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.