Failford and Curry 11th March

 

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

There had been heavy rain overnight and thundery showers earlier in the morning, so we were well kitted out with wet weather gear before setting off from Failford for the gorge walk. It was dry when we started with some blue skies and, other than a couple of brief light showers, it stayed dry and sunny all morning, the only downside being the cold wind which hit us on when we were on the higher, more exposed sections.

The walk itself is weel-kent, but to summarise, after the steep initial ascent of the steps we made our way up and down along the path, missing out a visit to Peden’s Pulpit today, and continued to the point where you can take the lower route down the steps or stay high. As usual there was a split, six staying high and the rest going low, but all got to the bench at the same time. There was a thought to have coffee and then turn back from there, but Derval Davie suggested walking on past Daldorch Farm and have coffee at the wooden bridge. ‘Twenty minutes,’ was the time quoted, but after twenty-five we were almost there when it was decided to turn back as it threatened to rain, so we returned to the bench for coffee/lunch.

It was here that we got spread out with some continuing up to the nearby steps for their stop, and a seat, and others eschewing (word of the day) lunch and carrying on walking. All took the higher path back to the cars with the back markers arriving back at twenty-five to one having covered nearly six miles. A decent walk which provided ample opportunity to get the heart racing, and we had got much better than anticipated weather and encountered underfoot conditions which, in the main, considering the recent weather, were not too bad.

No FRT today as we would be assembling later to celebrate Hugh’s 70th at the Jewel.

 

The thirteen above were joined by Billy, Graham, Kenny T, Malcolm, and Peter for a most enjoyable evening at the Jewel. Happy birthday when it comes next week, Hugh! Enjoy your wine! Thanks again to Katrina and Lucy for their attention, and to Hugh for buying our nightcap at Wetherspoon’s later on.

Another good night out!