Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Paul, Rex, Robert
We assembled on a bright, but bitterly cold, morning at the Visitors Centre at Whitelee Windfarm with thoughts of having a coffee first, but most just wanted to get on with the walk and, in the event, with the centre being closed (it seems to completely shut at present), we set off for the Lochgoin Circuit. There had only been a light dusting of snow over the last day or so, but with it thawing and then refreezing, underfoot conditions were treacherous, with us searching out the white, crunchy stuff to walk on.
Half an hour into our trek and Wee Davie succumbed to the ice, slipped, and landed, fortunately, on his rucksack. Having been helped to his feet, Allan explained to him that, on his way down he had swung his walking pole and cracked Allan across the mouth. There appeared to be no damage to either of them although it was later discovered that Davie’s piece box had in fact been smashed to pieces and that his spec box had been mangled. It could have been worse!
No matter, we marched on carefully and took coffee at the far end of the reservoir beside turbine 88. Moving on from there we simply followed the signs for the circuit, deviating slightly to head down to the dam before rejoining the recognised route opposite the path up to the Lochgoin (Covenanters) Monument. This proved to be too much of an attraction, and we headed up to it for lunch. Whilst eating we took in the views from Ailsa Craig to Arran and up to Ben Lomond as visibility was excellent.
Fifteen minutes later and we were on the last leg of our walk and by ten past one all were safely back at the cars having covered eight miles.
It had been one of those walks where you had to keep your head down and watch every step you took with most amongst us having had a wee slip but, nonetheless, with the constant winter’s sun and blue skies, it had been a satisfying day out. Wee Davie might not agree!
FRT was taken at the Kings Arms in Fenwick where a relaxing time was had.
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