Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Malcolm, Rex, Robert
It was a cold, raw, overcast morning as we met at the square in Catrine, and it was good to see Peter who came out to have a blether with us before we set off. Derval Davie joined us on a Wednesday walk for the first time in a number of months although he was not going to complete the whole walk. Nevertheless, it was good to see Isla!
The first section took us along the weel-kent riverside path up to the steep steps where Davie turned back to his car promising/threatening to meet up with us again as we approached the big house. After having taken coffee at our usual spot under the Howford Bridge we made our way down to the old road before taking a left up the hill passing some tree-fellers. Not only were there three fellows, but they were cutting broken trees. The effects of the recent storm were very visible today with many a large tree on its side and evidence where they had been cut to keep the paths and roads open. Anyway, at the top of the hill we turned right and at the bend in the road we went straight on underneath the railway bridge towards Auchinleck House and a few hundred yards up the road we met Davie and Isla who had walked down to meet us. By this time, we were beginning to remember doing this walk a good few years ago especially as we arrived at the entrance to the Gorge Walk. Most took this option, but Davie C and his minder, Johnny, took the more direct route straight on to Boswell’s Coach House.
The main group met two ladies coming in the opposite direction who recognised us as the Early Ooters from posts on Facebook, and meeting us in the flesh didn’t seem to spoil their day out. The old bridge was guarded by a fallen tree. Normally there is a sign denying access, a sign we have often ignored in the past, but not today, as we took a left and made our way back on to the track up to meet up with the other guys at Boswell’s. Derval Davie and Isla left us here whilst the group made their way up to the steps of Auchinleck House for lunch. It wasn’t too warm sitting there, so before long we were off again down the access road and retracing our steps back to the cars. Whereas most took the direct route, Alan McQ took Graham to look at Wallace’s Cave and then up towards the Ballochmyle Viaduct before walking to the pub in Mauchline.
The main group arrived back at Catrine having done seven and a half miles or so in three hours and twenty minutes. At Catrine we normally would have then had to walk back to the cars at Sorn, but most were very happy today not to have to do the extra couple of miles. FRT was taken in the Black Bull in Mauchline where Alan and Graham appeared not long after the first arrivals. A good time was had here and thanks again to Karan, the barmaid, for the sausage rolls, much appreciated! She had promised on a previous visit that she could organise a visit to Barskimming Estate for us, offering to come with us to show us around. Alan McQ spent some time discussing this with her and firmed up that offer by taking down her details! The summer was suggested as a suitable time.
Another grand day out!
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