Gordon and Anne's Blog: Alloway Church walk to 3 parks in Ayr Sunday March 6 2011

Alloway Parish Church.

Today I joined the church walk to visit Bellisle,Rozelle and Corsehill parks all in our own locality to see the early spring flowers and also to learn a wee bit of local history. 14 walkers set off from the church and went down on to the River Doon path and past Cambusdoon on our way to our first park which was to be Bellisle the largest of Ayr's parks. Once inside we first visited the deer park where a rambler was heard to mutter something about old deers in the compound and some old deers out here looking in at them. I could not possibly comment.As we pass Bellisle House Hotel it has ceased trading now and is closed down but there are rumours someone may have bought it lets hope so as it is a lovely building.Passing through the golf courses much to the delight of the players we went out onto the Old Racecourse where our walk leader told us they last ran here in 1906 before moving to their present venue. He could not recall the winner of that last race. Crossing now into Corshill Park which has to be said is one of Ayr's little treasures and not well known even by the locals. It has a walled garden and at this time of year a very fine crop of crocuses.Our last park was Rozelle which is the home now of the Ayr Flower Show with its fine cluster of monkey puzzle trees. Our return to the church was by way of Alloway School and Alloway Cricket Club where the local BB were playing the Boy Scouts at football so a wee bit of a needle match there most enjoyable. Tea and biccies in the church hall rounded off a very pleasant afternoon walk.