Arrangements for Wed 18th Jan.

 Meet in the Counting House ( Glasgow ) for coffee ready for10.00.a.m. departure. The proposed walk is along the Clyde for about 1-2 hours and return. Lunch in Glasgow with FRT and eventual return by bus to home.

4 January 2023 - Mossblown to Ayr

Robert, Gus, Alan M, Paul, Rex, Dougie, Jimmy.

We met up in the car park beside Morrison's in Ayr and the customary New Year greetings were exchanged. 

The wait at the bus stop gave us time to read a graffito relating to one of Alan's less-fortunate distant cousins and at 10.24 the Stagecoach to Mossblown duly arrived. We were ready to start our walk by approximately 10.45.

We set off along the road to Annbank but soon turned right beyond the school to follow a path which met the one we often take from Annbank Bowling club. However, instead of descending to the river we stayed high and entered Brockle Wood.  The wood lived up to its name and Alan was able to point out an extensive badger sett just below the path.  This high route afforded fine views of the River Ayr in spate.

The path descended towards Auchincruive Walled Garden and after some discussion we decided to sample the delights of the River Cafe.  The kitty was collected and coffee and scones were the order of the day ... apart from Gus who preferred tea with his scone and was presented with a teapot and a delightful pink china cup. £36.10 was the damage. 

Leaving the cafe, Alan led us through more woodland, past tumbledown buildings and a few memorial stones to bring us out on the main service road on the Auchincruive estate.  We crossed the Oswald Bridge road higher up from the River Ayr Way - a stretch which is often boggy - and descended to the long distance path close to Mainholm Nursery.  We were now on our usual Annbank-Ayr route. 

 The stepping stones across the River Ayr weren't an option today.
Despite the forecast the weather had been dry so far but as we made our way towards the University, rain was falling.  Fortunately we found a dry lunch spot - the outdoor tables of the university cafe.  The cafe was open but empty, so there was no objection to our tucking into our pieces at their tables.

It was a shortish walk back to the cars, past the Archimedes screw turbine on the river.  

FRT was taken at the wonderful Market Bar. "A Real Pub for Real People" it said outside, but they still let us in.  We filled one of the booths and a pleasant hour of nonsense was enjoyed.  In contrast to the tea and scones the one round came to £17.

Distance 7.5 miles.

An excellent start to the year.

Some from the Mossblown to Ayr walk

 

Arrangements for Wed 11th January

Meet at the carpark next to Sorn Church in time for a 10am departure. Decision can be made on the day as to whether we have a walk up Blacksidend or a low-level walk along the River Ayr Way.

Late report of the walk on 28 December

 Dean Park to Craufurdland

Dougie, Gus,  Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Robert, (Ian D, Billy)

Allan being unwell Malcolm had only Johnny to pickup.  We arrived in Dean Park at 0930 just ahead of Robert and Jimmy. Dougie and Gus were not far behind.  All that were going to walk had assembled before 0945. Previous week's experience made us wary of leaving before 1000.  At 1000 we set off at a brisk pace towards Craufurdland in cool conditions with a sky threatening rain.  An hour’s walking found us at the Laird’s Table where we pondered our return journey. Would we take the longer round trip or retrace our steps?  The weather settled any discussion for as we finished off our repast the forecast rain arrived and we settled for the shortest route.  Steady rain and mainly downhill had us back at the cars for 1210.  Lunch in First Edition was now the aim. We six were joined by Ian D and Billy for what turned out to be a convivial FRT and lunch. 

Writing this account a week after the event. How good is my memory?  Adjust as you see fit.