ADRC Turnberry to Culzean Castle. September 2015

Walking along the Maidens shorefront

Climbing up from the shore into Culzean

New adventure playground

in Culzean by the swan pond.

Todays happy group

with our leader.

Yesterday Saturday September 19 Ayr and District ramblers were doing a 10 mile walk from Turnberry to Culzean Castle returning back along the shore.22 of us set off on a lovely sunny morning along the Turnberry shore with its wonderful views over to the island of Arran towering up in the distance. Care was taken as we crossed over the hallowed links now known as Trump turnberry golf course that we did not upset the players who were also enjoying the fine weather. Once in the Maidens we stopped for our usual morning break allowing us a rest whilst some of us reminisced about how the village once looked as a thriving fishing community sadly no more.In Culzean estate there is a new childrens adventure playground built close by the swan pond. Judging by the number of children and a few adults enjoying the various rides  this will very quickly become a highlight of a visit to the estate.Lunch was taken at the Home farm accompanied by a few wasps before I thanked the leader for the first part of her walk but as I had travelled to Turnberry by bus I decided to carry on to Dunure along the Croy shore to catch the bus back to Ayr.The group did a tour of the walled gardens and then returned to Turnberry on the mornings route.

ADRC. Annual marathon from Girvan to Ayr August 2015

The ones that started the marathon.(not all finished)

Yesterday saw another successsful marathon with Ayr and District ramblers. Again I was the nominated walk leader as we left Girvan railway station to walk on the road by the golf course just to increase the mileage to make it up to 26 miles. It was a glorious warm sunny morning when we joined the Ayrshire Coastal Path (ACP) to make our way to Turnberry our first major stop on this epic journey. Next we arrived in the lovely fishing village of the Maidens where two of our group called it a day reducing us down to 14. Next was a lunch stop in Culzean Castle grounds where incidentally there was a reenactment army display going on with lots of loud bangs and old soldiers marching about in period uniforms,not the peace and tranquility we were looking forward to.4 of the walkers left us here reducing us to 10 for the next section past Croy shore onto Dunure. We hit a small problem here as we were ahead of the schedule I had worked out we encountered a tide problem with the path along by the rocks was impassable for a short period until the tide ebbed a little to allow us a dry passage through. Arriving in glorious sunny Dunure we stopped for ice cream and drinks to replenish all the salts we were losing in the heat.Another walker left us here leaving 9 on the final leg to Ayr. Limbs were now starting to tire so the pace was a gentle one over the rocks and sandy bays until we reached Greenan Castle and our goal of Ayr town was now in site.The last 3 miles were taken on the prom as we made our way to Wetherspoons for that well earned pint or three. Another successful marathon with my thanks and appreciation to all the walkers  for  the help and assistance afforded to me to make this a very memorable 26 mile day out.

PS. We had the company of the "Duke" with us yesterday who is going to prepare a full "U" tube account of the day and when I receive it I will post the link for all bloggers to enjoy.(hence the reason for lack of photos on my post.) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=35XTw_3yKgM&feature=youtu.be

ADRC .Recce for forthcoming marathon(26 miles). August 2015

Sloes are starting to ripen up ready for the gin in October

A very peaceful Dunure harbour

Dunure castle

A magnificent Culzean Castle.

In preparation for ARDC annual marathon on Sunday August 30 I decided I better recce the route in case of any gates being locked or areas being overgrown with nettles etc.Yesterday on a cloudy mild morning I set off from Doonfoot passed Greenan castle,Heads of Ayr,Bracken Bay,Dunure,Culzean Castle and finally into the Maidens.Most of the walk was relatively easy with some areas covered in bracken and nettles so I decided on the day of the marathon I will permit those walkers wearing long trousers to go in first and flatten the area to allow those of us in shorts a safe passage through.Only got to do the last bit to Girvan now and I will do that next week on a day the tide levels allow me past the cottages that are impassable at high tide.

ADRC Marathon walk from Girvan to Ayr. August 2014.

Full group leaving Girvan

First stop near to Turnberry.

