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| Loch Bradan dam. |
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| On top of the dam. |
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| A grey cloudy loch. |
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| Lunch on the track. |
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| The two groups meet for the second time. |
Yesterday on a cloudy mild day two groups from my mother group walked the 8 mile circuit round Loch Braden ,we were not supposed to be in different groups but due to a misunderstanding some of the car drivers parked their vehicles in the WRONG car park. I will not go into detail and when I receive the walk leaders report I will attach it to this post. My group of 8 enjoyed our walk and we stopped many times to discuss the various wildlife that came into view along with the early fungi on the forest floor. Good day out with this small group.
Walk leaders report.
Wigtownshire Ramblers
31st August 2013
Sixteen ramblers and two visitors journeyed into Ayrshire on Saturday
for an eight mile walk around Loch Bradan. As there were car parks at
both ends of the loch, ten walkers started clockwise at the south end
and eight parked by the big dam and walked anticlockwise, both parties
to meet twice on the way round.
The day was dull but only one shower of rain dampened the proceedings
and the views over the water and to the surrounding hills were
spectacular.
The area of Loch Bradan was increased at the beginning of the last
century by a dam built for Troon Water Works. This joined Loch Lure and
Loch Bradan. Again in the 1970s the reservoir was raised when a new dam
was built to provide more water for the increasing population of
Ayrshire. The Lure dam can be walked along, giving a view to the south
across placid water on this day, but the Bradan dam was closed off and
its height and strength only revealed as the parties walked the path
below the structure.
As the Bradan dam was passed, the Water of Girvan was crossed at a ford.
This river rises on the slopes of Shalloch on Minnoch before passing
through a series of lochs - Loch Girvan Eye, Cornish Loch, and then Loch
Skelloch, which the walkers viewed from the forest road on the west
side of Loch Lure, before passing through Loch Lure itself and Loch
Bradan. When the river emerges from under the big dam it continues on
its way through Straiton to the sea at Girvan.
The walker’s day was brightened by seeing so much fungi growing below
the trees alongside the lochs. Red fly agaric and orange fries were
dotted about in the shade and great patches of ground were enlivened by a
fairyland of small white toadstools spotting the soil. This area is
popular for wild camping, a beautiful place to stay awhile, but the
campers have left such a lot of debris behind that they are in danger of
spoiling their outdoor holidays.
The east side of Loch Bradan is open moorland, a cycle path, which gave a
good walking surface. A ditch alongside was the playground for pond
skaters whilst tiny toadlets hopped away from the heavy boots of the
passers-by. There were mercifully no midges to annoy the ramblers on
this walk.
The cars were once more reached by both parties and the company
adjourned some miles up the road, to House on the Hill for welcome
refreshments. This had been an easy and pleasant outing, good views,
good company and good weather for walking.
Next week’s ramble on Sep 7th, is a C+ 7 mile circular walk taking in
Chapel Finian and Barhobble. Meet for car sharing 9.15am Riverside,
Newton Stewart, 9.30am Breastworks, Stranraer, or 10am Chapel Finian Car
Park NX 279 488. All are welcome but if going straight to the start or
new walkers, please phone walk leader, 01776 700707.
