Barassie - Irvine Beach Walk

I am glad to say that the tendon is still slowly improving so I decided to do a favourite walk along the beach to Irvine. This walk is roughly 7 miles in total and as it is mainly on soft sand the pressure on the tendon will be reduced. The beach between Barassie and Irvine is relatively isolated, particularly in the middle section. It is a popular spot with walkers, runners, dog walkers and horsemen. It is a section of the Ayrshire Coastal Path. But, there are many times when I walk the beach without seeing another person.

View north towards Irvine

Down our way the wind is a constant factor and today was no different. In some respects this could be seen as a boring walk as it is basically a straight line along the beach, so you can see everything in front of you. No twists and turns so no major surprises. But you would be very wrong. On the shore side you are basically walking along a dune line so your views inland are limited. Erosion by the surging sea at high tide and in stormy weather has caused a lot of damage of late but the dunes are still holding on. On the seaward side there is a magnificent open vista across the sea to the island of Arran. The walk is ever-changing due to the fantastic changing quality of light due to the weather changes that we experience on this coast. It is no exaggeration that we can and do experience all 4 seasons in one day. There is a vast openness about this walk that people stuck in towns and cities would be impressed with.

Turn round, view south towards Barassie

The wildlife is principally of the bird variety and varies all year. Migrating birds will arrive for a day or two to plunder the rich waterline before heading off north or south. At this time of year it is common to see and/or hear the skeins of geese as they are coming down from Iceland and Greenland. A few will stop over in nearby fields but most keep going as their wintering grounds in Dumfries & Galloway are not far away now. They are a spectacle that I will never tire of seeing and always brings a smile to my face.
Today, out at sea, there are eider ducks and mergansers bobbing around along with cormorants and shags diving for fish. The shoreline has the normal gulls: the massive great black backed are increasing in number; lesser black backed and herring gulls next in line and the constantly noisy black headed gulls feeding in groups. If you are lucky you can also spot Glaucous, Iceland, Common and Mediterranean gulls along the shore. I notice that there is an increase in the number of bobbing pied wagtails on the beach, presumably a few migrants have joined the locals. Curlews and oyster-catchers are also feeding along the water line. I am absolutely delighted to hear a stonechat and get him through the binoculars, a handsome male sitting on top of the whin bushes amongst the dunes. These birds were common along this stretch but they have not been seen for 3 years so what a delight. As the walk progresses it is clear that there are a few pairs around, good luck to them lets hope for a mild winter.
About the middle of the walk there is a sight to smile about. There is a lot of flotsam on this beach, partly items dumped from fishing boats but also the rubbish from Glasgow which is dumped in the trenches in the Clyde.

Today I was so lucky with the changing light. Arran could only be seen in parts as the low cloud and rain engulfed it. Two tankers sit riding the waves apparently protecting the island. The weather front was moving northwards and a single ray of sunshine illuminated Arran as it moved north. The rustic colours of the hills in the sunshine, in contrast to the grey low clouds and black higher level clouds, were stunning. At one point a rainbow was focused through the gap at the same time. I have walked this beach hundreds of times and never seen this weather display. 

Arran with the rainbow shining brightly

Long and straight it may be but it is never boring and rarely looks the same twice. 
The wind changed direction to a westerly and now the rain that swept Arran is coming this way, time for the waterproof trousers.

Big Idea Bridge at Irvine Harbour

I have reached the end of the beach section and now take the short walk along Irvine harbour. Sad to say it is quite run down now. There are no local fisherman around the old pier today. The salmon have to pass through this stretch on their way to spawn up the rivers Irvine and Garnock. There are mullet and mackerel to be caught along with the normal flat fish. The dereliction is reinforced with the bridge to nowhere, where its middle section has been removed just in case anyone goes across. It did, for a short period play host to the 'Big Idea' a millennium project but sadly this did not last long. There is the Magnum leisure centre which is also due to close as well as the Scottish Maritime Museum. The housing in this area was part of a regeneration project, mixing new and old and fits the part but more can and needs to be done. 

Irvine harbour

Time for a coffee and scone in Small Talk. A small but excellent cafe for lunch or home baking. Not the cheapest around but I like it.

Suitably refreshed I reversed the journey back home. As it is an isolated beach horses are a frequent site as their riders take the opportunity to let them gallop along the waters edge. Frequently, as here, with a dog in tow. 

Nothing remarkable about the walk home but again some stunning views as the weather played its tricks of the light. The view below is from the beach looking across to Troon harbour with the Ailsa Craig in the background. The storm clouds passed over quickly and I'm glad to say none of it dropped on my head.

The foot is now throbbing but another nice day was had.
Time for a beer.