Dailly and Bargany 7th May

 

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Malcolm, Paul

The good weather continued as we assembled in Dailly for what would be a new walk for the Ooters. Everyone who was coming was accounted for, so we set off at 9.50 and made our way along Main Street to a marker board indicating the start of the Dalquharran walks. Soon we were crossing the weel-kent bridge over the Water of Girvan and were at the old Dalquharran Castle in no time. After some exploration, we moved on to the newer castle, roofless since the mid sixties as a ploy to avoid taxes/rates but with the stonework in remarkably good condition. Although fenced off the two Alans and Jimmy found their way into the building for a nosey before emerging, but on the wrong side of the fence. The majority were instructed to follow the adjacent path following the red marker arrows whilst they found their way out through an abundance of nettles before eventually catching up with the rest. As suggested earlier we were now on the red trail and just after eleven we stopped for coffee at a splendid bench beside a couple of telescopes. There were a number of new benches dotted along the trail, and it is hoped that they do not succumb to any vandalism. Piece offerings were given to Alan who had left his pieces at home in Ayr!

We completed the circular route back to the old castle and were back at the cars about midday having covered between three and four miles. It was a ten-minute drive to Bargany where we found a car park close to the walled gardens. Noticing an honesty box suggesting £3 per adult for the visit, cash was duly inserted, and we strolled down to the gardens to view the azaleas, rhododendrons and a myriad of other colourful plants, some of us even taking cuttings. A nice spot beside on old pond/swimming pool was chosen for lunch before we returned to the cars.

But the day was not over as our leader took us through the very picturesque estate and out to the big house, which we skirted, and down to the bridge over the river which proved to be our turning point.  Retracing our steps, we were again in awe of the colour of the shrubs and the height of the trees and wondered about the kind of money needed for the upkeep of the estate. By the time we reached the cars yet again, we had done six and a half miles in total for the day and were ready for FRT which was taken at the Greenside in Maybole where Alan the Younger treated us to chips. Thanks, Alan.

The weather had been kind again today, although when the sun was hidden by cloud there was a distinct nip in the air, the underfoot conditions were good and the scenery was excellent meaning that a return visit in the month of May, when the gardens are open, is something to consider in future years.