Holly is actually looking the right way in this picture.

What all the best walkers are wearing this year.

Eddie the trend setter, wearing the latest in storm proof gear all the way from America. We were all jealous.

Robert's Group Picture

Blocked up!

Notice the blockwork.  Allan and I finished off the blockwork at the weekend.
Both recovering. Both doing well.  Have a good walk this Wednesday.  Hope to see
you all next week.  Johnny

Project and Walk/Cycle for 4 July

Saturday and Sunday, Helen and I framed out the rest of the timber work.
The weather beat us on Monday.
Next weekend should see the windows and doors in place.
Weather permitting -  Is this summer?

Wet boots rather than a wet saddle?
Hope to see you all Wednesday

OK   -
Here is how it might turn out.
We meet Chez Moi 0930 for a 1000 start.
Bacon rolls/coffee-tea have been requested and every effort will be made.
A Group - Cyclists will take off for Ardrossan and return for beer and stovies.
B Group - Walkers will journey to the hinterlands of Eglinton Park and return for beer and stovies.
A return time to Bank Street between 1330 -1400.
The weather will not be a factor.
Presently B Group was thought to be the 2 Davies, Andy and Holly
but this might change?!*
I will organise eats and drinks.
 Johnny

23 May Cumbrae Again

Allan, Andy, Davie C, Jimmy, Paul, Peter, Robert & Ronnie

             
Of all the Clyde islands probably our most visited is the isle of Great Cumbrae, partly for ease of access and partly for the easy walking along its ten miles of flat shore road or the short, four hundred foot climb to the Glaidstone at the top of island. So it was something of a surprise when only eight of us turned up at the pier in Largs for the short ferry ride to the island. (To be fair to the missing ones, this is the holiday season for us old folks; the schools are still in and the low prices match our pensions.) Still the eight that did turn up were in for a superb day.

It was one of those bright May mornings when the sun blazed in a pale blue sky and a haze hung over the landscape, not such a strong haze that we couldn’t see for miles but one that stopped the landscape being sharply defined and the far hills melted into the blue distance.  And already the day was warming up nicely.

Contrary to our usual way, and in our new spirit of adventure, we turned northward from the ferry terminus to circumnavigate the island in an anticlockwise direction. That this was to be a relaxed walk in the May sun became obvious when, barely a mile into the walk there was a call for coffee and at the war memorial on Tormont we sat down for our first stop of the day. May flowers – sea pinks, spring squill and birds-foot trefoil - decked the turf where we sat, orange and grey lichens stained the shore rocks and black and white eider ducks swam just off shore. And we had a view, a view of the northern extremity of God’s county, that part north of Largs, the Clyde turning round the tail of the bank and the hills of Cowal. We watched the Dunoon ferry ply its route over a calm, blue sea. This was a great place for our morning coffee and some of us might have spent the day here lazing in the sun but the itchy-footed among us were already straining at the leash and too soon we were on the road again.

Not too far along the road we were stopped again. This time it wasn’t coffee that took our attention but five or six feral geese. These white geese roam wild but are always to be found in the same area on the island. And we soon found the reason for this. As Robert and Davie made a cautious approach and a nervous retreat from the hissing geese, a car drew up and a woman got out clutching a bulging bread wrapper. Her name is Nessie and she comes twice a day to feed the geese with a treat of bread. Nessie had no qualms about approaching the geese, hissing or not, and they followed her, honking and hissing, as she led them away from the road nearer the shore. They obviously know where their bread is buttered (or not in this case). When Nessie left the geese, so did we.

Now that our ornithological consciousness had been raised by the geese, other birds were spotted – oystercatcher, shelduck, cormorant, ringed plover and even wren and willow warbler. (We had to take the word of our birder on this last one as most of us can’t yet tell one wee broon burd from another.) Other ‘birds’ of a different nature pedalled up behind us on a variety of bicycles. ‘You’re no’ gaun very fast.’ said one of our number to them as they pedalled casually by us. ‘We’re just enjoying the view’, came the rejoinder. ‘So are we from this angle’ responded one of our number as they pedalled slowly in front of us. There was no answer from the ladies.

