Falls of Clyde 4th November

 

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Ian, Jimmy, Paul, Rex, Robert

The low autumn sun made driving to Kirkfieldbank a challenge at times, but with the landscape looking at its best in the slight, morning frost and, with the added interest of temperature inversions misting the lower areas, the journey through for most was relatively pleasant and, with the prospect of excellent walking conditions, spirits were high. Prior to the ten o’clock starting time both Paul and Alan McQ phoned to say their cars would be a bit late, so not to wait as they would catch up.

It was just after five past ten when the on-timers, including the welcome sight of Ian, set off on the clockwise direction and before long were climbing the path up the hill having forgotten how steep this was to start a walk. Anyway, we took our time and were not too much out of breath as we then descended to the riverside path which took us up and down towards the viewing platform. The colours were just past their best but wonderful all the same and, as we admired the buildings of New Lanark in the distance, the latecomers caught up with us. Next up was coffee at our usual benches in New Lanark before heading up the river to our crossing point at the dam. This section certainly had plenty of ups and downs with the ups seeming more up since the last time.

Davie and wee Davie decided to turn back and retrace their steps from here whilst the rest marched on down the opposite bank following the well-known path with the only slight difficulties being a couple of fallen trees and a few muddy sections. Lunch was taken at the remains of Corra Castle, a new location for lunch for the Ooters, before the final push back to Kirkfieldbank. Conditions today had been ideal but as we reached the cars at twenty-five to two, three and a half hours after having set off and with seven miles covered, there was no sign of the two Davies.

Derval Davie was contacted by phone, and he informed us that they were still a good bit away and that we were to go on ahead to the Black Bull in Darvel and he would bring wee Davie. The rest thought that, in retrospect, it might have been easier for them to come with the rest of us as the route we took would have been less of a challenge for them.

The drive back to Darvel was again into the sun, not as bad as the morning but annoying nonetheless, and we were well into our second drinks when the twosome appeared, shaken, not stirred. Their walk had taken four hours, and they were well in need of a refreshment. A good time was had in the pub which, believe it or not, became very busy and it was about four o’clock when we left, rounding off a very full, but enjoyable, day. 

The arrival of the Messiah!