ADRC circular walk at Ballantrae 12 March 2011

Today Saturday 12 March 20 intrepid walkers turned up at Ballantrae on a morning that to say the least looked if it could turn out to be a wee bit on the wet side. I was todays walk leader and it was nice to welcome 2 visitors from the Eastwood ramblers group who had joined us. Off we went up the Stinchar Valley past 3 roe deer who gave us a wonderful display of jumping fences. Hope my horses jump round Cheltenham next week in a similar fashion.Laggan House caravan park was our first stop for coffee and there was even a wee blink of sunshine. Out of the park we made our way on a  hard road up towards Balkissock lodge which operates as a B and B these days. At this point it started to rain and waterproofs were donned and on we trudged up the hill. Fortunately at the top the rain eased and we were able to take a breather and dry off a wee bit. The views from this point on a clear day looking out over the Firth of Clyde are fantastic but today one had to use one's imagination a little!On now up to the private residence known as Crailoch House with its wonderful position overlooking the countryside and way beyond. One could only wonder what it would be like on a summers day on the balcony accompanied by a wee G&T.We safely negotiated the Crailoch Burn which was in spate after the recent heavy rains. This is where the track leads to a tree lined avenue which in my opinion is the best in Ayrshire. One could actually see in their minds the horses and carriages coming up the road which actually inspired one rambler to give us a song about an "Avenue". Only comment to make is he will get better with a bit of practice.As we approached the hamlet of Smyrton  the tops of Glenapp Castle Hotel and the estate came in to view. It was decided to wait until we were in the estate to have our lunch break as if the rain returns we would have some shelter from the trees. Passing through the village we stopped at the local hall which was gifted to the community by Lord Inchcape who lived in the castle at that time. The hall is still in use today.Once in the estate lunch was taken beside a stream which at one time was the water supply to the castle. In the estate several extremely large trees were observed which obviously had been growing for at least 200 years. The site which was once the home of the grain mill was explored and its old wheel is still lying there today. Past the new cemetry and over the River Stinchar we were soon back at the cars after a successful walk with only one rain shower . Considering what some parts of Scotland were experiencing today we were  extremely lucky.

Grey skies at Ballantrae car park.

Older bloggers may remember 10 fags for 3d.

Not sure what the rambler on the right is trying to demonstrate.

Laggan House caravan park.

Crailoch House.

Crossing the Crailoch Burn.

Ayrshire's finest tree lined avenue. Can you see the carriages with their horses?

Lots of waterfalls today.

The bridge was still standing after this shot.

Footnote : A conversation was overheard today about the campaign to stop the local hydro board taking out so many million gallons of water a day from the River Doon to feed the power station.The walker in question wondered if SEEPA ( the environment office) had granted them "a water extraction certificate" when the local rambling comedian wondered if that meant the same as taking the "p_ss".