Maidens to Dunure 27 January

Allan, Davie C, Davie Mc, Gus, Ian, Jim, Johnny, Kenny R, Kenny T, Rex, Robert

It was raining constantly as we headed to the meeting point at Dunure along roads which contained many dangerously large puddles – not surprising given the amount of rain that had fallen and that the surrounding fields were saturated. However, we were promised a weather window, and so we set off for Maidens hoping for the best.

The tide was well in as we strode down the beach towards Culzean and, although it was raining, it was the cold wind that was causing more of a problem. Soon Culzean was reached and, in the shelter, the day became very pleasant indeed. By the time we reached the castle the sky was brightening and the rain was abating. On descending towards the wee holiday cottage, Davie Mc, still nursing his hip injury, confirmed that that was far enough for him today and he would turn back to Maidens. Johnny and Allan, not wishing to see him walk back alone and not relishing the prospect of the muddy fields further along, decided to join him and were heard to sing ‘Hip, Hip, Hooray’ as they went. Holly was most disappointed to see the others continue without her, but had to accept her fate as the threesome returned to the castle for a coffee in the grounds. By this time the weather had improved dramatically, so they took the cliff path back to the steps down to the shore before making their way back to the cars.

The tree had grown over the wall

How the day had changed!

Too exposed to stop for lunch here today

The walk had taken them two hours and forty minutes and by the time they had got changed, had a quick bite to eat and drove back to Dunure, the rest of the guys were waiting for them. They hadn’t wasted any time and, as expected, had encountered some ‘Somme-like’ conditions whilst crossing the fields.

FRT was taken at the Dunure Inn. We had got the best of the day and enjoyed our day out.

Davie's photos: