Castle Semple and Howwood (Snowdrop Walk) 5th February

 

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Paul, Rex, Robert

The heavy rain of the previous day had been replaced with a bright morning meaning we had good overhead conditions for today’s ‘snowdrop walk’. Castle Semple loch was as full as we’ve seen it, so we took to the cycle path right away on leaving the car park, not chancing the lower path next to the water. We didn’t visit the Collegiate Church today but made straight for the turn-off to Kenmure Hill. As usually happens at this point, some decided to go up and over the hill whilst the rest, Dougie, Johnny and Robert, decided to go around. Those that went over had coffee at the top before meeting up with the others on the path below. As could be expected, a part of the path was flooded, but this was negotiated relatively easily and, to be honest, the going was better than expected.

Making our way into Howwood we found the relentless steps that took us on to the road that took us even more relentlessly up to Bowfield. It was noted that this road gets longer and steeper every time we do it. Making our way down to our right we all found the path to the left (remember the day Davie and Rex missed the path) that would take us to Newton of Belltrees. This is always the muddiest part of the walk, and so it proved to be, but still not as bad as expected, and we soon emerged at the top and onto the dry road. After another ten minutes or so we stopped at our usual spot beside the road for lunch. Johnny decided that it was better for him to keep moving, so he continued on his own leaving the rest behind.

On reaching Auchengrange we were slightly disappointed to note that we were probably a week early to view the snowdrops in full bloom but, never to miss an opportunity, Graham found a patch of them beside the road and collected some to take home. Alan was quick to describe him as a galanthophile, today’s word of the day.

The walk back to the cars was done in quick time, but not quick enough to catch up with Johnny who had beaten us by about five minutes. Three and a half hours for about eight and a half miles, some said nine. Jimmy and Kenny decided to head for home whilst the majority visited the Brown Bull for FRT. A pleasant and humorous way to end the day.                        

Some images from the snowdrop walk

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 12th February

Auchinleck Estate

Meet in Catrine at 10am for a walk to Auchinleck Estate.

Burns Supper 29th January

 The Morning

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Paul, Rex, Robert

Johnny had prepared tea/coffee and burgers for us we assembled at his house, bringing our contributions for the evening meal. A very pleasant time was spent enjoying his hospitality and watching a slideshow of Ooters pictures on his big television. However, a walk was in order and the majority set off for Irvine beach for the walk to Barassie and back in bright conditions. Johnny and Allan stayed behind to set up the room for the Burns Supper which was to follow in the evening.

 

The Burns Supper

Hugh and Paul couldn’t make the event, but we were joined by Billy, Davie Mc, and Jimmy for our annual Burns Supper. Thanks go to the guys who contributed to an excellent meal, well-prepared by Johnny. Jimmy chaired the Supper and delivered the Immortal Memory, Alan McQ addressed the Haggis, Robert said the Selkirk Grace, Davie Mc toasted the L,asses (despite forgetting to bring his notes), Allan toasted the Ooters, Davie C gave us the Address to the Tinned Haggis, Alan recited the Bowlers poem, Dougie entertained us with erroneous quiz answers, Graham read one of John Cooper Clarke’s poems, Rex delivered a Banjo Paterson piece, and Johnny got through A Man’s A Man. Everybody had taken part and can be proud of what they did and, without Ronnie’s musical input due to illness, the Ooters managed to get along just fine, belting out the usual favourites.

Unfortunately, we didn’t get to hear Gus’s much anticipated contribution as Billy took unwell during Allan’s speech (it really wasn’t that bad) and after assessing him for a wee while, it was though best that he should be checked out at A&E. Gus volunteered to take him and stayed with him well into the early hours before the medics decided that he had just fainted and was allowed home. We wish Billy a quick recovery and thank Gus for the care and attention he showed to Billy. Well done, Gus! At least he doesn’t now need to think about what to deliver next year.

Thanks again go to Johnny and Helen for their generous hospitality both in the morning and in the evening. Johnny, as is his custom, had produced personalised place mats for us and had printed song books. Helen and Johnny had prepared the table for us, Johnny had cooked the meal, and, at the end of the night, they were left with the clearing up. Thanks again, folks! Hopefully the Ooters will be invited back next year.

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 5th February

Castle Semple

Meet at the Lochwinnoch Visitor Centre at 10am for the walk around Castle Semple Loch.

Ayr and Pool 22nd January

  

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex, Robert

It was a cold, but bright, morning as we set off from Rex’s house in Alloway for a short walk prior to our pool tournament. Having passed by Burns Cottage we headed down Greenfield Avenue before taking a left up a lane which took us to Cambusdoon estate, where we followed the path by the Doon until we emerged back on to Shanter Way. From here we walked down to Alloway Auld Kirk and had a look around there before going on to the Brig o’ Doon and the Burns Memorial Gardens and Monument which was impressive. It was then felt that we should continue the Burns theme by taking coffee and scones in the Burns Birthplace Museum, and this we did, spending a pleasant forty minutes or so.

