Ayr and District ramblers.Forth and Clyde canal. July 2013

Arriving at Buchanan Street bus station.

Then onto the Glasgow subway.

Murals at Kelvinbridge.

Site of the old North Woodside Flint Mill

complete with mill wheels.

Known as Maryhill Barracks.

Maryhill locks.

Ideal place for a coffee stop

The farmer enjoying the warm sunshine

so were the architect and local botanist.

We passed under the Glasgow airport flight path.

Today's unusually shaped route map.

The ladies of the group enjoy a well earned rest.

These swans had 8 cygnets to look after.

The ferry plied it's route for over 100 years.

This bridge was raised

to let the weed cutter through

and it's big brother.

Today's group at a lock gate.

Our leader on his bike!!

One of our male members suggested to the females in our group they may wish to avail themselves of the above services, he was last seen heading for the canal!!

Yesterday ADRC headed off to Glasgow on theX77 bus from Ayr to connect with Glasgow Subwayto Kelvinbridge in the West end of the city for an 11 mile walk on theForth and Clyde Canal to Bowling. 15 of us first of all walked along the banks of the River Kelvin passed the site of the North Woodside Flint Mill to join the canal at Maryhill Locks From here we headed west passedTemple gasometere .Blairdardie ,Knightswood and Drumchapel before arriving at Clydebank for a well deserved lunch break taken in the warm afternoon sunshine. Now it was only 4 miles left until we reached Bowling with it's sea lock to allow vessels to pass safely through and into the Firth of Clyde.The walk was lead with military precision by the group's architect who had put an enormous amount of effort into the planning of this linear walk reminding us all periodically that we were 4 minutes behind schedule and this would be deducted from the planned rest breaks. We all arrived in Bowling on schedule to catch a bus back to the city to make our connection  to Ayr to end a wonderful day out to an area we do not make the most of considering it is not that far away for us to travel to.

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.

Cunninghame ramblers. Mid week walk at Straiton. July 2013

We filled the small car park

Preparing for the "off"

Some of the fine houses in the village.

The falls were nearly dry today.

One of many  wood carvings in the forest.

Coffee in a farmer's field.

Scaling the fences.

Today's large group.

The leader.

Yesterday Wednesday I took the bus to Straiton to meet the Cunninghame Ramblers who were doing a couple of the low level walks around the village.24 of us met in the local car park on a very warm sunny morning and after donning loads of suncream we made our way on the first walk which is known locally as "Lady Hunter -Blair ". It follows a well laid out path to some water falls on the Lambdbughty Burn (don't ask me to pronounce the name) which today due to the recent dry spell were not really flowing to ant effect. Re -tracing our steps we then crossed the River Girvan for a pleasant meander through some forest until we came to a bridge which we made our lunch stop. One of the group even went for a wee paddle in the water to cool his feet down, others were more sensible! Arriving back at the cars having completed 7 miles in perfect conditions we all agreed it was the ideal walk to compliment the weather. Thanks again to the leader and the group for a splendid day out.

ADRC Loch Doon circular . July 2013.

Leaders briefing

Climbing Craigmawhannal. (357M)

Friphorum Augustifolium (bog cotton)

Digitaus Purpurea (foxglove)

Coffee break

"what's wrong with my legs?"

Large gorse bush growing in the middle of the forest.

10 seconds ago she was asleep.

Our leader helped to build this bridge.

Able to withstand the weight of today's group.

Today Sunday July 7th on a lovely warm clear sunny morning 16 of us left from the forest drive car park at the southerly end of Loch Doon to climb Craigmawhannel (357M). Our leader, in an earlier life worked with the forestry commission so he had a lot of knowledge of the area and even assisted with the building of a walkers bridge over a small river.This was a short 6 mile walk as it was fairly warm and most of the group also wanted to be home sharp to watch Andy Murray play tennis in the final at Wimbeldon. (HE WON!!) Once we were on the summit lots of the surrounding hills came into view which had us all guessing the various names. A pleasant lunch stop beside a stream was enjoyed by all with a short forest walk back to the cars to end this day out in a lovely part of South Ayrshire. Many thanks to the leader who had lots of wee stories to tell about life as forester in this area.


 

Wigtownshire Ramblers. Maybole circular July 2013

What a lovely day for a walk.

Styles were provided today.

Honest I am going to make it!!

Concentration as he eats a melted chocolate bar.

Today's group

with me as leader.

