Ayr 10th September

 

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Malcolm

With rain forecast we again took the option of changing the walk from Kames to one starting from the Robert Burns Birthplace Museum in Alloway. Derval Davie was not going to walk with us so set off with Isla to do a beach walk and promising to catch up with us later for FRT.

Setting off along the cycle track on the old railway line we quickly came to the tunnel now resplendent with murals celebrating Burns and we were pleased to see that they had been untouched by graffiti. In warm but overcast conditions and with only a couple of very short periods of smirr we marched on, shedding layers, and passed above Greenan Castle before continuing to the benches beside Ayr India, our coffee/lunch spot.

Alan then led us up Seafield Road and across the old racecourse to follow a track beside Seafield and Belleisle golf courses. Emerging at the clubhouse and café at Belleisle we made our way down to the walled garden which was still displaying excellent colour from begonias. A brief stop here was followed by a walk up Greenfield Avenue before taking the track to the right up past the remains of Cambusdoon House on to Shanter Way and then back to the cars where Davie, as promised, was waiting for us. Sad to say he told us that Isla had been attacked by another dog on the beach and had the scars to prove it. We all hope that the wounds are superficial and that no real damage was done.

FRT was taken in the Market Inn where tragedy struck. The barmaid could not get Guinness to flow from her taps! Nonetheless, when she eventually managed to pour one, Johnny was given it free of charge. A pleasant hour was spent, and a decent day was had covering seven and a half mile in three hours. We had got the best of the weather as it started to bucket down as we left for home.