Loudoun Castle 4th March

  

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

It was a fine, but chilly, morning as we assembled at Barrmill Park in Galston for the walk up to Loudoun Castle. Kay dropped Davie and Isla at the gates to the Castle estate as the walk up the main road wouldn’t suit the dog, and they waited as the rest walked towards them at a sensible speed. Alan was wearing his psychedelic sunglasses in the hope he wouldn’t be recognised passing Loudoun Academy, his former place of work, although he was advised not to worry as you are soon forgotten when you leave, allegedly.

Passing through the gates we walked along the driveway and up to the fenced-off remains of the castle and, having skirted around it, we continued on our way. It was difficult to process that there had been a theme park there not so very long ago. Anyway, we eventually left tarmac and took a path through the trees up to Woodhead. Our boots were muddy by this time, indicative of the fact that the path had been mucky in places, hardly surprising given the recent weather.

Emerging back on to the road, there was a discussion about which way to go next, indicative of the divergent aspirations of those involved these days. Go left and continue up the road, or go straight on, a shorter route that would be the quickest way down into Newmilns. The latter option won out, and we walked on for fifteen minutes or so until we stopped for coffee at the old bridge. From there it was a matter of walking down Huggin Craig Road and Borebrae down into the town turning right at Main Street and finding the footbridge over the River Irvine and making our way to Brown Street. Five of our number, Alan, Dougie, Gus, Hugh and Jimmy decided to veer left and go up Windyhill Road and get to Galston that way in order to extend the walk a bit, whilst the rest made their way on to the Strath path for the last leg back to the cars. By this time there was warmth in the sun, and we were beginning to perspire, indicative of too many layers, but the low path group were finished by quarter to one and took what was left of their pieces before heading off to the Black Bull in Darvel for FRT. The others, having taken lunch enroute were about half an hour behind them having done 7.2 miles, half a mile more than the Strath guys.

All reassembled in The Black Bull for refreshments where the sage of Derval introduced the word of the day, indicative, if you hadn’t already guessed. Whether this word will overtake fabulous, or even superb, remains to be seen. Nonetheless a jovial time was had indicative of the camaraderie of the group.

Next week’s word of the day? Suggestions on a postcard!

 

Some images from the Loudoun Castle walk

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 11th March

Failford Gorge

Meet at Failford for a walk before the evening's curry in celebration of Hugh's birthday. 

Maidens Culzean 25th February

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

Constant rain was forecast, and it proved to be correct, so the proposed Straiton walk was postponed in favour of a walk at Culzean where some shelter could be gained. Meeting at Maidens, we set off at about ten past ten (the Kilmarnock charabanc being delayed) and, with umbrellas to the fore, made our way along the road through the caravan park and to the entrance to the country park. Most then turned left along a path whilst the rest continued up the road to the Swan Pond. The group re-assembled at the head of the pond and made for our usual coffee spot at the howff beside the Battery. Currently, there is no charge for eating here but, after a vote, it was decided to continue up to the café at Home Farm and purchase coffees/scones there. This proved to be a welcome stop as it allowed us to get dried off, being wet from the inside, as the mild temperature today had caught most out with too many layers.

Disappointingly for some, the book shop was closed so we started to retrace our steps back to Maidens with most taking the cliff path whilst wee Davie and his escort, Alan, took to the path to the Swan Pond and waited for the guys to join them. It was ten to one when we arrived back at the cars having done the best part of six miles. Underfoot had been mucky in places, not surprising given the amount of rain that had fallen recently, and although it rained constantly it was not heavy rain and hadn’t been much of a problem. As said before, we were more wet from the inside out.

Lunch was taken here before we set off for the Dunure Inn for FRT where Johnny was presented with a bottle of whisky in appreciation of Helen and him hosting the Burns Supper. Wee Davie bought the first round to celebrate the birth of his grandson, Fraser. Thanks, Davie, and we wish the best to Fraser, Jennifer and Richard.

A good time was spent here, as usual.

