Gordon and Anne's Blog

Cunninghame ramblers. Fairlie to Largs and Wetherspoons. October 2016

2016-10-05T13:37:00.000+01:00

Group at the Pencil monument

Who could this be I hear you ask

This is how his plate arrived

Getting there

Wetherspoons Largs

The leader has to make an appearance

Enjoying some light refreshment

Yesterday on a fine cool autumn morning 10 ramblers left Fairlie for a short walk along the coastal path to Largs. It was a leisurely pace set to allow everyone to enjoy the wonderful scenery before arriving at Wetherspoons which opened recently. Obviously as walk leader I had reccied it out (on more than one occasion)to ensure it was a fit and proper venue for this esteemed group. Pleasant time was had by all before 8 of the ramblers walked back to Fairlie with one particular member trying to walk off a rather LARGE breakfast. Thanks to all who turned out.

Cunninghame ramblers. West Kilbride to Fairlie via the Crosbie Hills. September 2016

2016-09-11T12:38:00.000+01:00

Our short train journey started here

Crosbie reservoir with West Kilbride in the foreground.

Starting the climb to Caldron Hill

Hunterston power station and Millport

Her version of desert island discs!!

Lovely waterfall on the Glen Burn

Group on the summit of Caldron Hill.(329M)

Mr and Mrs walk leaders.

Yesterday on a lovely sunny breezy (nae midges) morning 15 walkers from Cunninghame Ramblers took a short train journey from Fairlie to the walk start in West Kilbride. Leaving the village we took a road past a large caravan park before going out onto the open moorland with its wonderful views over the Firth of Clyde climbing steadily until we reached Caldron Hill with its rather large rock cairn. Many sights were identified on the Clyde which today had lots pf pleasure craft enjoying the fine weather sailing in between the mainland and the local isles.A steady descent took the walkers to a lovely waterfall on the Glen Burn where we had a very pleasant lunch break listening to the water passing by us on its way to the sea. A moorland path took us along a ridge to Fairlie where after a woodland walk through the glen we arrived back at the cars after an 8 mile walk taken in glorious sunny conditions. Thanks to our leaders today who had the difficult task of recceing this walk twice due to some areas being completely overgrown making it impossible to navigate a safe route for a group.

Cunninghame ramblers. Clauchlands Point/Glen Cloy,Isle of Arran. August 2016

2016-08-14T13:34:00.001+01:00

Waterproofs were donned (only briefly)

Lovely view of the Holy Isle

Looking up to Goatfell

Walkers emerging from the ferns.

looking back towards Brodick

At the summit of Clauchlands Hill

Mr and Mrs walk leaders. (one I took earlier!!)

Yesterday Saturday August 13th Cunninghame ramblers met at Ardrossan to catch the 9.45AM ferry to the beautiful Island of Arran.Once safely in Brodick 16 members headed out of the village to pick up the track that took us to the summit of Clauchlands Point with its wonderful views of the different bays that are located on the east side of the island. A lovely forestry walk took us to our lunch stop high up above Brodick looking out onto the Firth of Clyde with all its shipping and headlands in view.Dropping down into Glen Cloy we then enjoyed a lovely walk alongside the river to the famous Auchrannie Hotel which was looking very opulent in the warm afternoon sunshine. Arriving back in Brodick several of the group headed for the local hostelries for tea or a light refreshment. This was an excellent 9 mile walk with all the usual banter you come to expect from the group who gave the leaders a big thank you for organising our day out so well.

Cunninghame ramblers. 4 trig point walk near Greenock/ Inverkip. August 2016.

2016-08-11T10:52:00.000+01:00

Todays leaders.

On Tuesday Cunninghame ramblersheaded North to Cornalees visitor centre on the Greenock cut. I am going to post a link to an excellent collage of photos and videos which one of the members has prepared so hence the lack of photos on my blog. It was a clear rather windy morning when 17 of us left the centre to head up to Dunrod hill (298M) over to Whin Hill(176M) and quickly followed by Murdieston Hill (234M) and finally Corlic Hill (303M).Apart from a shower of rain towards the end it was mainly fine dry day with excellent views over the Clyde to the Arrochar Alps. It was a new walk to most of us as we are so used to the Greenock cut walk you tend to forget there are plenty of other areas up there to explore. Thanks Mr and Mrs walk leaders for a great day out.

