Maybole, Kildoon Hill, Lochspouts 30th September

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

The overnight rain had passed and, with a forecast of dry weather ahead, thirteen Ooters met up at the Greenside in Maybole. Derval Davie decided that the planned walk was not suitable for Isla and him, so set off to walk from Maidens to Culzean, promising to meet up with us at the High Society later on.

Twelve of us, therefore, made our way down out of Maybole, up Allan’s Brae and continued down over the wee ford towards the turn-off for Kildoon Hill. Seven took to the hill whilst Allan, Killie Davie, Hugh, Johnny and Malcolm stuck to the road round the hill agreeing to meet up with the others at Lochspouts. The five made their way round to Lower Burncrooks before going left up to the gate that leads across and up the field to the reservoir. Hugh didn’t fancy coming downhill from there, so they turned back and took brunch just beyond the cattle grid. As they were getting ready to move off the rest of the guys appeared, having done the hill and were heading for Lochspouts for lunch. We were also joined by a local who was there to tend his cockerels which were in the field but were ‘hiding’ today.

The five retraced their steps back to the cars at the Greenside and took the remains of their pieces at the benches in the warm sunshine. The weather had stayed dry and bright, but with a wee wind in non-sheltered spots, making for good overhead walking conditions!. Alan phoned Allan to say that the larger group had reached the High Society only to find it closed due to holidays so it was agreed that we would just go into the Greenside for FRT. The main group had done a tad over eight miles whilst the smaller group had done about six and a half, with the latter arriving back at quarter to one and the rest about half an hour later.

It dawned on us that Derval Davie might not know where we were so phone contact was made, to no avail as he was driving, but as we sat down to our drinks in the sitooterie Davie phoned asking where we were. As Allan tried to explain exactly where we were there were cries of ‘Tell him tae pit the dug oan!’ No matter, he arrived safely just in time for the rain to start, so we went inside where we were well-received. A pleasant hour was spent, with the treasurer having his arm twisted to allow us to have chips. He agreed, and four portions of chips were devoured by the thirteen of us. By the time we left the sun was shining again to complete another good day out.