The return to Rex’s was by Rozelle Park getting back there just after half past twelve having done nearly four miles. Not much for a Wednesday, but a satisfying walk just the same.

 As we waited for the pool to begin and the pies heating up, Derval Davie paid us a fleeting visit. He was on his way to have a wee walk with Kay at Greenan and was delighted that he no longer needed an operation on his back. Good news, Davie! We hope you’ll be back walking with us in the not too distant future.

The Ooters displayed their usual expertise at the pool table and by three o’clock we had reached the point where the two finalists, Rex and Robert, were ready for their duel. It was a keenly contested match with Robert edging out Rex to become the champion for 2025. Well done, Robert! Indeed, well done to all for taking part.

Thanks, as always, go to Rex and Barbara for their generous hospitality.

 A guid day oot!

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 29th January

Burns Supper / Irvine Walk

Meet at Johnny's between 9.30am and 10am to drop off food for our Burns Supper. We can decide on a local walk when we meet.

Some images of the Portencross walk

 

Seamill to Portencross 15th January

 

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert

The frosts of last week had gone but this was still a bright, sunny, January morning with a cool breeze blowing. Perfect walking conditions. We had the biggest turnout for quite some time and since all were present in plenty of time, we set off from the car park on the Seamill road five minutes early heading for Portencross. Progress was swift, given the conditions, and Portencross Castle was reached at five past eleven. Lunch/coffee was taken, and as we were eating, a familiar and welcome friend appeared to join us. Yes, it was Isla…closely followed by Derval Davie. Davie, still unable to join us on the walks and awaiting surgery on his back, had indicated that he would come and join us at Portencross for a snack and a blether, and he was true to his word. It was good of him to make the effort.

We set off back to the cars half an hour later and were well spread out on the return journey with the back markers arriving at about quarter to one having covered the seven miles or so. Visibility was good today but, try as we might, we caught no sight of the new ferry, Glen Sannox, on the water.

FRT was taken in the Lauriston where some were disappointed to learn that the Guinness was aff. Nonetheless, a good hour was spent before heading for home.

Arrangements for Wednesday 22nd January

 Alloway and Pool Competion

Meet at Rex's at 10am for a walk around Alloway followed by the pool competition in which our current champion Dougie will defend his title from April 2023.

Whitelee 8th January

 

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Rex, Robert … and a bit of Kenny R

The first Wednesday walk of the new year saw us arrive at Whitelee windfarm on a bright, blue-skied, but bitterly cold morning. The temperature gauges in the cars were reading -5 deg and the scenario was reminiscent of the walk we did here last January, but thankfully the underfoot conditions were much better with the tracks lined with enough snow to get a grip on rather than the sheet ice of last year. Having bid each other a happy New Year, we were about to set off when Kenny arrived, having travelled down from Elderslie to join us. However, he left his car, shook our hands and wished us a happy New Year, and then said he had to head back home as the man from Dyno-Rod had just phoned him to say he was on his way to his house to sort a central heating/drainage issue. It was good to see Kenny and maybe next time he can stay a bit longer.

Anyway, we set off on the Lochgoin circuit carefully following the signs and after about forty minutes it was time for a few to lose some layers as it was warming up fine in the sunshine. By eleven o’clock it was time for our coffee stop aside one of the turbines, but we weren’t allowed much of a rest as Robert had organised lunch for us today and he was keen to get a move-on. Suffice it to say that we were all back at the cars by twenty-five past twelve, two hours and twenty-five minutes for the seven miles or so, and not having stopped for lunch.

We then motored to CentreStage in Kilmarnock where a satisfying lunch was had accompanied by the usual banter. A guid day oot!

Burns Supper 29th Jan. 2025

      
Ooters Burns Supper 29th Jan 2025
Davy Mc, Jimmy, Gus, Davy Cl, Robert, Alan St. , Ronnie, Billy, Rex, Dougie, Graham, Allan, Johnny. Alan McQ.
14 participants
Any Ooters omitted, wrongly included or would now be able to attend inform Johnny ASAP - now printing table placemats
 

Food & Drink

Gus - Soup
Johnny - Haggis
Alan - Neeps , Bread
Robert - Apple Pie
Jimmy - Custard
Davy Mc - biscuits
Rex - Cheese

Alan McQ - Potatoes
Bring Your Own Booze

Actors
Jimmy - Chairman & Immortal memory
Johnny - Toast the Ooters
Davy Mc - Toast the Lassies
Alan McQ - The Haggis
Ronnie - Songs and Music
The Ooters - Each to contribute within their comfort zone.
 

Evening Programme
1800 – 1830    The Gathering
1830 – 1930    The Meal
1930 – 2030     Immortal Memory
                        Readings and Songs
2030 - 2040           Interval
2040 – 2140    Toast to the Lassies
                        Readings and Songs
2140 – 2150          Interval
2150 – 2240    Toast to the Ooters     
                        Readings and Songs
            2300 - Carriages

Some images from the Whitelee walk