Click on the link to see a super set of photos of our day out.Cunninghame ramblers.

Cunninghame ramblers. Neilston Pad and surrounding lochs. July 2016

2016-07-13T10:48:00.000+01:00

Snypes Dam with Glasgow in the background

Some steep paths were negotiated

I thought it was an orchid but I have my doubts.(lovely colours with the bee feeding on the pollen)

Craighall Dam

Some parts were on nice open moorland

Climbing James Hill

We called this the sleuce gates restaurant

Todays happy group

Walk leader complete with jelly babies!!

Yesterday Tuesday July 12 Cunninghame ramblers went to East Renfrewshire for a 7 mile walk on the Neilston Pad and surrounding lochs and dams. Parking near to Harelaw Dam on a mild cloudy morning 14 walkers made their way up onto a volcanic plug known as the Neilston Pad with its wonderful views over the city of Glasgow.From here we had a steep descent to Craighall Dam which forms a series of lochs and dams to be used as resevoirs for the surrounding areas of Neilston ,Barrhead and Paisley.This walk was described as a figure of eight so we crossed over at our starting point where we picked up our rucksacks to continue over the moors to Harelaw Dam complete with fishermen trying to catch their dinner. Unfortunately we did not have the groups twitcher with us this morning but I think there was a small flock of greylag geese on the loch. A steady climb took the group to the summit of James Hill in the middle of Harelaw wind farm before a rather tricky steep descent to the sleuce gates that were used as a lunch stop. The last 2 miles were mostly on windfarm roads before reaching the car park to end another great day out with a leader who is not normally given to dry weather walks managed exceptionally well despite taking the group through some rather treacherous undergrowth with the odd wet muddy patches not visible due to the walkers .Well done sir.

Cunninghame ramblers. Black Craig by Kirkconnel. June 2016

2016-06-16T13:08:00.000+01:00

Meeting at the start

Tricky wee stile had to be crossed

Nobody loves me he was heard to say

A trio of beauties

Todays group

Our leader


We stopped for a break here.

On Tuesday June14th cunninghame ramblers travelled to Kirkconnel for a 13 mile walk up Blackcraig (700M) . On a partly sunny morning 11 of us made away along some good forestry access roads before starting the ascent up the hill. This was done at various stages to give us older members a wee break to catch our breath on the steep terrain. Lunch on the summit was a guessing game to name all the hills round about us ranging from East Lowther in the southern uplands to the hills in south ayrshire.A steep descent got us all safely back down to the forestry road and retrn to the cars. A fairly stiff 13 miles was enjoyed by all and apart from about 10 minutes of light drizzle it was a dry day. Thanks to the leader who was completing the walk for a second time in 2 days having taken ARDC group up on Sunday.

Wigtonshire ramblers. Maybole circular. June 2016

2016-06-12T09:31:00.000+01:00

Todays group

Todays leader.(used this photo as I did not take one yesterday)

Yesterday a small group from Wigton ramblers travelled to Maybole to do the regular 7 mile circular walk. 9 of us left the local swimming baths on a cloudy warm morning with the promise that rain was in todays forecast. A rather pleasant road took us away from the town up onto the local moorland where there were some excellent sightings of the local wildlife including buzzards ,yellowhammers,mistle thrush and various meadow pipets to name a few.The leader had described the walk as murder,howling dogs and venomous snakes. Well we past murder hole and the local kennels but unfortunately the snakes did not make an appearance.The walk finished back in the town where several of the group enjoyed tea and scones in one of the local tearooms.Apart from one heavy shower of rain at lunchtime we had a dry day for our outing. Thanks to the teacher who as leader added his own wee touches to the walk with his usual anecdotes etc etc.

Cunninghame ramblers. Barony hill by Dailly circular. May 2016

2016-05-17T16:46:00.000+01:00

I got a lift to the start from this lovely couple.

Lindsayston woods have been felled.

One of many stiles today.

A wee break before our final ascent onto Barony.

Bluebells were in full bloom

Todays fine group on the summit

The teacher was our leader and raconteur.

