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 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

ADRC Turnberry to Culzean Castle . February 2014

One of the most famous golf holes in the world. (9th)

Showing respect to the golfers.

We had a break at the Maidens car park.

Entering Culzean Estate from the shore.

Comfort break at the swan pond.

This is the restored camellia house

One of the many exhibits.

Swathes of snowdrops in the forests.

Culzean Castle in the winter sun.

Lunch at the Home farm.

Don't they make a happy couple.

Todays large group

Our leader for the walk.

Yesterday Saturday February 22nd I travelled by bus to Turnberry where I met up with ADRC who were walking to Culzean Castle and estate. On a clear windy morning 35 well wrapped up walkers left the car park and went down onto the shore to take us along to the world famous Turnberry  lighthouse situated on the more famous golf course.At this point the track took us onto the golf links where we made a couple of stops to allow the golfers to enjoy their game without being distracted by a large group of ramblers.Continuing through the Maidens shore we were soon entering the extensive grounds of Culzean estate which are covered in snowdrops at this time of year.Passing the restored camellia house we made our way to the castle and onto Holm farm which was to be the lunch stop before retracing our steps back to Turnberry. At this point I opted out to catch a bus home to Ayr to see the RBS 6 nations rugby on the telly. (Scotland WON) Thanks to the leader for a pleasant winters walk in the sunshine and also to everyone in the group for making it a good fun day out.