Barassie beach to Bogside flats

Looking out to sea from Barassie beach

Hi I have been out of action for a while but back on my rambles again so the blog continues. It has been an interesting winter, lots of wind, lots of rain and very little sun. Luckily today's short walk had some real sunshine and more of that later.

Lappock Rock

This walk goes from Barassie straight along the beach to the Irvine bay flatlands. You can make it more of a circular route by heading inland for your return journey but today I was content with a straight out and back route. In total the walk is about 7 miles, great for a lazy Sunday or short family walk, no hills involved unless you go up to the dragon.
It was a calm, no wind, but cloudy day, so I wasn't sure what the weather would throw at me. The met office said dry so waterproofs were packed in the rucksack. Out at sea it was also flat calm as you can see from the two shots.
In the 1st photo there is a small fishing boat to the left. I think this might be the controversial boat that fishes for razor clams by electrifying the seabed. I had not seen the boat for some time as I thought it had been banned but possibly not. What I do know is that you always found razor clam shells on the beach but this is now a rare occurrence over the last few years. A coincidence I think not. 

Barassie sand dunes collapsing

Barassie sand dune protection falling apart

In the 2nd photo you can see that the light has changed as I took this picture of Lappock Rock, snapped looking more to the south (Ailsa Craig in background) whereas top snap was a northerly picture. Lappock rock is a shipping hazard warning beacon. Troon and Irvine were significant working ports in the 18th century but the rocks are still a danger for pleasure craft.
The winter storms have caused havoc all over the country. We have had our share as the high seas swamping the beach line has caused the dunes to cave in. The top photo highlights the collapsed traditional sand dunes. Behind the top line lies Western Gailes golf course which is not in any danger yet but in a few years who knows. In the past one of the dune restoration projects set a line of these concrete pipes but as can be seen these are now being destroyed by the pounding high tides.

Not all of the storm damage has been to the beach structure, sadly the casualties include the wildlife. There have been press reports all around Britain of the high volume of dead migrant birds found washed up on our shores. The main reasons are exhaustion battling the storms and starvation. I suspect this razorbill falls in the exhaustion category. Not being any sort of expert but having a close look this bird seemed in reasonable body condition so I don't think starvation was the issue. It has also just arrived on the last tide as the gulls or crows have not yet feasted upon it.

Looking north to Dalry hills

Walking along the beach the sun appeared briefly and illuminated the wind-farm on the Dalry hills. I'm saddened by these monstrosities which totally spoil the great beauty of Scotland. I could understand the case if we were reaping the benefits of cheaper energy but that is not the case. The massive subsidies and guaranteed earnings make only one winner here. One could argue that the Dalry hills are not the most scenic. In some respects I would agree but they do have a rugged beauty, fitting with this landscape. One thing I am sure about is the view was a dammed site better without them being there.
During most of this walk you are constantly looking ahead or out to sea with the views across to Arran. Many people find the experience of walking beside a gentle sea soothing and relaxing. If you have your binoculars you can spot almost every type of seagull on the same day as well as many other wading birds. Today I watched a male ringed plover go through its mating ritual with two females. Not sure if they were impressed but I was delighted with it.

Irvine bay estuary

At the end of the beach, approximately 3 miles walking, you arrive at the entrance to Irvine bay. Keep your eyes open as Roman coins were found in the grassy area nearby, albeit many years ago. I have avoided the picture of the carpark but I do show where the tide floods through at the beginning of the estuary. As can be seen the walk way has collapsed due to storm damage.

Bogside flats

Irvine town in the background

A short walk brings you to the area known as the 'Bogside flats'. This is a significant spot for birdwatchers. Many migrating birds will use this area as a stopping off point. It is fairly safe for them with very restricted access for people. Additionally when the tide comes in it can come in very quickly and cut off anyone foolhardy enough to be far out on the flats. Today I spotted over 50 widgeon arriving in 3 flights. Teal and mallard were grazing the water line along with redshank, dunlin and sanderling. 2 shelduck were at the far end. The largest of the ducks, in fact almost a goose, and so beautifully coloured. A huge flock of peewits arrived, gosh when was the last time I saw so many in one place? Just ahead of the sunken boat a grey seal watched me coming closer & closer, seemingly unconcerned, but as soon as I raised the camera it slid back underwater not to be spotted again. It is not uncommon to spot deer out on the flats. Raptors will fly over at speed trying to raise the birds and pick one off for lunch. At this point the estuary splits into 2 rivers, the Irvine & the Garnock. In late summer and autumn both are good salmon rivers.

Where the estuary becomes the River Garnock

The harbour area used to be a hive of activity for sea fisherman but it is rare to see them now. The occasional mackerel and mullet shoals will attract some guys.
The harbour used to be a vibrant active place and it is a shame to see it so quiet. The wildlife appreciate it of course.
The area has been a housing renewable scheme and I think that they have done a good job.
There are a few cafes and pubs near by so its a good point for a refreshment before you head back to Barassie.

Looking south from the dragon

Rather than return exactly as before I headed across to the Magnum beach park and walked the short distance and went up the short incline to the stone dragon. The dragon I believe is a nod to our Viking past. The dragon is meant to scare off any passing longboats. 
As always a little bit of effort to get the elevation gives you a totally different perspective and the views all round are impressive.
The first photo here from the dragon is looking south towards Barassie & Troon.

Looking north from the dragon

The second photo looks north back to the estuary. The Saltcoats peninsula can be seen in the distance to the right and the island of Arran on the left.
If you stay on this side there is a path that will take you along to Western Gailes golf club and shortly later brings you back onto the beach and the views across to Arran.
There is a right of way alongside the golf course if you wish to stay on this side but please act responsibly as this is a private course and stray balls are always a possibility on a golf course.
For the next half an hour or so the sun broke through and it was positively balmy, for us an early summer day. I was wearing my Craghopper Kiwi pro walking trousers which are fantastic. But they are a winter trouser and are lined, normally I say brill, but in this heat my legs were beginning to sweat. Never mind the sun is a cheerful thing and the smile & pleasure it brought outweighed the slight discomfort.

Arran

Looking north from Barassie beach

Above the island of Arran with the snow capped peaks mingling with the clouds. A bit surreal considering the heat.
Finally the end of the journey and the view looking north towards Irvine. A cracking little walk, took me about 2 hours 30 mins but I was stopping frequently to watch the birds and take some snaps.
Try it for yourself you will enjoy it.