Worth another look.

Today Tuesday May 17 Cunninghame ramblers traveled to South Ayrshire village of Dailly for a 10 mile circular walk up Barony Hill. A bakers dozen gathered at the start and after a short briefing we made our way through Lindsayton woods which have been felled recently and has lost a wee bit of its character . A nice pleasant walk in the cloudy but sometimes sunny morning we slowly made our way up Barony hill reaching the summit as the wind started to blow. Lunch at some old limekilns was enjoyed by all before a walk through some woods that were completely covered in glorious bluebells. Crossing the road the track follows the river Girvan back to the village to end a very pleasant dry walk both overhead and underfoot.

Transatlantic cruise onboard NCL Spirit. April/May 2016

2016-05-13T10:14:00.001+01:00

Our swimming pool in Florida

We went on an airboat ride on the swamps

In the centre is a large aligator.

Everything in the USA is bigger.

We visited the Kennedy space centre

These are the engines of a spacecraft

Our home for the next two weeks

Plane landing at the famous St Martins island airport.Jumbo jet came in later.

Amazing ocean colours

Self explanatory

Waiting on take off

Leaving Philipsburg on a water taxi.

The size of these ships is enormous

Funchal (Maderia) is famous for its flowers

also it is a very hilly island

so we travelled by cable car

One of the many bars on the ship.

Even the captain entered into the fun and games

All good things must come to an end.

Bye bye ship!!

In mid April Anne and I flew to London Gatwick to connect to a flight to Orlando in Florida. We spent 7 nights there visiting the theme parks and all the resorts tourist attractions. Onwards to Port Canaveral to board the "Norweigan Spirit" cruise ship for the next two weeks visiting the American Virgin Islands before crossing the Atlantic Ocean to Maderia and then onto Barcelona for a two night stay.It was a most enjoyable holiday helped by fully inclusive drinks package which had to be seen to be believed. EXCELLENT HOLIDAY.

Cunninghame ramblers. 3 hill circular at West Kilbride. April 2016

2016-04-07T09:28:00.000+01:00

The first of many stiles

The cup and ring stones (cups are full of rainwater)

I am not sure what the deerstalker intends to use the walking pole for

At the cairn on Blackshaw hill.

Yesterday Wednesday April 6 on a cold cloudy morning 16 of Cunninghame ramblers finest braved the elements to do a short 7 mile walk round 3 of the local hills.Setting off from West Kilbride the first obstacle was a serious muddy track known as the coffin road. It was extremely mucky and slippy probably caused by large flocks of sheep being moved to lower pastures for the lambing season. As we cleared the muck the rain came on to add to our enjoyment as we trudged up to the summit of Blackshaw hill where on a clear day rather nice views of Arran can be enjoyed,we had to make do of an aerial view of West Kilbride through the mist.Undeterred the next stop was at the cup and ring stones which may date back to the bronze age.Still raining the group now climbed up to Knockewart hill radio station before dropping down past a wee lochan complete with two very noisy geese.Last climb was Lawhill before a walk through the local glen back to the start ,to dry off and enjoy a spot of lunch. The walk was ably led by past Madam chair assisted by the Rt Hon Sec.,they did a sterling job in what can only be described as difficult conditions.

Cunninghame and Wigtown ramblers day in Newton Stewart. April 2016

2016-04-04T12:06:00.001+01:00

For this group only EXECUTIVE would do!

Leaders briefing at Creetown

He was pleased to see us

Older readers will remember the flowerpot man.

Looking out at

the various bird feeders

One way to relax.

Going round the side of the loch.

Bruntis Loch

Walk leaders

At Kiroughtree visitors centre.

