Hurlford to Darvel 21 August

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Robert

The proposed Glenapp to Ballantrae walk had been postponed due to a very poor weather forecast, so we met at the bowling club in Hurlford, or at least close to the club as the car park was very busy, for the Grougar Walk to Loudoun Kirk. The rain threatened all the way, although it is was very mild, and there was a stiff breeze, but it wasn’t until we got close to the Kirk that the rain came on, not too heavy but annoying just the same. One feature that was missing on the route was the usual joke at the entrance to farm/stables on our left, but more of a worry was the fly-tipping that was spotted at the side of the road. Being solid citizens, this abomination was reported to the local council.

It was quarter past eleven or so when we sat down for coffee/lunch in the kirkyard, seeking as much shelter as we could from the precipitation, and when it was time to set off again the plan to go in to Galston and follow the Chris Hoy Way back to the cars had changed. In order to accommodate Isla (and because he didn’t like walking the Chris Hoy Way) Derval Davie suggested walking along the riverside path to Darvel, going to the Black Bull, and then getting the bus back He itemised the minutes that this would take and convinced the majority of the merits of this alternative. Allan, Johnny, Malcolm and Paul reneged, however, and set off back the way they had come getting back to their cars at one o’clock, having encountered light rain for most of this section, but about fifteen minutes of heavier stuff. They then headed to the Black Bull to meet up with the rest for FRT.

The main group had gone via the entrance to Loudoun Academy where Alan, having finally completed his tunnel, celebrated his escape outside the building, and had brought along a nice wee dram to mark the occasion. We wish Alan a long and happy release from teaching. The main group arrived at the pub about five minutes after the others, rather wet, and indicating that Davie minutes seemed to be rather longer than standard ones. Their actual language was rather more colourful, mind you! They had covered about nine miles whilst the other four had done just under eight. A pleasant hour was spent at the Black Bull but, as usual, we wondered how the place can afford to open during the day as, without us, there were so few customers. Thanks to Gus for buying the first round to celebrate his 70^th birthday.