Dunure to Culzean and back 5 April

Alan, Allan, Davie Mc, Dougie, Gus, Ian, Johnny, Kenny T, Malcolm, Paul, Peter

There was a chill wind and overcast sky as we set off for Culzean from Dunure. We were pleased to see that Jimmy Begg and his band of volunteers had been at work on the muddy steep slope on the path, the result being that steps were well defined and a start had been made on laying gravel. A work in progress, but much appreciated. Leaving the path, we headed for the fields, which had dried out nicely, and made the track down to the beach after about forty-five minutes. Coffee was called for at our ‘usual’ wee rock outcrop just before the caravan park.

The Beach Boys

There were no issues with the tide, so the walk along the beach to Culzean was relatively easy. At the castle, lunch was taken on benches overlooking the gardens below, which were closed due to work taking place.

Culzean beefs up its security

Leaving our lunch spot, we made our way up to the book shop and courtyard, before trying to continue to the next set of steps down to the beach. However, the way was blocked due to extensive works being done on car parking. One of the workers recognised us, as we had spoken to him when we were at Chalmerston, and we were greeted as old friends. He was able to tell us that £3.5 million was being spent on reconfiguring the car parks and that the Forest of Dean stone slabs they were using came in at £1300 a pallet. Since there was no heavy plant moving at the time, we were let through to continue our journey, pondering as to where next we would meet up with him.
The journey back along the beach saw skies clearing and the temperature rising making walking conditions ideal. We took a short stop back at our rock sit-ootery before tackling our climb up the cliff and the undulating, but mainly upward, walk over the fields back to the track down to Dunure.
About four hours and ten minutes and 9.8 miles made for a good step out.

Turn right when you reach the water, Davie!

FRT was taken outside at the Dunure Inn in extremely pleasant conditions. The beer and chips were fine but, Oh, the coffee!

Davie's photos:-