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.

 

Some from the walk between Seamill and Portencross

Seamill to Fairlie close to Largs 11 Nov

Alan S, Alan W, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

There was a good turnout as we assembled at the car park adjacent to the beach in Seamill for our walk to Largs. After the recent rains, the forecast had been for a dry morning and early afternoon with rain again arriving about two o’clock, so we wasted little time in getting started along the coastal path. Before too long we had passed the golf course and whereas a few of us took the sensible route of going up to meet the tarmac for the journey down to Portencross Castle, the majority, led by he who must remain nameless, decided to go straight on. Before very long it became clear that this did not provide easy walking, so the main group had to trek across the glaur of the fields, and worse, to regain the road.

As we continued past the castle and along to our traditional stopping point on the rocks at Hunterston for coffee, Alan W and his big dug, Oscar, turned back to meet up with his wife. 

There was moisture in the air as we set off down past the power station noting that the area was a hive of activity with engineers, workmen and large trucks in abundance. By the time we were close to the main road the rain was on for real and was to remain so until we reached the picnic tables on the outskirts of Fairlie. Although it was still raining a decision was made to take lunch here. Allan and Johnny however decided that they would forego this ‘pleasure’ and continued along the path into Fairlie before cutting up to the A78 and following it, in the pouring rain, down to the bus stop at the bowling club. Here they dried off, had lunch and waited for the rest to catch up.

When they did arrive the decision was made, after some debate, to curtail the walk here and take the next bus back to Seamill and the cars.

Seamill was a bit drier and Irvine, where we partook of FRT at Wetherspoon’s, was dry, but as we looked back up the coast, the Largs area was obscured by rain clouds. This had been the fourth walk in a row in dreich conditions, hopefully our luck will turn soon.

The walk itself had taken a tad over three hours and we spent another hour and a half in The Auld Brig. Davie Mc was still recovering from his bug and was keen to tell us that he had not had an alcoholic drink in ten days as he ordered up a soft drink. When Davie C told him that there was an Arran Blonde downstairs for £2 he retorted that he had not paid for sex in his life and wouldn’t start now, but when it was pointed out that, as with most things in this pub, it came with a complimentary drink, he relented*.

Davie C continues on his health-related alcohol-free journey and was most gracious in his praise for his fellow Ooters. What is it they say… abstinence makes the heart grow fonder?

*Kay knows we are only joking…there was no free pint!

Seamill to Fairlie: 11 November 2015