On Saturday April 2 the deerstalker organised a bus trip with Cunninghame ramblers to join up with Wigtown ramblers at Newton Stewart. 3 walks had been organised by her pulling in members from both groups to do reccies etc. The A walk up Cairnsmore of Fleet had to be cancelled on the advice of the mountain rescue team who assured us the weather would close in on the afternoon and it could become dangerous for a large group. 15 walkers went on a C walk round Newton Stewart ably led by my old pal the Newton Stewart blogger.The rest of us numbering 36 went onto the bus to take us to Creetown for a 10 mile low level walk through Kiroughtree visitors centre forest and visitors centre. Leaving Creetown we passed a couple who were sitting in their hot tub out in the garden oblivious to the fact that a large group of ramblers were passing their driveway.A lovely forest walk took us to the visitors centre for our lunch stop before a more strenuous section back to Newton.The two groups met up again in the Bruce Hotel for a meal and a we refreshment to round off an excellent day in South West Scotland. The weather did deteriorate in the afternoon so the advice given earlier by the mountain team was correct.A big thanks to the deerstalker for all her efforts in organinsing and co-ordinating our day out ,it was a lot of hard work keeping us all informed of the arrangements (and also keeping me in check!!)) Big thanks also to the walk leaders, without you these day would not be possible.

Cunninghame ramblers. Kilpatrick Hills north of Glasgow. March 2016

2016-03-23T10:33:00.002+00:00

We met at Old Kilpatrick

We followed this new path (not to be confused with the Ayrshire Coastal Path)

One way of getting rid of that confounded "DREEP"

Cochno burn

Great views of Glasgow as we climb.

Lunch at Greenside resevoir

Explanation of a trig point by the Rt Hon Sec.

Made it to the first cairn

Group photo

and again

Mr and Mrs walk leaders.

Yesterday on a cloudy mild morning Cunninghame ramblers ventured over the Erskine Bridge to Old Kilpatrick for a 10 mile walk in the Kilpatrick hills climbing up the The Slacks which towers 365M above the Clyde. 20 of set off on a newly constructed Clyde Coastal Path through Duntocher and Hardgate before reaching Clochno estate where we then started to climb up through some fields until we reached the moorland with some of the reservoirs used to supply parts of Glasgow. Once we conquered Clochno hill we descended to Greenside reservior for our lunch stop before a short sharp climb to the summit of The Slacks with views down past Dumbarton and Greenock. A steep descent took us down onto a road which led us back to the start to end another great day out with the group who kept up an excellent pace considering the first real semi strenuous walk we had done for a while. Thanks to Mr and Mrs leaders whose knowledge of this area kept us fully informed of the surrounding areas.

Time to move on.March 2016

2016-03-11T10:41:00.002+00:00

SOLD

Our house of 29 years has been sold and effectively Anne and I will be homeless by the end of May or alternatively we find a wee but and ben to rest our old weary legs in. Heres hoping something turns up soon and I can get back to full time walking in the hills with all the groups that I ramble with. See you all soon.

Carrick Hills by Ayr. March 2016

2016-03-10T09:45:00.001+00:00

Just below the masts on the Carrick Hills.

First of all my apologies for the lack of blogs recently this has been down to selling our house,cruising in the Middle East and the dreadful weather of late.Yesterday the deerstalker and I did our usual Carrick Hills 8 mile walk to Dunure on a super sunny day with spectacular views. During the walk I also managed to negotiate the sale of my house. More to follow.

Cruise in the Middle East visiting Oman and Dubai. February 2016

2016-02-17T09:47:00.002+00:00

Anne at the Grand Mosque,Abu Dhabi

Grand mosque

Prayer area

One of many chandaliers

Palm hotel

Burj Khalifa Dubai

Burj Khalifa

Anne was in her element here

Abu Dhabi beach

Enjoying a nice dinner

I was a founder member of this club back in 1985

How it has changed

Sultan Qaboos's little yacht

Snow slides in Dubai

Muscat

This plane made it all possible

Tut tut nae Gordons gin on the flight

Text to follow later.

Burns Supper at BBC Scotland ,Glasgow. January 25th. 2016

2016-01-26T11:49:00.001+00:00

Looking towards the top table.

Last night Anne and I were very privileged to be invited to the HQ of BBC Scotland Scotland for a traditional Burns supper which was being broadcasted live on radio Scotland.4500 people applied for tickets and only 50 lucky people were successsful.It was chaired by Bryan Burnett along with Jamie MacDougall (singing) Brian Taylor (BBC political editor) who did the Immortal memory, Jonathon Watson recited the most wonderful Tam O'Shanter, Des Clarke did a toast to the lassies and Martha McBrier replied. Once we were all seated the broadcast began whilst we were served a full traditional meal with loads of wine and a wee dram to toast the haggis. It was a very well presented evening with lots of laughter particularly at the tables as I think there ballot for tickets was done by selecting a particular age group mainly 50 to 70 year olds . Excellent evening and the icing on the cake was the TV license fee paid for it.