Arrangements for Wednesday 4th March

Galston to Darvel

Meet at Barrmill Park in Galston for a walk to Darvel via Loudoun Castle.

Some images from the Maidens-Culzean walk

Wed 25 New arrangements

 Meet in the Maidens  , park close to Culzean. The plan is to seek the shelter of Culzean because the forecast is 100% chance of rain. Bring a brolly and a change of clothes.

Glasgow 18th February

 Alan McQ, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Hugh, Ian, Malcolm, Rex and Robert

It was half past ten when we started off from the Counting House due to the bus from Ayr being delayed by roadworks. Emerging into a chilly north-easterly breeze, we made our way around the northern side of George Square, followed North Hanover Street and crossed the motorway using the Sighthill Bridge (or "rusty bridge" as it is known by the locals due to its weathering steel structure). Speirs Wharf was soon reached and thereafter it was the familiar route alongside the Forth-Clyde canal past Firhill Stadium to the locks at Maryhill. Thankfully, the chill wind was behind us along this stretch and the only issues involved being constantly aware of cyclists approaching from both directions. After posing for a photo at Maryhill Locks, the group continued for a short distance alongside the canal before finding the path on the left which leads down to the Kelvin Walkway. After a toilet break at the Botanic Gardens, we kept up the brisk pace all the way along Great Western Road to Charing Cross and then to our lunch venue at Hengler's Circus in Sauchiehall Street before we made our separate ways home by train or bus having covered 9 miles or thereabouts. Despite it having been cold and overcast, the weather had remained dry for the duration of today's walk.

Some images from the Glasgow walk

Arrangements for Wednesday 25th February

Straiton

Meet in Straiton at 10am where we can decide on an appropriate route following one of the many traffic-free trails which radiate from the village. Option of a coffee in the café before we set off.

Lugar Water walk

 

Alan Mc, Alan S, Davie C, Davie Mc, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Paul, Robert & Rex

On a damp, dreepy day eleven Ooters gathered at Knockroon in Cumnock for what should have been a delightful walk. It might have been if it hadn’t been for the continual drip of rain and one or two really mucky sections. Davie Mc decided to drive into Woodroad Park and wait for us there.

We left Knockroon and strolled casually into Cumnock noting Kier Hardie’s house on Auchinleck Road. At the Lugar bridge we crossed the road and entered Woodroad Park. Some more nostalgia from the Cumnockians who pionted out where the swimming pool was and where ‘Tarzan’ gave a demonstration of diving. Then we left the park and climbed up under Templand viaduct where we found the new path designated ‘Broombraes’ and followed this to Lugar. Here Davie Mc, protecting his sare back, turned back. We would meet him later.

Coming along the main road through Lugar brought us to the Lugar Spoot. Coffee/early lunch was taken here before crossing the Lugar Water and following this to Lugar Viaduct. It was here that we met the first of our glaury sections. It didn’t last though and walking through the fields towards the ruins of Barlonachan Farm was much cleaner. Our leader for the day was in his usual position at the rear when he noticed the advanced group veer off in the wrong direction taking the majority with them. A few shouts and screeches attracted attention and the wayward group were soon returned to the fold. At the ruins came the last climb of the day towards Longmore Farm. Unfortunately for us the wet weather and the farmer’s quad had turned the track to mush. Oozy mud and a few choice phrases were the order of the day for the next quarter of a mile. A gate, farmer-tied with bailer twine, had to be negotiated and more mud was experienced before we found firmer footing past Longmore. Then we came to some sensible walking on Glenmuir road.

This was followed without break down through Logan, down Barrhill Road and into the town. The long-lost Davie Mc had just come to his car and was driving along Auchinleck Road as we were walking there. Two of our number, who shall remain un-named, succumbed to temptation and accepted a lift in the aforementioned car. The rest walked back to Knockroon and a change into dry kit.

FRT was taken in our usual howf, the Black Bull in Mauchline, where we were treated to our usual fare. Thanks again folks.

Some images from the Lugar walk