Ayr, Alloway, Doonfoot 12th November

Alan, Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Dougie, Graham, Gus, Hugh, Jimmy, Johnny, Rex, Robert

After the recent rain it was dry as we met at Belleisle, and there was even the prospect of a bit of blue sky  as we set off across the golf course towards Rozelle. Most took in the Burns-themed Hallowe’en experience in the big house whilst others headed straight for the gallery to look at the exhibition meaning that this was a leisurely start to today’s outing.

From here we made our way to the Burns memorial gardens for coffee before continuing to the Brig o’ Doon. There were a number of tourists there who were interested in the significance of the brig and Jimmy didn’t need much persuading to recite an excerpt from Tam o’ Shanter to them. Whether they understood a word is open to debate, but they seemed well pleased. Jimmy then offered his hat for donations, but nothing was deposited, at least nothing of a monetary nature. Well done, Jimmy, anyway!

We walked across the brig and followed Alan McQ up the other side and then on to the cycle path turning back the way to take in the Alloway Tunnel and its murals. We were fortunate to meet one of the chaps behind the project who gave us some information regarding the work before also meeting the muralist himself, Chris Rutterford, who was very obliging. Turning back, we then headed out along the path before eventually emerging above Greenan Castle. On the way from here to the Millennium Bridge we came across another set of walkers of our own vintage and the Killie boys were pleased to recognise a former colleague who shared some time with us.

The next port of call was the benches adjacent to Ayr India and the Remedy café where lunch was taken. On the way back to Belleisle from there our guide for the day, Alan, showed us a post box with the initials E V111 R indicating Edward the Eighth. Quite a rarity you would imagine given the history of the abdication and the fact that he was never crowned, if your scribe’s memory is correct.

We were back at the cars by two o’clock having covered a tad over seven and a half miles according to Johnny’s gizmo. A good step out at not too brisk a pace. FRT was taken at the Market Inn where we were disappointed to hear that they were awaiting a delivery and that the selection of beers on offer was very restricted. Nonetheless, a good time was had before setting off for home.

Some images from the Alloway walk

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 19th November

Darvel to Galston

Meet in Darvel for a walk to Galston with option of bus back. Hopefully Derval Davie and Isla can join us.

Portencross 5th November

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

For the second week running it was pouring as we met, and the forecast indicated that there would be no let-up until early afternoon. There was no dissent to the notion that we would avoid Goldenberry Hill and simply do the weel-kent circular walk in the clockwise direction. Leaving the car park at Portencross and passing by the castle, the first section across the field was the wettest part underfoot and, with no shelter, it was a task to keep the umbrellas under control in the stiff breeze, but soon we were on tarmac at the power station. 

Marching on in the very dreich conditions, we eventually turned off the road onto the path which starts our return journey, and we stopped at the stones, our usual coffee spot. Not today however, as there was no shelter there, so we continued along the bridle path until we had some tree cover, and we took a break there. It was not a day to linger so we continued to the main road and then turned back towards Thirdpart passing some miserable looking cattle and a llama, or perhaps an alpaca*, in the fields. The final leg down Portencross Road is always a slog but, after being well-strung out, we were all back at the cars by quarter to one having done 7.3 miles.

Getting changed when it is raining is always a challenge but thankfully it began to ease and by the time we had had our pieces it was off, just in time to make our way to the Lauriston. Jings and crivens, help ma boab! The Sports bar, our usual haunt, was closed and was not to open until four o’clock but the lounge bar was empty, and we made ourselves comfortable there for an hour and a half. The walk had been miserable, but we had done our steps for the day and enjoyed our refreshments as well as the usual banter in the hotel where we treated ourselves to chips. 

For those who weren’t present, here is a teaser: If the answer is 50%, what is the question? 

*Alpacas are smaller, gentler animals with soft fleece prized for textiles, while llamas are larger, have a coarser double coat, and are often used as pack animals due to their protective and independent nature. Key differences include their size (llamas are significantly larger), face shape (alpacas have blunt faces and short ears, llamas have longer faces and longer, "banana-shaped" ears), and fibre quality. 

 

Arrangements for Wednesday 12th November

Alloway/Ayr

Meet at the carpark at Belleisle for a walk around Alloway/Ayr which will include a visit to the Rozelle Gallery and the mural in the Alloway Railway Tunnel.