adjacent to Morrison's supermarket in Castlehill Road. FRT can be taken in the Market Inn.

Ailsa Craig update.

 

Spoke to Jim today (after trying to get hold of him for the past 3 evenings, land line only-see below) and he is looking at the Monday, Tuesday or Thursday of the second week in June. 

The cost is £40 assuming he can get 12 to fill the boat which costs £480. 

Those of you who know Jim will remember he is a bit of a technophobe- no email, no mobile phone… He was a Biology teacher - sound familiar? 

Will speak with him next week for more information.

Revised Arrangements for Wednesday 10th April

"Double A" walk: Annbank - Auchincruive

Isla is concerned that she might not get on the bus from Ayr so her faither has requested that we meet at the Bowling Club in Annbank for a 10am departure. We can still have the option of a coffee in the Bothy Cafe around 11am when any Ooter who is not able to do the walk can join us. Our route will then take us over the Oswald Bridge to the Wallace/Burns cairn and back to Annbank via the River Ayr Way. FRT can be taken in the Tap o' the Brae pub.

Some from the Maidens to Culzean walk

A wet Wednesday wander from Maidens round Culzean

Alan Mc, Dougie and Jimmy 

 Only three intrepid* Ooters walked today. Others did arrive at the meeting point but looked at the torrent falling from the leaden sky and, deciding that discretion was the better part of stupidity, promptly went home. So only three happed themselves in waterproofs, braved the elements and set off along the Maidens shore road despising wind and rain and ……. Alan Mc was appointed the leader for the day for the other two thought it a good idea to have somebody to blame and Alan being the youngest and the smallest, was promptly appointed leader. He knew where he was going though and led us through the caravan park to the lane into Culzean policies.

 It was here we found a group of volunteers who were deciding whether to carry out repairs to the boardwalk in the downpour or head back to the visitor centre for coffee in the dry. We left them to their deliberations and followed the track to the swan pond. In the trees we were sheltered from the wind and the rain wasn’t being blown into us as it was before, it just fell vertically onto us. A visit to the walled garden was called for and that’s where we headed. There wasn’t much to see there today; only a couple of magnificent magnolia trees in full flower, pink and white, brightened up the dreich day. 

Then it was on along the road to the ruined arch. That’s where we met with the Maybole walking group. (So it is not just Ooters who are stupid enough to be out in this weather? Ed.) Then, with the smell of coffee in his nostrils, our glorious leader took us directly to the visitor centre tearoom where we enjoyed a few minutes over coffee in the dry. 

 After coffee, much to the surprise of at least one of his following, Mr Mc turned uphill towards the exit of the park. But he knew where he was going. To keep us off tarmac he turned onto a path through the trees beside the road – the first mucky bit he found for the day. But he certainly knew where he was going. First we turned left and found more muck. Then right on a new path to have a look at a pond and some llamas. Then back left, then right to find a path round another pond. Then we found ourselves back on the track we had just left. But Alan knew where he was going – we think. When we found ourselves on the old railway at least one of us knew where we were. We followed the old railway for a bit then found a track that led directly to the caravan park. But Mr. Mc wasn’t finished yet. He turned us left and found us more muck before leading out to the Maidens shore road and the transport.

 A total distance of 6.7 miles which, for the sake of simplicity, we will round up to seven. 

 And did the rain go off at all? Did it ………! 

 No FRT was taken today as t was felt that a better idea was to get back home into the dry. 

 *For intrepid please substitute any of the following – foolish, stupid, idiotic, unwise or any other adjective of your choice.

Arrangements for Wednesday 10th April

"Triple A" walk: Annbank - Auchincruive - Ayr

Meet at the car park behind Morrison's supermarket in Castlehill Road, Ayr in time for the bus to Annbank (Service 43A) which leaves from Killoch Place at 9:38am (the next bus at 9:54am doesn't go into Annbank so we would have to disembark at Mossblown instead). Pre-booking for dogs might be required on the bus. We will walk 8 miles back to Ayr via Auchincruive. For any Ooters who are unable to join us on the walk, they can meet us at the Bothy Cafe in Auchincruive around 11am for a coffee. FRT can be taken at the Market Inn in Ayr. In the event of poor weather, we can just have a walk around Ayr (for example Rozelle and Belleisle parks).

From DavieM. Why not just do the Annbank Circle? Saves faffing about on buses. FRT at Tap o the Brae.

Thanks for your suggestion, Davie. I think that's a sensible point you've made. I'll update the arrangments for next Wednesday and say that we'll meet at the bowling club for a 10am departure. If we follow the route in an anti-clockwise direction that still gives us the choice of a coffee in the Bothy Cafe around 11am when some Ooters who are not fit for walking can meet with us. Then continue our walk to the Burns/Wallace cairn and back to Annbank via the River Ayr Way. 

Alan McQ

Ailsa Craig

 I was speaking to Jim Corbett last week and he is planning a trip to Ailsa Craig in June, probably the second week.  Let me know if interested and I'll get back to him.

Irvine Valley Circular Walk 27 March 2024

Present: Hugh, Paul, Dougie, Bob, Gus, Malcolm, Killie Davie, Derval Davie.

After coffee, scones and a blether the above set off from Davie's, rather reluctantly, it has to be said, considering the weather prospects. Crossing through Darvel park we continued along past the Water Lip and on to the main road before ascending the brae and onto the old Darvel to Strathaven railway line. A steady drizzle accompanied us all the way to Loudoun Hill; Davie and Bob had met up with Billy Ramsay who invited the pair into Newlands Farm to see the new born lambs. This meant that this pair were now  half a mile behind the rest and the lung-bursting climbs from the farm took its toll. We turned off at the gate and along the south face of the hill, joining up with the rest. Nobody showed any enthusiasm or inclination to climb the hill today as the weather was so dreich. Malcolm had other things to see to so he retraced his steps, while the rest had lunch at the bench just beyond the Spirit of Scotland with the inscriptions: 

"The Knight Fenwick that cruel was and keen, he had at the death of Wallace's father been" - Blin' Harry.

"Thou saw'st the strong arm of a Wallace raised to stem the tide of evil tyranny." - Walter Scott

"At Wallace's name, what Scottish blood but boils up in a spring-time flood." -  Robert Burns 

After lunch we took as usual the wee single track road leading to Saughall. However Davie suggested a short cut due to the ever-falling smirr and nobody objected. We proceeded down past Gorsebraehead, High Newton and Ladybrow and onto the main road for 10 minutes, which did not please Isla at all. Turning left at Priestland we head up past Greenbank and back down into Darvel, believe it or not, in glorious sunshine! The walk had taken 3 hours and twenty minutes, roughly nine miles. FRT was taken in the Black Bull, where the banter was, as ever, very enjoyable.

Some photographs from the Darvel walk on Wed 27 March.

 

Having nothing better to do with myself today, I thought I would take a look back at some of our past outings.