The Loch Lapraik Circular Walk

 Present: Alan, Bob, Gus, Jimmy, Dougie, Graeme, Rex, Hugh, Killie Davie and Derval Davie

First to set the record straight right away, the name of this new loch beside the Muirkirk-Cumnock road is  not Loch Wellwood, as it was copyrighted many years ago by yours truly as a token of appreciation for John Lapraik, a fellow poet and  friend of Robert Burns. (See Epistle to John Lapraik by Robert Burns). Lapraik lived on the other side of the road from the loch and his grave can be seen in Muirkirk churchyard. So that's you tell't, Jimmy.

Anyway, the above 10 met in Kames carpark for what was to be a semi-new walk round the loch as the Early Ooters had never come this way before. The weather forecast was favourable for the whole day, and so it turned out to be as we set set off down by Tibbie's Brig (Tibbie Pagan, another poetess and contemporary of Burns), along the Garpel Water, before ascending the steps onto the old railway. However, today we did not make a right turn to Wellwood farm, but instead carried straight on along the old track, with Bob showing compassion for Dougie and his artificial hips, by lifting the old rusty gate clear so that he could pass through. See, I knew that Bob could be a nice guy!

We ambled along at a nice pace with the vista of the new loch suddenly appearing before us. We turned left and started the uphill climb towards the big rock which has been upended on the top of the hill. En route we met up with Bob Stakim, the husband of one of DD's nieces who was out doing a bit of birdwatching.

After a short conversation with Bob, 3 of our number decided to take the path to the right, while the other 7 decided to head up to Russel Griggs's stone. (Russel Griggs, who he?  For the answer , consult Gus.)

After a photo shoot at the top, we retraced our steps to follow the other three. As we proceeded along the west side of Loch Lapraik, we could see clearly the memorial to the Rev. Richard Cameron and the other Covenanters who were buried here after the Battle of Airds Moss on the 20th July 1680. Before long, we crossed a wee brig over the outlet to the loch, noticing that the water was crystal clear as it made its way  to join the river Ayr.

Soon we had joined up again with the front three on the boardwalk where we all had lunch as we normally do at this point. As we made our way back to Kames along the river, Isla had a great time retrieving sticks from the river. The cars were reached 3 hours and 50 minutes after we had set off; so the answer to last week's blog question is: yes, your scribe does tell lies. It did not just take 3 hours for the walk!

No FRT today as this was our scheduled curry night where the above 10 were joined by Johnny, Billy Ronnie and Malcolm. The food was absolutely delicious, albeit each course taking some time to arrive. Of course this allowed more time for the consumption of wine and beer. KD suggested a chorus of the Ooters' Song, and then  promptly forgot the words! DD had to leave before the bill arrived to catch the Derval bus  at 5 to 10, but promises to pay his debts next week.

All in all this was an absolutely super day with everybody enjoying the walk, the food, the banter. Long may we continue to enjoy days like this!