Christmas greeting 2015

A very merry Christmas to all our blog followers.

                             

From Anne and Gordon Phillips.

Kilmarnock OIR. Smugglers trail to Troon . December 2015

Used to be Troon resevoir

Some of the group managed to find a seat

Fullarton house

The horses were pleased to see us

Todays group

Yesterday Tuesday December 21 (winter equinox) Kilmarnock OIR (opportunities in retirement) met at Dundonald Castle for a walk along the smugglers trail to Troon and perhaps a wee bit further dependent on the weather .13 of set off on a blustery dry morning through the woods following a well laid out path until we came to Troon resevoir with some lovely views over to Arran.Next was a road walk through the village of Loans and into Fullarton woods which had some lovely Christmas decorations on the trees with an adventure trail for children to follow.Passing through Lochgreen golf course we arrived at the rugby pitches where we took a break for lunch and our leader discussed our options for the return leg to Dundonald. Well this is a very fit group and there was a unanimous decision to retrace our steps through the woods we had walked in the morning. Once back in Dundonald we found out we had walked almost 11 miles not bad for a group made up of mature ramblers,the pace you set was a very fast one ,hope I did not keep you back. Thanks for allowing me to join you all and hope to see you on another walk early in the New Year.

Cunninghame ramblers. Auchenleck to Dumfries House circular.December 2015

Some good paths are laid out for this walk.

The river and walkers can safely pass under the A71

Me thinks we took a wrong turning!!

Bridge up to the big hoose

Mr ans Mrs Office bearers.

The walled garden

In the centre is a Welsh dragon (well maybe)

Always got time for a wee shot on the swings.

One of many shelters in the estate

Unusual fountain has been added in 2014

Todays group

with our leader.

Yesterday Cunninghame ramblers met at Auchenleck for 7 mile walk to Dumfries House which was saved for the nation by a certain well heeled Royal prince. 11 of us left Tescos car park on a cloudy dry mild morning to make our way down to the Lugar water where a well laid out path took us along to Dumfries house estate. Lots of investment has been made on the grounds since my last visit making it an excellent place to visit to enjoy all the wonderful things that have been contructed to improve the facilities.After our lunch taken on the lawns of the big house we made our way back to Auchenleck  to end an excellent winters day out.

Cunninghame ramblers Christmas lunch at Dalgarven Mill hotel nr. Kilwinning. December 2015

Pre lunch drinks

River Garnock was in full flow

Santa arrived

Is this the guy who runs the kirk's finances!!

It looked good enough to eat (the hat)

The stags HEID

Miss pouting lips

helped to organise a great lunch.

On Saturday December 5th Cunninghame ramblers went to Dalgarven hotel for our Christmas lunch. 43 of us had an excellent meal followed by a successful raffle with the proceeds being donated to the Arran Mountain Rescue in memory of member who sadly passed on during the past year. Super day out despite the weather outside being somewhat inclement.Thanks to all who helped in organising another excellent lunch.