The ice cream was welcome. We had walked on another mile or so in the sun and were sorely in need of another sit down. At Fintry Bay tea-room we found the perfect place, sat down at one of their picnic tables and enjoyed the ice cream served by the young ladies of the tea-room. The cooling cones were most welcome for now the sun was getting hot and there was no shade out on the road. And, once again we might have stayed longer but the itchy-footed wouldn’t let us linger and too soon we were off again.

Arran was now in our view but the haze hanging over the sea prevented us from seeing it too clearly, though this didn’t prevent Allan trying to capture a good picture of it. And more pictures were taken when we left the road just south of Fintry Bay and took to a footpath up into the fields. Now we seemed to rise above the haze and the high hills of Arran were clearer and appeared to float on it. Cameras clicked often as we crossed the open field towards the golf course club-house.

There was some suggestion of a pint in the club-house but it was felt that it was too early yet even for Ooters for it was just approaching midday. So, when we gained tarmac here, we kept to it down the hill into Millport. The town was busy with folk in summer clothes taking advantage of the summery weather, so busy that we had problems finding a seat to sit down (Again? Ed) for a spot of lunch. Eventually we found a place beside the Garrison. The peece was taken sitting on a bench or lying on the grass watching the summer-clad sun-worshippers coming and going. Even the itchy-footed among us took their time over lunch but that time came again when we moved on.

We turned inland again and started the climb towards the top of the island at the Glaidstone. Once again we climbed above the sea-haze and the views over to Arran were spectacular. View stops were called as the afternoon sun and the slope took their toll. And the stops were welcome for the views over to Arran from this wee road really are special. Cameras clicked again and we look forward to seeing the photos.

The four hundred and odd foot summit of the island was gained at the Glaidstone and another sit down was called for as we took in the view. From Arran in the south-west through Bute and Cowal and the Loch Lomond Hills in the north, the Renfrew Heights and the Largs hills in the east to the plains of Ayrshire and the high Galloways in the south, this is a superb viewpoint. And we lingered there for a wee while enjoying such views and the heat of the afternoon sun.

From the Glaidstone the way was all downhill. Firstly we headed back towards Millport for that’s the way the road went. Then we found another wee road that cut back towards the ferry terminus. This brought us down to the coast again close to the National Water-sports Centre. Some instructors in full wetsuits were instructing similarly clad youngsters in the subtleties of windsurfing. We watched them in the passing and thanked our stars that such things are behind us now. Isn’t it great to be retired? But, retired or not, the ferry waits for no-one. And we could see the ferry leaving Largs. Still we only had a few yards to the terminus and we had to wait for a wee while for the ferry to come in and dock. Then it was back to the mainland having had another fabulous day on Cumbrae, easily the hottest of the year – so far.

A welcome FRT was taken in McCabe’s beer garden in Largs before each went his own way to his own part of the county.

West Kilbride to Largs 16 May

Allan, Andy, Davie, Davie C, Malcolm, Paul, Rex

Seven ooters met at West Kilbride station in bright, dry but ‘fresh’ conditions for the now familiar walk to Largs via Blaeloch Hill. The route has been described previously so no great detail will be made here but suffice it to say that coffee was taken at the usual stones overlooking the fishery before any serious climbing was done.

It has to be mentioned that Holly was kept on her lead for those parts of the walk where we were in any close proximity to sheep. Well done to Davie who couldn’t accept our congratulations as he had been gagged before we set off – gaffer tape is a great thing.

One change to the route took place when we reached the path leading to the top of Kaim Hill. We couldn’t remember whether to take the right hand path or the left and despite his better judgement Paul was persuaded to take the left. This was not the route to the top but allowed us to skirt Kaim Hill and approach the ‘bog’ further down than we usually do. This was a good move as underfoot conditions were much better than encountered previously. Before we knew it we were climbing towards the cairn on Blaeloch Hill where lunch was taken in the lea of the hill as the wind had a certain edge to it. When we did this walk a couple of years back there were no windmills, last year there were some and this year the Kelburn Windfarm was all around us.

