River Ayr - 14 February
St Leonards Ramblers travelled a shorter distance than usual to begin their latest walks, both groups finishing in the town of Ayr.
They had made their way there by walking along the banks of the River Ayr as it meanders through the countryside. The High walkers began at Annbank, just under 9 miles from Ayr while the Low walkers started 2 miles downstream at Tarholm.
Though the weather on the day was perfect for walking, earlier heavy rain had caused severe erosion of some parts of the riverbank and this necessitated several diversions from the planned route. However, finding alternatives merely added a sense of adventure.
Both walks ended at the West of Scotland University with its statue of Robert Burns’ Muse “Coila” whom he created as inspiration for his poem “The Vision”
After changing out of their walking gear, the coach took the party into the centre of town where everyone enjoyed an hour or two’s leisure time before the short journey back to East Kilbride.