Seamill to Portencross and Curry 14th May

 

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

Yesterday had been the hottest day of the year with temperatures reaching 25 degrees but today it was only about 12 degrees when we met up at the car park near Seamill for our walk to Portencross. Fleeces were quickly dug out before we set off along the beach (at 9.50) on this familiar route and, as usual, we were quickly strung out before coming together at the Hydro. Some stayed on the beach whilst the rest took to the path adjacent to the golf course. We paused at the bench at the end of the golf course as Derval Davie had set this as his limit for the day and said he would have his snack there before he and Isla returned to the car. We would see him later at the curry.

Some headed to Portencross by beach and field whilst others made for the road and, by quarter past eleven, we were seated having coffee/lunch.

The return leg saw the sun breaking through and the temperature rising although there was still a fresh breeze. Most stuck to the paths on the way back and, although strung out again, were back at the cars, now in warm sunshine, by one o’clock having covered a tad over seven miles. No FRT today as we were currying at night.

 

Those above were joined by Alan, Billy, Hugh and Jimmy for a curry at the Jewel to celebrate the 75^th birthdays of Allan (last December) and Johnny (yesterday). The food was up to the usual standard, and we were well attended to by Catriona and her assistant. A chorus or two of the Ooters song was delivered followed by a rousing rendition of’ Waltzing Matilda’ in anticipation of Rex’s imminent 80^th. Ripper!

As per tradition we then adjourned to Wetherspoon’s for a night cap. Wee Davie was going on holiday the following week, so he passed on the kitty to Alan ‘The Tip’ McQ who appointed himself as our investment manager! Watch this space!  

An excellent night out!

Johnny and Allan would like to thank the Ooters for their generous gifts, totally unnecessary, but very much appreciated.

Arrangements for Wednesday 21st May

River Ayr Way from Sorn

Meet in Sorn at 10am for a walk along the River Ayr Way towards the boardwalk and return.

Some from the walk between Seamill and Portencross

Dailly and Bargany 7th May

 

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Malcolm, Paul

The good weather continued as we assembled in Dailly for what would be a new walk for the Ooters. Everyone who was coming was accounted for, so we set off at 9.50 and made our way along Main Street to a marker board indicating the start of the Dalquharran walks. Soon we were crossing the weel-kent bridge over the Water of Girvan and were at the old Dalquharran Castle in no time. After some exploration, we moved on to the newer castle, roofless since the mid sixties as a ploy to avoid taxes/rates but with the stonework in remarkably good condition. Although fenced off the two Alans and Jimmy found their way into the building for a nosey before emerging, but on the wrong side of the fence. The majority were instructed to follow the adjacent path following the red marker arrows whilst they found their way out through an abundance of nettles before eventually catching up with the rest. As suggested earlier we were now on the red trail and just after eleven we stopped for coffee at a splendid bench beside a couple of telescopes. There were a number of new benches dotted along the trail, and it is hoped that they do not succumb to any vandalism. Piece offerings were given to Alan who had left his pieces at home in Ayr!

We completed the circular route back to the old castle and were back at the cars about midday having covered between three and four miles. It was a ten-minute drive to Bargany where we found a car park close to the walled gardens. Noticing an honesty box suggesting £3 per adult for the visit, cash was duly inserted, and we strolled down to the gardens to view the azaleas, rhododendrons and a myriad of other colourful plants, some of us even taking cuttings. A nice spot beside on old pond/swimming pool was chosen for lunch before we returned to the cars.

But the day was not over as our leader took us through the very picturesque estate and out to the big house, which we skirted, and down to the bridge over the river which proved to be our turning point.  Retracing our steps, we were again in awe of the colour of the shrubs and the height of the trees and wondered about the kind of money needed for the upkeep of the estate. By the time we reached the cars yet again, we had done six and a half miles in total for the day and were ready for FRT which was taken at the Greenside in Maybole where Alan the Younger treated us to chips. Thanks, Alan.

The weather had been kind again today, although when the sun was hidden by cloud there was a distinct nip in the air, the underfoot conditions were good and the scenery was excellent meaning that a return visit in the month of May, when the gardens are open, is something to consider in future years.

 

Some info on Dalquharran and Bargany

 

The old Dalquharran castle dates from the latter half of the fifteenth century. The first recorded date for it is 1474 when it was in the possession of Gilbert Kennedy, regent of James 111. Gilbert married Katherine Maxwell hence the marriage escutcheon above the door incorporating their initials. The new castle was designed by Robert Adam and was completed by 1790.  It was built for the Kennedys of Bargany who would retain the ownership until the twentieth century. It is now owned by a conglomerate.

The original Bargany Castle and estate was owned by Kennedy of Bargany who sold it in 1630 to the Hamiltons who became Earls of Stair. The present house was built for Stair in 1681 and the old castle abandoned. There is now no sign of the old castle. The estate was put up for sale in 2013 for £1,850,000.