Kames to Glenbuck via Cairn Table 10 September

Alan, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Jimmy, Johnny, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Rex

Bill Shankly's memorial. Pity about the use of the apostrophe.

Coffee stop on the way up

The late summer sunshine continued as we met at the car park at Glenbuck Loch. Having chosen which cars would be left there we piled into the others and headed for the parking area at Kames (or is it Kaimes?) where we were met by Peter.

Davie is happy with his work

The route was our favoured one which follows the old Sanquhar road until the bridge, before taking the path on the left and heading on to the open ground. Despite the recent very dry spell, there was enough ‘moisture’ in the ground to make good boots an essential part of the kit, but, as we started to climb, the path soon dried out and progress was steady, albeit that the ascent was made at each person’s own preferred pace. Fortunately a cool breeze helped make the walking conditions comfortable. A short coffee stop was made to allow the group to reassemble before the final push to the top was made. As the well was reached (we’ve often wondered where the water comes from as it is so near the top of the hill) some of our number, spotting that it was being overgrown, took time to clear the debris away and allow the water to run clear. A good job done!

Nearly there

Coo-eeee, we're up here!

At the cairn, time was taken again for, well, whatever was called for, before setting off again at about midday. The views today were hazy but as we descended out of the breeze towards Glenbuck the temperature was just about perfect. The open ground which took us towards the track was still wet and boggy in places but soon we were on good ground and made our lunch stop at the ‘bridge’ at about 12.45. Your correspondent remembers usually taking lunch beside the ‘bridge’ but on this occasion the preferred location was on the grassy banking opposite.

By this time some of our drouthier members were beginning to hallucinate about cold pints so our progress towards the loch was not delayed. As we skirted the water we took time, as tradition insists, to rest a little in the wooden hide before heading for the cars.

Was it a temperature gauge that Peter found on the post?

Enjoying lunch in the good weather

Back at Kames,the decision was taken to head to the Empire Bar for FRT. The banter was good and it was only when the debate about the referendum got heated that red paddles were shown and we took our leave. (As an aside, does anyone remember the Yes/No interlude on Take Your Pick hosted by Michael Miles?)

Another grand day out!