The views today were excellent as Arran, Bute, Cumbrae, the Argyll Hills could be seen to the west whilst we could see over beyond Dalry and up to Glasgow to the east and north.

We didn’t wait long for lunch due to the snell wind.  In fact hats, jackets and gloves were retrieved from rucksacks before setting off on the downward trek past the remains of the air crash and down the windfarm road before crossing over towards the burn (past a group of RAMblers who were looking rather sheepish) and making our way through Kelburn Estate towards the Haylie Brae.

Having weighed up our options a decision was made to walk down to Scott’s at the Yacht Haven for FRT, and very pleasant it was too sitting in the sit-ootery* sheltered from the wind. It had taken us a full 5 hours to get there and having rested our weary bones we got the 4.45pm bus back to West Kilbride – at least it would have been the 4.45 if it had been on time, 5 o’clock more like!

*Not to be confused with a shit-ootery which is an outside toilet!

Lunchtime 'entertainment' at Kirkoswald

Early Ooters conquer Hill of Stake

Glasgow Cathedral 9 Feb 11

Irvine to Ardrossan 10 Nov 2010

Distance 15.5 km (the route from Allan's to Eglinton may not be 100% accurate. My excuse is that I was giving tax advice at the time.)




Allan, Davie, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Paul, Peter, Robert
It was a bright, frosty morning as the Ooters met at Allan’s house for coffee and scones before setting off through the back of his estate (well not actually his estate, the estate where he lives) and up towards Lawthorn. On the route we paid homage to the cottage where Colin (he of the Canigou and the endless stories) once lived as we proceeded past the Lawthorn Farm Restaurant and Pub, out beyond the Lawthorn Wood, and onto the old Glasgow Road. Crossing this we were soon on the New Town Path and headed towards Eglinton Park, taking the route that leads towards the Lugton Water. It was a fine day for walking and feeling good not to be at school (Am I allowed to mention that word?). Soon we were passing an old but substantial piece of farm machinery which adorned the side of the path – the consensus of opinion being that it had been used to haul timber and would have been pulled by a tractor, possibly steam. The ruins of the castle were passed by as we made our way to the visitors’ centre only to find it was shut for the winter. However, the coffee shop was open and, much to Peter’s delight, we partook of coffee and massive home-made scones.
Reluctantly we moved on and soon were crossing the renovated Tournament Bridge (see picture) taking time to read about its history and the craftsmanship that went into its restoration. Further on our way was obstructed by workmen in full protective clothing felling and burning rhododendrons. They explained to us that they were diseased and had to be burned on site to stop the disease spreading. The workmen also had to be ‘disinfected’ before leaving the area for the same reason. Apparently there is a major problem with the same disease over at Brodick Castle – maybe it had blown over on the wind.
As we left Eglinton Park and crossed the road to join the pathway to Ardrossan we bade farewell to Johnny and Robert who were off to Mosset later in the day and hence did not have time for the full walk. The next part of the walk, from Kilwinning to Stevenston, has been well documented before, but it was in Stevenston that Paul suggested a wee change taking us down the cycle path which was adjacent to the beach. The sand dunes looking over towards Arran and Ailsa Craig gave us a perfect place for lunch, even better since there was pleasant sunshine and no wind.

Having enjoyed a leisurely stop we continued along the beach and on to the road that leads into Saltcoats. As we entered Saltcoats with the calm sea to our left and railway line to our right we could not imagine that a picture taken 24 hours later and displayed on the front page of Friday’s Herald would show gale force winds blowing gigantic waves over the breakwater. The leisurely theme continued as we sauntered along the sea front taking time to read the information boards about the history of the harbour and inspecting the large stone cross on the way.
The bus stop at Ardrossan was reached and there was a bus there waiting for us so before long we were back at Irvine Cross and following Allan round the corner to get another bus up to Perceton. It was whilst on this bus that we observed Johnny and Helen marching down Bank Street on their way to get the bus to Prestwick Airport - small world, eh?
This had been a good walk made better by the kind weather.
FRT, most unusually, was not taken today as we were having a curry night at the Rupee Room later on to belatedly celebrate Peter’s 65th.

16 June River Ayr Walk – Annbank to Ayr Harbour

Over the past few years we have, as a group, walked most of the River Ayr Way, some sections more than once. The only part remaining to give us the complete walk is that section from Auchincruive westward to Ayr. Today we were to complete the distance.
On a bonny, bright June morning nine of us gathered at Annbank Bowling Club just after ten o’clock. (It should have been before ten but Peter and Jimmy had to turn back for Jimmy’s forgotten wallet and bus pass, so it was a few minutes after ten when we gathered at Annbank) We set off down the lane from the bowling club towards the River Ayr, Holly leading the way closely followed by Allan who had been desperate to move even before the arrival of the tardy two.
The path through the wood was shaded but, even here; we could feel the day warming nicely as the high summer sun broke through the canopy dappling the floor with patches of brightness. We were in light mood. The birds sang but the blethers of the Ooters outdid the birds for jollity. And in jovial mood we came to the river side and the boundary wall of Auchincruive.
As we climbed the stone stile through the wall, Davie warned us all, ‘Watch out, it’s slippy’ harking back to the last time we came this way back in December of last year when it was coated in verglas and extreme care had to be taken in the crossing. Today there was no danger of ice for the mid-summer sun was warm and the stile was in its full glare. So were we now.
We came down river under the garden of Auchincruive house. A pair of grey wagtails played in the boulders in the river and families of Mallard basked in the sun at the water’s edge. A heron flapped its lazy way downstream towards Oswald’s Brig. We wandered casually after it.
We crossed Oswald’s Brig and came to the Burns/Wallace monument for coffee. We thought that this was to be another of these relaxed days that we are becoming used to, but barely half an hour after we sat down, Davie was champing at the bit to be off. He rose. We rose to follow him. Poor Ian (he of the appetite) hadn’t quite finished his mid-morning snack and scrambled to pull himself together as we wandered away down the path and back to the brig. He caught us up just before the brig.
The official River Ayr path leaves the riverside here and stays away from it for quite a distance. There appears to be no path, not even a fishers’ one, beside the river here so we kept to the official path. We followed it up the roadside path until we found a sign saying ‘Ayr 4 1/2’ and pointing us down a farm track. This is the way we went. It took us beside field where canes marked the growth of some unseen crop, the field workers we saw being too distant to ask what the crop was, through a wee wood, and on to tarmac by Mainholm smallholdings.
For such a wee, narrow road leading to nowhere, this was busy with cars coming and going and more than once we had to step aside to let vehicles past. Yet, if we thought this road was busy, it was nothing compared to the next. The Mainholm Smallholdings road eventually decanted us on to the main A77, Ayr bypass, with traffic roaring by in both directions. Fortunately for us there was a pavement alongside for us to walk on so the traffic didn’t bother us unduly. We crossed the river by the road-bridge and came down to the waterside at the stepping stones.
Lunch was called. A relaxing hour was spent over lunch. While most lay in the sun, Johnny threw sticks in the water for Holly and Peter went on one of his walkabouts – ‘skechs’ was the word Davie used – in search of treasures. What he found was a stick for Holly. What he lost was his bottle of juice from his pocket. Peter would have to remain dry until we reached a suitable watering hole.
But, even relaxing lunches come to an end and we moved off.
We kept to the river now. Under Mainholm we came, on the old Victorian ‘promenade’ and past the old lime works. Where the ‘promenade’ rose to meet the road, Peter and Ronnie, bring up the rear, shouted us back. What had they found this time? Bright orange fruiting bodies of a fungus grew in a rather striking formation on the dead stump of a tree. But what they were no-one could tell, not even the naturalist. But they were photogenic and those with cameras snapped away. We look forward to seeing the results.
We were now in the area of Craigie; the old mansion could be seen across the river. A footbridge spans the river here and the walk crosses this into Craigie Park. ‘But’, said Davie, ‘the path on that side of the water is closed because they’re building the new university’. Jimmy wasn’t so sure for he could see folk on the other side. But Davie was adamant and a ‘debate’ arose. Jimmy won the debate (Makes a change, says Davie) for when we crossed the bridge a woman told us that the path bypassed the works and, yes, we could get through. We walked on.

