Recce walk of the Barr Hills in South Ayrshire. July 2011

Today's walk start

R.H.S. at the summit of Auchensoul (314M)

The sheep were waiting to be sheared

A lovely old pack horse bridge.

"Salers" are a breed of cattle from France.

This was our lunch stop in the village.

Today along with the Right Honourable Secretary we went to the lovely village of Barr in South Ayrshire to recce a walk in the hills around the village. Our goal was to recce a 10 mile route incompassing hills and woodland areas as RHS had worked out on his 10 year old map! First of all we climbed up to the summit of Auchensoul Hill (314M) which is located just outside the village. It was a beautiful morning so the views from the top were stunning with a wonderful vista of Arran and Papps of Jura in the foreground.From here we dropped down through some fields before we ascended to Kirkland Hill (297M) where we had a coffee stop. At this point we could see down to Tormitchel Quarry when I realised we were on The Carrick Way which eventually takes you to Girvan a walk I would like to do with the Wigtownshire Ramblers one day.A steep descent took us to Kirkland Farm where they were in the middle of shearing the sheep. The shearers kindly stopped at this moment to allow us to pass through. We would both liked to have stopped here for a while but our presence was frightening the sheep making it difficult for the dogs to control. Making a hasty exit to keep the peace we were now on the main Barr to Barrhill road where we  were going to try and work out a route which would take us up to connect into the Barr paths at Changue Forrest. Well this is where the old and trusted map let us down since printing of this edition some kind person had planted a forest, we tried various ways to get through finishing up in a wood with all sorts of obstacles that prevented a safe passage when at this point RHS suggested we give this idea up and head back to the safety of the road. After two miles of tarmac road we were back in th village where we took lunch on the banks of the River Stinchar. This was an 8 mile walk but not suitable for a group but then that is what recces are all about exploring and trying to work out paths that we could lead a group of walkers through. Very enjoyable sunny walk with the odd fly and midgie, one day we will find a suitable 10 mile circular route for the groups we are both involved in.