Exploring on your doorstep

I've been spending a lot of time in Ayrshire post op as it means I can get out and about with Steve being my taxi - thank you ;-) Irvine and The Three Towns, Ardrossan, Saltcoats and Stevenston, aren't really known for their picturesque coastlines. Ardrossan is better known as the ferry port to Arran. Saltcoats was a bustling seaside resort from the 50's to mid 70's which just doesn't stand a chance in competing with what we look for now. Stevenston was once dynamite town but that's all but gone.

There are still treasures to be found. We took Craig to Irvine Beach Park this weekend. It was a wasteland until 35 years ago when it was redeveloped to save the dunes from erosion and for local recreational use. Steve hadn't been here for years and Craig had never been so it was a "Dora the Explorer" outing as Craig described it ;-) Heading first to the wee loch gave the opportunity fotr Craig to check out the skate park before we were bird spotting. It wasn't just gulls.

Craig feeding the swans

The birds....... the birds...............

Next was taking a "Morley Path" heading for the stone creature over the undulating hills. The sculpting of the hills is great for kids and dogs as they can run up and down, great way to tire them out ;-) They'll also be great for sledging down when we get that rare coastal snow. It was really pleasing to see lots of people out and about using the place. It wasn't just dog walkers, families were enjoying the play areas as well as the beach and there were even some art students using it as their backdrop for a film shoot. And no wonder with views on this sunny day.

Steve & Craig off exploring

Looking back to The Magnum Centre and loch

Steve walking towards the stone dragon

Father and son

Stone dragon looking over Irvine Beach to Arran

Irvine Beach

Hazy Arran from Irvine Beach

It was tinged with a wee bit of sadness as we headed back to the car looking over to the now closed The Big Idea

Last stop was the Harbour arts Centre for a wee post wander refreshment and de-brief of the day. General consensus, twas a grand day out and all on the doorstep.

Comments

Salomon Mission GTX Boot

I've had these on a few times now and so far they are just what I've been after to get me through the winter for most of my days out. Salomon describe them as being perfect for "light hiking" - take that whatever way you want ;-) They come in at 1210g for the pair and feel fairly easy on the feet. They've handled saturated grassy stuff without me applying the famous arse plant (so far!!). They even seemed to be OK on rocky stuff too. Where I have been really impressed with them is how they handled the snow on Na Gruagaichan. It was hard enough that we were kicking steps. This was easy enough for Steve in his Scarpa SL's and Iain in his La Sportiva Nepals. Initially I followed their steps then decided to give it a go myself. I occasionally had to kick a couple of times on some of the really hard stuff, probably more down to my poor technique than the boot, but they managed well on the cover we had for the ascent. As my balance is rubbish I decided to apply

Creag Meagaidh MISSION ACCOMPLISHED

Creag Meagaidh has been on the to do list for so long. The past couple of years have seen us have to abort at least three attempts at the last minute because conditions weren't for us. So were we going to get it done this time................. YES The weather bods said mostly dry with a risk of potential showers later in the day. It was warm so even if it did rain it would be warm. Off we set having smothered ourselves in factor 50 and Smidge. Warm they said.......... baking I said!!!! We had decided our ascent would be via Coire Ardair and The Window to ease us into the walk on a good path. It felt more like a slow roasting. It is a gorgeous walk out to Coire Ardair on a very good path but as soon as we were out of the forest the heat and humidity kicked in. When we reached Lochan Coire Ardair there was only one thing on my mind, getting my boots off and getting in. It was at this point I began having major doubts as to whether we would get this done. Bre

Ben Lomond

Storm Hannah tried to wreck the planned Craggy walk to Ben Lomond. Thankfully, she had moved off quickish to allow the walk to be rescheduled to Sunday. For once wind was not going to be an issue, all the makings of a good hill day. So off we trotted. While there were only a few folk heading in the same direction as us, there seemed to be a constant stream coming down Ptarmigan. I suspect this is a result of the route description in Walk Highlands. My body was having issues at moving at anything more than snail pace, earning me the title of Pace Setter of the Day for keeping us at a steady 1.9km/hr. I have to thank the gang for being super patient on what was a longer than anticipated ascent of Ptarmigan. We had some Ptarmigan Ridge virgins in our midst, some requiring reassurance from Steve "trust me" Morley. Plus Quote of the Day 1 from Carol "so where's this ridge we're doing?" ( said at approx 700m on said ridge ) We eventually ma

Blethering Blonde

Search This Blog