Croy to Maidens 2nd July

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

Eleven Ooters met up at the car park at Croy shore on a rainy morning but, with blue skies in the distance, and a promise of sunshine within the hour, we set off on the beach towards Culzean. By hallway the light rain had just about gone off and by the time we took the steps up off the shore and into Culzean it was warming up nicely. At this point we met Derval Davie and Isla who had walked from Maidens to meet us and, after a short stop to exchange pleasantries, we marched on to the shelter at the battery to have coffee. It has to be said that Culzean’s current theme is ‘Alice in Wonderland’ with large Lego models of the characters dotted around the park. This certainly pleased the kids amongst us!

Having refreshed ourselves the next stop was at the far end of the algae-covered Swan Pond at which point Alan, Allan and Johnny decided that this would be their turning point whilst the rest walked on to find the steps down to the beach and thence to Maidens for lunch at the harbour. The three walked up the avenue and took in the walled garden which was in fine fettle with a particularly nice wildflower border. Some tourists, mainly from the far east were being given a tour after which they got into executive transport and were whisked off – how the other half live! After having explored the bookshop, the threesome took lunch on the adjacent bench in what was now glorious sunshine.

Moving on they passed through the very busy visitor centre before taking the steps back down to the beach and re-tracing their steps back to the cars arriving back at quarter past one having covered, we think, six and a half miles. Whilst waiting for the main party Derval Davie arrived having driven from Maidens to meet us and when he saw the guys coming into sight, he took Isla on to the beach and walked to meet them.

The others arrived back at two o’clock having followed a similar return journey through Culzean and having done nine miles or so.

FRT was taken at the Dunure Inn/Anchorage where we enjoyed a good hour and were surprised and delighted to be given two complimentary portions of chips. A grand day out!