Yesterday Saturday July 6th Wigtownshire ramblers traveled to Maybole for a 9 mile circular walk led by my goodself as the teacher who should have been in charge has taken off to Madeira for a wee holiday. I will not go into detail about our day as I have submitted my press walk report  to the Newton Stewart blogger for amendment  and once published I will attach a copy to this blog.

Her is the press walk report. Thanks JD.

 Saturday 6^th July 2013

Sixteen ramblers met at Maybole swimming pool car park in South Ayrshire for a 9 mile circular walk.

It was a lovely sunny breezy morning as the group left the car park beside the local golf course and made their way south along a quiet country road. A minor road was now accessed where a gradual incline led them to Kildoon Hill. Rucksacks were temporarily discarded to climb to the summit. Here stood an impressive monument to Sir Charles Fergusson of Kilkerran, a local landowner who died in 1849. This was also the site of a prehistoric fort and the monument stands within its ramparts. Some time was spent here admiring views while the walk leader identified local hills and landmarks.

Back at the road, rucksacks were again donned and the group now proceeded downhill to cross the Altewan Burn near High Burncrooks. A wooden stile now led to a tarmac road where a short stretch east brought them to Lower Burncrooks. Today’s walk was billed as a “Howling dogs and murder”. The kennels at Lower Burncrooks were the ‘Howling’ dogs who were very excited to see such a large group of people.

Now the route turned south leading to Sunny Brae and the serene Ghaist Glen, belying its name. The public road ended at Lochspouts, once the water source for the local community and the thriving lace business sadly long since gone.

Lunch was enjoyed in a disused quarry where lots of stones provided excellent seating.

 At this point the leader warned everyone to be careful of the hot sun; with the breeze blowing there was strong chance of getting sunburnt in the strong rays.

After lunch they continue straight ahead past Craigdow road-end onto a grass track where the Green Well spring kept the ground somewhat boggy . The path soon improved and shortly they reached a cairn with a plaque attached, the 'Murder' part of the walk. The Drummochreen cairn is a reminder of Carrick’s bloody past when clan feuding was commonplace. The plaque states that Andrew MacAlexander of Drummochreen, was attacked and murdered by Hew Kennedy of Girvanmains in September 1599.

Reaching High Newlands, a change of direction to the east took the walkers up Glenshalloch Hill. Now in open moorland they walked along a ridge of summits with views either side. Kilkerran House, the ancestral home of Clan Fergusson could be seen to the south while more distant views included Shalloch on Minnoch in the Galloway hills.

Wild orchids and other moorland plants flourished as they first passed Carscallan Cairn on one summit before reaching the trig point on Craigfin Hill. A short break was again taken to admire the views and for the distribution of sweeties.

Still generally heading east the route now dropped from the top of the hill to reach an old drovers road. This led to Spring Garden Bridge where the route continued under Kildoon Hill to return to Maybole. Fields of sheep, cattle and a surprising amount of horses were passed on this last stretch.

Afternoon tea and scones was enjoyed by the group in the Dairy Corner tearoom to round off another excellent outing.

The next outing on Saturday the 13^th of July is an 11 mile circular walk of open moorland and woods past the Door of Cairnsmore. Meet at 09:30 at the Riverside Car Park in Newton Stewart or at 09:00 at the Breastworks Car Park in Stranraer to share transport.  The walk will start at Cairnsmore Car Park (NX 464 632). New members are always welcome but please contact the walk leader on 01671 403351 for further information.

ADRC . Knockdolian and Barbeque. June 2013

A members brand new car.

We had to stop to remove jackets.

Getting ready to climb "Knockdolian"

Already quite well spread out.

Almost there.

Everyone made it to the summit.

Barbeque on the shore.

Once we were all fed and watered.

Guess which one was the chef!!

Back in business thanks to a visit from my son who has installed a new server and resolved my problems.
Yesterday Saturday June 29th ADRC  left Ayr to go to Ballantrae for a 6 mile walk up Knockdolian to be followed by a barbie on the shore organised by Anne and myself. 21  of us made our way on a mild cloudy morning along the road that would lead us to the start of the climb where we stopped for a coffee break prior to the serous business of the day. I am pleased to report all members made it safely to the summit to enjoy the wonderful views of the Clyde and beyond. The descent is always a wee bit scary in places but it was not long until everyone was back down on to the road back to Ballantrae. At this point Anne collected me in the car so that we could go back to the shore and light the barbie. Madam Vice very kindly took over as leader of the group for the return leg to Ballantrae.Anne and I soon had everything organised for the group when they returned to enjoy burgers,chicken and salads.Thankfully the rain stayed off  to make it another memorable barbeque which subject to the committees approval will be repeated again next year.