Davie pointed out the swan’s nest on the far side of the river. We were now well into the town and this was the last place we expected to find a swan’s nest. But this wasn’t the only one. Another was seen as we crossed Turner’s Brig. It was tucked into the wall of the old church cemetery. Both had birds sitting on them. And it shouldn’t be too long before we see cygnets on the river.
The reason we crossed Turner’s Brig was to see the covenanters' monument in the Auld Kirk cemetery. We were standing examining the stone when we were approached by two men of our own age, one Scottish and one with a Northern Ireland accent. Fundamentalist Protestants. So determined are they to uphold the tenets of the reformation that they protested against an ecumenical service held in the Auld Kirk on Sunday past because it included Roman Catholics. They were ejected from the service and removed from the grounds of the kirk. Christians???? But, as Davie pointed out, there was no chance of converting us to their fundamentalist beliefs, ecumenical as we are.
We left the ‘Christians’ to tell others their story and walked on into the town, crossing the river by the Auld Brig (late fifteenth century – Historian) and back over the New Brig (1866). Turning right, we then came to the South Harbour expressing regret that the fish market had gone. The posh new flats were no compensation for the sights, sounds and smells of the old market. But it was between the new flats that we came, to the sea front. The great grey slab of resinous ‘stuff’ that marks the end of the walk just had to be touched just as we had all touched its sister slab at Glenbuck when we had started the odyssey all those months before.
But that wasn’t the end of the walk. We decided to extend it to the end of the pier. After Jimmy had managed to cadge a mint imperial for each of us from a woman who sat there, we strolled to the pier end, as far as we could go on our River Ayr walk.

We returned to Annbank by bus (hence the need for Jimmy to return for his bus pass) and partook of FRT in the sun on the sitootery of The Tap O’ The Brae. ‘This is as good as it gets’, said one to nobody in particular. We had to agree.

Braveheart

A wee rest

Merrick photos

The Merrick with loch Enoch taken from Carlin's Cairn today

Loch Doon

Morning coffee beside Craufurdland Loch

10th June Greenock Cut

Near the end of the cut

Davie fetching a stick for Holly

But what is it???? Jimmy!

Oh - that football park!

Great views along the cut

Can the day get any better?

A bomber's prison

The Greenock end of the walk - starting back.

First leg of the walk completed

Holly ignoring the great views - where's ma stick?

Setting out on the first stretch from the car park

Western view from Cairnsmore of Carsphairn

Proposed cycle May 27th.

Meet at Lochwinnoch Visitors' Centre around 9.30 a.m. on Wednesday 27th May. Cycle into Paisley for a curry. (Some people will meet at Johnnie's around 9.00.a.m.) Forget the curry,bring a packed lunch, - Kay is providing a cold curry for those attending the final of the European Champions League.

The warning notice amongst the Dunure walk pictures has Ronnie terrified. He has arranged a special mortgage to cover him in case he needs a dump in South Ayrshire.

Glasgow bus trip 6 May

At 14:30 said goodbye to Jimmy and Peter as they set out to catch the Cumnock bus. Jimmy
had to curtail FRT as a long bus journey and two pints might play havoc with his bladder. We remaining six made our way to the top of Gilmour Hill along a wet, dismal and busy University Avenue into the Hunterian Museum. The Whistler collection entertained mildly. Sketches. etchings and half detailed life sized paintings. A quick turnaround the Macintosh rooms resulted in two slapped wrists as David and Ronnie were intent on touching the exhibits. Ian managed to get away without reprimand. 'Ye can take 'em nae where'. Watches were consulted and a dash through Kelvingrove Park, along Park Circus, along Renfrew Street got 5 of us to the Bus Station (Paul returned by train) just in time to catch the 3:55 to Kilmarnock.






Rex orders a soft fruity merlot at the Merkat Inn!


(thanks to Hugh Dodd for this small extract
of one of the best exhibits at the Burns 'Inspired' show.)
Title - 'The man who ordered a souffle at a Burns supper'
www.hughdodd.com
'Inspired'
Mitchell Library, Glasgow. 4th Apr - 20th Sept 2009
admission free
www.inspired2009.com