It was once again a cracking morning. After yesterday's grey dreich gloomy day optimism once more as blue skies dominate bringing a welcome brightness.
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| Just beautiful |
The local view across to the snow capped hills of Arran, quite magnificent. So disappointed that I cannot get across to walk them but hopefully sooner rather than later.
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| Frozen course |
A local walk today, completed many times but still enjoyable. I took a circular route walking over Western Gailes golf course before joining the coastal path route behind the dunes. The course was frozen and not unsurprisingly no golfers around, maybe later in the day.
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| Definitely don't hit your ball in there, that's a gonner |
Too many tourist walkers on the beach itself so happy to ramble along behind the scenes. A short hike up to the dragon then over to Irvine Harbour.
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| Irvine harbour and the Big Idea building in front of Arran |
There is still talk of regeneration and reopening the bridge to the Big Idea building. Been a lot of talk over the years but little action, time will tell.
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| MV Garnock |
It is difficult to conceive that on days way back this was the 3rd most important harbour in Scotland. The harbour tug MV Garnock has still not been moved out of the water. I believe there is a funding drive to get the cash to repair it.
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| Do you know what they all mean? |
Into Irvine itself, always stop and smile at the Scots patter under the railway bridge. Surprised to find M&S was open, so bought some fruit to keep me going on my walk as well as my dinner tonight, no slaving over a hot stove.
Finally over the bypass to circle Shewalton pit before walking through Shewalton woods and home.
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| Iced Shewalton pit |
The pit was iced over for about 2/3rds of its area. There was a single swan which looked stuck but probably wasn't. There was another pair trying to break the ice to get to the individual. It was bloody hard work. They could only break about a metre or so each time before resting. A long day(s) ahead!
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| One of the Shires |
My route took me past the Shire horses and I was glad to see they were back to three. One had been ill earlier in the year and not been around so glad to see it has recovered.
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| Not quite the line to nowhere but it is a dead end |
The local woodyard operations were shut down today so no trains on the track.
A fine walk in no hurry with plenty to admire.
Bigger stuff tomorrow.
Distance: 15.4km
Time: 3.45
Wildlife: Wren; Robin; Blackbird; Carrion Crow; Flock thrush; Jackdaw; Mute Swan; Eider; Goldeneye; most gulls.
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