Cumbrae 23 September

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Robert

The 'view' from the Glaid Stone

We welcomed Kenny Thomson to the fold as we made our way to Cumbrae on a damp, dreich morning for our familiar walk. As usual, there arose the question regarding the direction we should follow, but since Allan requested insisted that the hill be got out of the way first, the direction would be clockwise.

From the slipway, the Glaid Stone (127m) was reached in about forty minutes and, as tradition dictates, coffee was taken. So far the rain had proved to be insignificant and there were signs in the distance that the promised improvement might be not too far off. However, this was not a day for good views. Speedy progress was then made down into Millport and along the front to the shelter adjacent to the heliport where lunch was called for.

It was drying up nicely as we left Millport.

By the time we set off again about twelve o’clock, waterproof trousers had been dispensed with, and although light rain came and went on the road up the west side of the island, they were not really needed again. Realising that we were just going to miss the one-thirty ferry, we stopped for a few minutes at the memorial to the shipwreck before we, believe this or not, took a leisurely stroll back to the slipway for the next ferry at two.

Whatever happened to Little aand Large?

The Gogo Glen

It was dry when we reached Largs, just as well, as Paul’s car had a flat tyre. Luckily, his car did have a spare, not like most new cars, so Malcolm and he set about changing it whilst being given copious amounts of ‘advice’ from the rest of us. Wheel changing could become the Ooters newest sport following on the success of pool, boules etc. but, as was commented at the time, the F1 boys need not be worried about their jobs.

Ah widnae dae it that way, Malcolm!

FRT was held at the Village Inn at Fairlie, where the sight of Scotland beating Japan in the Rugby World Cup paled into insignificance when compared to the viewing of Robert’s holiday photos!

By the time we left for home, the sun was splitting the trees.

Ness Glen walk 30th September

Meet at the dam on Loch Doon at 10.00.a.m.

Windy Standard 16 Sep 2015

Present: Davie C, Gus, Peter, Davie McM and Rex

Five of us assembled at the waterworks at the head of Glen Afton on a glorious sunny autumn September morning.  Having waited in vain for some considerable time for the Irvine contingent (where were you, guys?) and being pestered by the midges we eventually set off to make our ascent of Windy Standard (698m). We walked in our usual direction to the Afton dam, the water of which was gleaming in the morning sun and proceeded on our path which eventually led us to our first coffee stop at the wee bridge at the Water of Deuch. Peter had to return at this point as he had an appointment. Having suppled us all with chocolate eclairs he set off with a spring in his step, buoyed up by the knowledge we would soon be having another curry night in October to celebrate Davie C's 60th birthday.

The climb up through the firebreak in the trees onto Jedburgh Knees proved to be a rather wetting experience due to the length of the grass and the overnight rain but before long we emerged onto the wind turbine road above the trees which would take us straight onto Windy Standard.

 Lunch was taken leaning up against one of the "windmills"  and we enjoyed the expansive views on a wonderful day when the visibility was excellent: the Lake District hills to the south, the Rhinns of Kells, Arran and Ailsa Craig to the west and the Lowthers, Tinto, Queensberry, Culter Fell hills to the east. Compared with last week's walk at Dalry this was proving a worthwhile day to be up high enjoying the sunshine and the views.

After lunch, we set off down the fence towards the Afton Water and the south-east corner of Glen Afton reservoir. Davie McM suggested taking the east path back to the reservoir steps; unfortunately he hadn't  done this walk for some time and discovered that very little maintenance has been done to this path (so what's new?);  the fir trees on either side  of the path were closing in on each other and deep pools of water  ensured that progress without getting wet feet  was somewhat difficult. Other than that, the walk under Cannock Hill and Craigbranneoch Rig was still extremely pleasant. We arrived back at the cars rough;y 4 and half hours after setting out, not a bad time for a bunch of old codgers!

FRT was taken at the Black Bull in Mauchline.

A few more American pictures

 The first three pictures are from Zion National Park.

 The next two are from Lake Powell

 And finally we have the daddy of them all The Grand Canyon. AWESOME !!!!!!

Some info re the Baidland Hill walk

On our map, a wee short cut was shown through what is locally known as the Velvet Path. A pal of mine walked this route a day or so before we did and said we did well to miss it. The path was overgrown with nettles and brambles and was very damp in places.

The Caaf Reservoir and one other are being taken out of use and hence will be permanently drained.
(Stone from Loanhead Quarry outside Beith had been placed across the River Irvine at Campbell's Railway Bridge on Irvine Moor to allow heavy plant to cross the river to install a new sewer pipe. This work is now done and the stone is being removed and taken to the works at the Caaf Reservoir. If you looked closely at the trucks you could see water dripping out of the back of them at times - straight from the River Irvine).

I'm away to get a new anorak!