PS . Some regular followers of the blog may be wondering why there are no reports of walks recently,this is due to the mainly to our recent weather if it is not raining it is blowing a gale and even today the Deerstalker had a walk arranged for the Kilmarnock area which she rightly cancelled as there are storm warning being issued for the area. Hopefully it will improve once we move into February.

Kilmarnock OIR. Troon/Prestwick circular. January 2016

2016-01-20T10:40:00.000+00:00

Troon shore after Storm Frank

Morning coffee sitting on old tree stumps.

We walked under the flightpath at Prestwick.

Todays group.

Yesterday Tuesday January 19th Kilmarnock OIR met at the ballast bank in Troon on a reasonably mild dry morning to do a 7 mile walk towards Prestwick and return on the shore.Unfortunately our leader for the day was unable to attend so 2 or 3 of us who have walked this area many times before worked out a route suitable for the walkers and off we went at a fair old pace as this is the group that does not hang about.Troon shore is starting to recover from tons of driftwood that was thrown up during Storm Frank but thanks to the sterling ongoing work being carried out by the local authority it will not be long before it is ready to receive an influx of visitors in a couple of months time.Walking up past millionaires row we went round the edge of Fullarton woods before joining the cycle track at Royal Troon golf course which is the home this year of the world famous "Open". Arriving at the caravan site beside the airport we took the path down onto the shore to have our lunch stop admiring the winter colours of the sky reflecting on a very calm sea. The last part of our day was a very pleasant shore trek back to the start to end another excellent winters day out with this very fit group.

Cunninghame ramblers. Irvine to Kilmarnock linear. January 2016

2016-01-17T10:30:00.000+00:00

Stop to let everyone catch up.

Crossing a bridge/ice rink.

Excellent surfaces on the old railway line.

Todays group.

Yesterday Saturday January 17 Cunninghame ramblers met on a cold frosty morning to walk 7 miles to Kilmarnock on the old railway line before taking the bus back to Irvine.20 of us set off and it was nice to have 2 local visitors with us who may become members in the near future.The first part of our walk took us past the Hallmark Hotel which over the years has changed its name several times just to keep us all confused. Once on the railway line great care had to be taken as it was extremely icy in places making for one or two slips and slides but fortunately nothing too serious. Morning coffee was taken on a stretch of line known locally as coachmans brae near to Dreghorn in sight of our local retired school teachers place of employment.As we passed the villages of Springside and Knockentiber lots of history was discussed and little stories of a bygone year were swapped. On reaching Kilmarnock 3 of us left the group to get their bus to Irvine whilst we carried on into the town bypassing Wetherspoons to the main bus station to make our way home after a most enjoyable winters walk completed before the snow came on turning everywhere lovely and crispy white.

Kilmarnock OIR Darvel circular on the Lang Cairn walk. January 2016

2016-01-14T12:16:00.000+00:00

Tea break in the rain.

On Tueday January 12th Kilmarnock OIR met on a dreich wet morning to do the Lang Cairn walk to Loudoun Hill returning on the old railway line. The forecast as usual said it would be dry in the Darvel area with only a slight chance of a shower. Well how wrong could they be,the rain was constant for the first 3 hours of the 8 mile walk with a little bit of relief early afternoon.Undeterred off we went into the gloom and up the hills to the lang cairn before lunching at the Wallace monument at Loudoun Hill. The leader quite rightly suggested that we miss out the climb up to the top of the hill as it has an extremely steep descent and would be too dangerous today. In the afternoon we trudged along a very wet muddy disused railway line back top the start.I enjoyed the company of this hardy group of ramblers they just take weather and mud in their stride and get on with it. Lets hope for better conditions next week at Troon.

PS. Lack of photos due to the conditions.

