Hurlford to Galston and back 6 January

Alan McQ, Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Ian, Jimmy, Johnny, Kenny R, Malcolm, Paul, Peter, Rex, Robert

We welcomed Alan McQuiston to the group today, just to show him what he has got to look forward to. Unfortunately, he would have matters educational to attend to on a Wednesday for the foreseeable future.

The weather was dull and overcast but, given the rains of the last few days and weeks, we were glad it was dry for our walk up to Galston and back. Following the Grougar path from our meeting point at the bowling club, we followed the river up to Milton Road where we turned and headed for Loudoun Kirk. It had been decided that we would stick to tarmac as far as possible today so we ignored the cross-country shortcut and stayed on the road until the Kirk, where coffee was called for. Robert provided Christmas cake and a dram for us whilst Jimmy supplied shortbread. Well done, and thanks, guys!

No Peter, you can't leave the room!

and now with our resident scribe

Davie Mc left before the rest of us as he was dropping off Holly with Kay in Galston but we weren’t far behind, again staying on the road as far as the main road and the entrance to Loudoun Castle. Turning right here we headed into downtown Galston and continued up to Grant’s haggis factory before turning on to the Chris Hoy Way and heading towards Hurlford. Further down the path we teamed up with Davie who was waiting patiently? for us. We stayed on the path right into Hurlford, again ignoring our usual shortcut across open ground.

We were back at the cars three hours after having set off and, other than some slight moisture in the air when we left Loudoun Kirk, we had got it dry, In fact, on the Chris Hoy Way jackets were removed, so mild it was.

FRT and lunch was taken at Wetherspoon’s in Kilmarnock where we managed to confuse the bar staff with our lunch order. Well done to them, however, for recognising that we had overpaid and giving us a refund. Another very convivial time was spent here!

Anyone for chicken strips?