Seamill to Portencross 18th March

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Johnny, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

It was a glorious spring morning as we assembled at the car park for our walk to Portencross. So good that most had come with too many layers, given the weather we had encountered recently and it was not long before fleeces and jackets were shed. The walk to Portencross has been described many times before, the only things of note this time were that we came across a group of first year Bristol University geology students, resplendent in hi-vis jackets, examining rock formations on the beach before setting off for Arran later (good luck with that one!), and that we were surprised (one or two even excited) to see a lady strip off to her bathing costume and go for a swim in the cold water. Good for you, missus!

Reaching the castle at about twenty past eleven we had our coffee/lunch at our favoured spot before setting off on the return trip. Before long we were well strung out as usual, with those at the back narrowly being missed by a stray golf ball. Further on we met Alan Watson out walking his dogs and a few minutes were spent catching up with him before moving on.

By the time we came off the path beside the golf course and back on to the beach, and with the front markers in the distance, those at the tail stopped as wee Davie was ‘away to the side’ again and in a bit of distress. Various options were considered but, in the end, Johnny volunteered to carry Davie’s heavy rucksack (this may be the cause of his problems) and saunter with Davie straight up the adjoining road and gingerly walk back to the cars in the hope it would make it easier for Davie to walk on firm ground. The rest of us marched on with the promise that one of us, on reaching the cars, would drive to meet them and pick them up. Gus was first back of this group and without hesitation jumped in his car and went and picked them up at a bus stop where they had stopped to allow Davie to rest. Needless to say, that by the time Davie had his first pint, he was fine. Well done to both Johnny and Gus for their compasson!

It had been a good walk (seven miles in three hours and ten minutes, but who’s counting?) in excellent conditions and for some it had been a tiring day with the unexpected heat, too many clothes, and walking on the sand to contend with. FRT was taken at the Lauriston where a very pleasant hour was spent in the lounge bar relaxing after our exertions.