Yesterday Saturday August 24th ADRC took the early morning bus from Ayr to Girvan for the annual marathon walk of 26 miles.With myself as leader 26 of us met at the railway station on a lovely warm sunny morning and after a small safety talk on marathon walking we were off on our way first of all past the golf course much to the amusement of the players who were queuing to play off the first tee.Soon out on the coast we followed the Ayrshire coastal path along the shore to Turnberry which was our first stop of the day. Suitably refreshed the next break was at Culzean Castle where seven of our group  had decided enough was enough and were collected by pre arranged transport. Down to nineteen it was off to Dunure along the Croy shore and up into the farmers fields, it was at this point we had a couple of small rain showeres which was a wee bit strange as it was lovely and sunny all around us with the exception of one dark cloud immediately above . It soon passed and we were treated to the most spectacular views of the Clyde and Arran from high up on the hills above the village.Dunure harbour was our next break for liquid refreshments as the going was to become a wee bit testing on the next few miles which had boulders ,soft sand and mountains of seaweed to navigate through. Once passed the Bracken Bay caravan site the going got a little easier underfoot but some of us were feeling a wee bit drained by now as we had completed 20 miles with another 6 still to go. We are a hardy bunch in ADRC unperturbed with sore feet we soldiered on with promise of lots of fine ale at the finish, it was this thought that certainly kept me going and I am sure a few of the others. The last 3 miles were along Ayr promenade which took us all to the finishing point at our local Wetherspoons (pub) where everyone enjoyed a well earned pint or three to replenish the sweat lost throughout the day, it is a proven fact that on this type of marathon most people will lose 4/5 pounds of their weight which was soon put back on with all the beer and food consumed. A wonderful day coupled with the fine weather made this the most memorable marathon I have had the honour of organising   for this rambling club. Thanks to all who took part in the marathon your company and banter made the pain and suffering all worthwhile.

Footnote. My good friend the "Duke" will later on today produce a utube of yesterday with lots of photos etc and  will post a link to his site later when I receive it.(hence the reason for a lack of photos on my blog)
The link is :

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oZBgrPlZgbE&list=UUWZlcEbp7CL3nMxvU_lWgjw

2 reccies this week. August 2014

This was the Barr trails recce.

On Tuesday August 19 I met with the teacher in Girvan to do part of the recce for this weekends annual marathon with ADRC. It was a lovely sunny windy morning to do a shore walk as we made our way first to the Maidens and then onto Culzean and Dunure a total distance of about 15 miles. We finished there as yesterday we were off to Barr to recce next weeks Cunninghame ramblers walk on the forest trails.Again we chose a nice sunny day and ably assisted by the deerstalker and her cousin we did a further 8 miles working out different ways to vary a well known walk. Two most enjoyable days walking and now looking at weather forecasts for this Saturday which  are favourable at present so all we need is a dry day to walk 27 miles to a well known watering hole in Ayr.

Footnote: Long trousers would be beneficial on the early part of the marathon due to tides we will have two small diversions which are fairly overgrown with nettles etc.

Wigtownshire Ramblers. Maidens to Dunure. July 2013

Starting out on the Maidens shore.

Climbing up into Culzean estate.

"John Wayne" joined us today.

Someone always gets a stone in their boot!!

Lunch stop at Croy shore.

A really cheery group today.

Our two leaders.

I always save the best for last!!!!!

As I am involved in assisting with the press report for yesterday's walk I will use it as the text for this blog,

On Saturday July 20^th 20 ramblers headed off to the quaint fishing village of MaSouth Ayrshire to do a 9 mile walk to Dunure along parts of the Ayrshire Coastal path. Once cars had been organised at both ends of this linear walk the group first walked along the sundrenched shore to a path that was to take them up onto a cliff walkway with it’s panoramic views across the Firth Of Clyde to the island of Arran and beyond. We now entered the grounds of Culzean Castle estate passing the swan pond with all its wildlife enjoying basking in the good weather. Arriving at the castle the leader gave us a brief history of its construction dating back to 1759 and the various members of the Kennedy family who had lived there,it was also pointed out that the ex American presidet Eisenhower also had an apartment gifted to him at the end of the second World War.Culzean also had it’s own gas facility manufacturing fuel for the castle and also some of the surrounding area. Now we had the most pleasant 3 mile walk along the shore to Croy where lots of families were enjoying the fine weather sunbathing and paddling in the sea.Stopping here for a very welcome lunch stop everyone enjoyed the scenery with the leader pointing out various local landmarks notably the “Electric Brae” which is an optical illusion best viewed from a distance to appreciate this very unusual phenomenon. The last part of our walk took us up a small hillside to paths around farm fields which have been left fallow to allow walkers to pass safely through without damaging the crops. Arriving at Dunure Castle time was spent exploring this 13^th century ruin before adjourning to the local tearoom for fresh scones and tea. The group expressed their appreciation to the leader for an excellent walk on a very pleasant warm summers day.