Kilmarnock OIR. Barskimming estate by Mauchline. January 2016

2016-01-07T11:07:00.000+00:00

Happy new year to everyone who reads the blog. This posting is rather unusual as there are no photographs as I was requested by the estate management that the family do not wish pictures of their estate on the internet and as a member of Kilmarnock OIR their wishes have to be respected.

On Tuesday January 5th 17 members met at Barskimming House to be greeted by a senior member of the staff accompanied by his wife ,2 children and 4 dogs to be shown around this beautiful estate. On a cloudy cool morning after all the introductions had been made we set off along one of the many tracks through woodlands and open meadows.Our guide was very helpful explaining the history and the ongoing maintenance that has to be carried out every year to keep the estate accessible for all the equestrian events held there annually.Our walk was about 7 miles and we never once left the boundary of the estate which stretches far and wide into the Ayrshire countryside. An excellent informative walk and a vote of thanks was given at the Fairburn Hotel where we all enjoyed a wee refreshment or a coffee.

New Year 2016

2016-01-01T11:32:00.003+00:00

Happy New Year to all our blog readers in cyberspace.

From Anne and Gordon Phillips.

Christmas greeting 2015

2015-12-24T10:25:00.003+00:00


A very merry Christmas to all our blog followers.

From Anne and Gordon Phillips.

Kilmarnock OIR. Smugglers trail to Troon . December 2015

2015-12-23T10:32:00.000+00:00

Used to be Troon resevoir

Some of the group managed to find a seat

Fullarton house

The horses were pleased to see us

Todays group

Yesterday Tuesday December 21 (winter equinox) Kilmarnock OIR (opportunities in retirement) met at Dundonald Castle for a walk along the smugglers trail to Troon and perhaps a wee bit further dependent on the weather .13 of set off on a blustery dry morning through the woods following a well laid out path until we came to Troon resevoir with some lovely views over to Arran.Next was a road walk through the village of Loans and into Fullarton woods which had some lovely Christmas decorations on the trees with an adventure trail for children to follow.Passing through Lochgreen golf course we arrived at the rugby pitches where we took a break for lunch and our leader discussed our options for the return leg to Dundonald. Well this is a very fit group and there was a unanimous decision to retrace our steps through the woods we had walked in the morning. Once back in Dundonald we found out we had walked almost 11 miles not bad for a group made up of mature ramblers,the pace you set was a very fast one ,hope I did not keep you back. Thanks for allowing me to join you all and hope to see you on another walk early in the New Year.

Cunninghame ramblers. Auchenleck to Dumfries House circular.December 2015

2015-12-17T12:48:00.001+00:00

Some good paths are laid out for this walk.

The river and walkers can safely pass under the A71

Me thinks we took a wrong turning!!

Bridge up to the big hoose

Mr ans Mrs Office bearers.

The walled garden

In the centre is a Welsh dragon (well maybe)

Always got time for a wee shot on the swings.

One of many shelters in the estate

Unusual fountain has been added in 2014

Todays group

with our leader.

Yesterday Cunninghame ramblers met at Auchenleck for 7 mile walk to Dumfries House which was saved for the nation by a certain well heeled Royal prince. 11 of us left Tescos car park on a cloudy dry mild morning to make our way down to the Lugar water where a well laid out path took us along to Dumfries house estate. Lots of investment has been made on the grounds since my last visit making it an excellent place to visit to enjoy all the wonderful things that have been contructed to improve the facilities.After our lunch taken on the lawns of the big house we made our way back to Auchenleck to end an excellent winters day out.

Cunninghame ramblers Christmas lunch at Dalgarven Mill hotel nr. Kilwinning. December 2015

2015-12-07T10:46:00.002+00:00

Pre lunch drinks

River Garnock was in full flow

Santa arrived

Is this the guy who runs the kirk's finances!!

It looked good enough to eat (the hat)

The stags HEID

Miss pouting lips

helped to organise a great lunch.

On Saturday December 5th Cunninghame ramblers went to Dalgarven hotel for our Christmas lunch. 43 of us had an excellent meal followed by a successful raffle with the proceeds being donated to the Arran Mountain Rescue in memory of member who sadly passed on during the past year. Super day out despite the weather outside being somewhat inclement.Thanks to all who helped in organising another excellent lunch.