ADRC Smugglers trail with a wee twist. March 2014

Leaders briefing

Mind the cars now!

Sitting on the reservoir wall for elevenses

Used to be Troons water supply.

The Sainty Visionary waiting to go to Hunterston ore terminal.

Hallyards Quarry

On the smugglers trail

Dundonald Castle circa late 13th century.

There were a few gates on the route back

Daffodils were in abundance today

Group on top of Dundonald Hill

He smiled earlier (our leader)

Today Saturday March 22nd ADRC met at Fullerton woods for an 8 mile walk on the smugglers trail but unlike previous walks this one had a twist in it towards the end. 20 of us left the car park on a cloudy breezy morning to walk through the village of Loans before getting to the actual smugglers trail. Our leader told us all about the contraband that came from Troon harbour along these very paths to the castle at Dundonald where it was then sold onto the various traders ,majority of it being whisky from Ireland. On the return leg instead of following the normal path we climbed up a slippy muddy one to come out at the top of Hallyards Quarry which today was nice and peaceful as there was nobody working at the weekend. Another short climb took us to the summit of Dundonald hill with its wonderful views over the Clyde estuary ,a distant Ailsa Craig was clearly visible. Passing back through Loans we followed another deviation to come into Fullarton House by the rear gates which have recently been uncovered and restored by the council. The promised rain at midday did not materialise and we all enjoyed a dry day out on this well known trail. Thanks to the leader who is obviously a  well kent face locally judging by all the car horns and waves from their occupants as we walked along the various roads.