ADRC marathon Ayr to Girvan. March 2013

13 "purists"set off at 7.30AM (apologies to the "Duke" he is the cut off on the left)

First town on the route.

Donning the waterproofs at the Maidens.

Girvan's crocuses are just about to come into full bloom.

The pilot and the Girvan Lass enjoy a pint at the end.

Yesterday Saturday March 9th I was supposed to lead ADRC on their annual marathon walk to Girvan but as you all know by now due to my injury I was unable to fulfill my duties so Mr Chairman and Madam Vice kindly agreed to assume my role.I met the group of 13 at Greenan Castle car park where they were start their 26 mile marathon where I explained that they were extremely honoured to be described as "purists" as only the walkers who complete the course can have that accolade attached to their names.On a cold cloudy morning the group made their way along the shore whilst I went home for breakfast before getting  the bus to Dunure to meet the group coming down off Brown Carrick hill which was included in the walk this year to increase the mileage to marathon status.Madam Vice had joined the group by this stage as due to her cold had decided to have a later start and join the walkers at the summit of the hill(NOT A PURIST)).Once in the village the Girvan Lass also joined in the fun (AGAIN NOT A PURIST) making a grand total of 15 walkers heading out to the next port of call which was  Culzean Castle whilst I went back on a bus to Ayr to connect with one to the Maidens where I would meet the group again.They were making excellent time when I met them leaving the castle's estate to walk along the village prom before heading off to Turnberry home of the world famous golf course. I then caught another bus to Girvan where I went to Roxy Bar to watch the Scotland /Wales six nations rugby match which unfortunately Scotland lost . When I was in the bar I met the group's newly appointed Right Honourable Treasurer accompanied by his guid lady enjoying the beer and the game when he spotted me and started to offer up excuses why he was not out in the rain with the group enjoying the delights of the Turnberry shore. Just be honest sir you were never going on the walk but your secret is safe with me!The group finally made the Harbour Bar at about 4.30PM which was a very commendable time,  some of the credit must go to the Kilmarnock Rocket who lived up to his reputation and led from the front at a very past pace encouraging the others to keep going on what turned out to be a dreich afternoon in the drizzly rain. Once everyone was in the bar a small refreshment was enjoyed by all and a vote of thanks to the leaders. My own appreciation was also expressed to Mr Chairman and Madam Vice for stepping into my shoes and putting in a lot of hard work reccing the route so that the group could have a safe and enjoyable day out. Next year I have had a suggestion that we do our marathon in  September from Girvan to Ayr which could make transport arrangements easier to organise. I will look into this idea and report back to the committee.

Culzean Castle and estate. March 2013

Carpets of snowdrops in the woodland

Very imposing castle overlooking a calm sea.

The large doors of the castle firmly shut for the winter.

The Shanter riding school were in the park today.

New lambs enjoying the first steps of life.

Today Sunday March 3rd I went on the bus to the Maidens to hopefully meet up with Ayr and District ramblers who were climbing Mochrum Hill  which was wonderfully blogged by "The early Ooters" last year. My intention was to phone the walk leader and find out which way the group was going to use on their return to the Maidens. Well of course I had not fully anticipated that the mobile phone signal in that part of West Scotland is very poor so I did not manage to make contact with anyone. Undeterred I walked through the village into the estate up past the Swan Pond to the castle which is closed at present for the winter, thinking as I am walking I may meet the group yet coming back through the grounds. This did not happen so I presume they were walking on the dis- used railway line which is full of uneven surfaces so as I was on my own I did not venture this route. Finishing up at the castle gates I caught a bus back to Ayr to end a most enjoyable 4 mile linear walk in the spring sunshine.