Cunninghame Ramblers Irvine to Kilwinning circular October 2011

The rivers were in full flight today after the recent heavy rain.

Even the swans were not going in for a swim.

Arriving at the abbey.

Kilwinning Abbey circa 1162

The Abbey Church interior.circa 1774

One of it's many fine stained glass windows.

The "Buffs" is the nickname for the local football team.

Eglinton Castle remains. circa 1840

Irvine's fine statue of Robert Burns.

Todays hardy bunch of walkers.

The leader

Railway Viaduct over the River Garnock.

Today WednesdayOctober 12 Cunninghame ramblers should have gone to Muirsheil Park which sits high up in the hills above Greenock but due to the drizzly rain,low cloud and seriously soft underfoot conditions the leader cancelled this walk and took us on an exploring adventure to Kilwinning and surrounding areas.17 of us left the town and walked down the river paths to our first stop at the remains of Kilwinning Abbey. The leader and his wife had been involved in an archaeological dig on the site so were able to give us some history before we were taken into the present church for a guided tour of its interior with its many fine stained glass windows which visitors from all over world come to visit. Crossing over the River Garnock by the old railway viaduct it was nice to see it has been commisioned by the local authority as a cycle path for all to enjoy. Next we went into Eglinton Country Park along its many fine forestry tracks until we reached the castle which was our lunch stop. The park is now managed by North Ayrshire Council with a full ranger service available to show us round.From here it was a 3 mile walk back to the cars in Irvine. Thanks again to the leader for a 10 mile ramble showing us all lots of local history along with some very amusing storys.