Cunninghame ramblers. 3 hill circular at West Kilbride. April 2016

The first of many stiles

The cup and ring stones (cups are full of rainwater)

I am not sure what the deerstalker intends to use the walking pole for

At the cairn on Blackshaw hill.

Yesterday Wednesday April 6 on a cold cloudy morning 16 of Cunninghame ramblers finest braved the elements to do a short 7 mile walk round 3 of the local hills.Setting off from West Kilbride the first obstacle was a serious muddy track known as the coffin road. It was extremely mucky and slippy probably caused by large flocks of sheep being moved to lower pastures for the lambing season. As we cleared the muck the rain came on to add to our enjoyment as we trudged up to the summit of Blackshaw hill where on a clear day rather nice views of Arran can be enjoyed,we had to make do of an aerial view of West Kilbride through the mist.Undeterred the next stop was at the cup and ring stones which may date back to the bronze age.Still raining the group now climbed up to Knockewart hill radio station before dropping down past a wee lochan complete with two very noisy geese.Last climb was Lawhill before a walk through the local glen back to the start ,to dry off and enjoy a spot of lunch. The walk was ably led by past Madam chair assisted by the Rt Hon Sec.,they did a sterling job in what can only be described as difficult conditions.

Cunninghame and Wigtown ramblers day in Newton Stewart. April 2016

For this group only EXECUTIVE would do!

Leaders briefing at Creetown

He was pleased to see us

Older readers will remember the flowerpot man.

Looking out at

the various bird feeders

One way to relax.

Going round the side of the loch.

Bruntis Loch

Walk leaders

At Kiroughtree visitors centre.

On Saturday April 2 the deerstalker organised a bus trip with Cunninghame ramblers to join up with Wigtown ramblers at Newton Stewart. 3 walks had been organised by her pulling in members from both groups to do reccies etc. The A walk up Cairnsmore of Fleet had to be cancelled on the advice of the mountain rescue team who assured us the weather would close in on the afternoon and it could become dangerous for a large group. 15 walkers went on a C walk round Newton Stewart ably led by my old pal the Newton Stewart blogger.The rest of us numbering 36 went onto the bus to take us to Creetown for a 10 mile low level walk through Kiroughtree visitors centre forest and visitors centre. Leaving Creetown we passed a couple who were sitting in their hot tub out in the garden oblivious to the fact that a large group of ramblers were passing their driveway.A lovely forest walk took us to the visitors centre for our lunch stop before a more strenuous section back to Newton.The two groups met up again in the Bruce Hotel for a meal and a we refreshment to round off an excellent day in South West Scotland. The weather did deteriorate in the afternoon so the advice given earlier by the mountain team was correct.A big thanks to the deerstalker for all her efforts in organinsing and co-ordinating our day out ,it was a lot of hard work keeping us all informed of the arrangements (and also keeping me in check!!)) Big thanks also to the walk leaders, without you these day would not be possible.