Three stalwart Probus members, Jim Welsh, Phil Theaker and George Newlands, braved the chilly February air to venture out on the second walk of the year; an ambitious 8 mile hike from Seamill to Fairlie.
But first we enjoyed the excitement of a trip on the 585 bus and its circuitous tour of West Kilbride, before being deposited in downtown Seamill, from where we headed down to the beach. Not to indulge in sandcastle construction, but to begin our walk.
Phil drew an unfavourable comparison between Seamill beach and the beaches of his second home in Fuertaventura. “the bulldozers would have been out early morning to scour the sand” (there were a few clumps of dry seaweed lying around). Though he did concede that the chances of a pristine beach being required for sun loungers and beach towels on the Clyde, in February, were somewhat remote.
The first mile or so took us alongside the West Kilbride golf course; sorry, ‘links’ course, where for the modest sum of slightly over a grand the well-heeled citizens of the parish can hook and slice their balls into the sparkling Clyde waters.
Leaving the golfers behind us, we continued along the Ayrshire Coastal Path and via a bit more beach, where Jim reminisced about Sunday School outings, and some rock scrambling, reached Portencross.
With a cursory glance at its ancient stronghold, we continued north along a rough track leading to the rather more modern stronghold of Hunterston nuclear power station, not that it’s doing much powering these days.
A slightly worrying notice advised us that armed guards could be along any minute, though luckily none were seen and Phil got away with his surreptitious photography.
Heading past Hunterston Sands on the final leg of our trek, we stopped to read a notice board informing the passer-by of what flora and fauna they might expect to see. Shelducks, Curlews and Oyster Catchers were suggested, and indeed, right in front of us were shelducks, curlews and oyster catchers. Can’t say fairer than that…. We also saw a Little Egret and a couple of Curlew, plus sign that made us unsure whether we were entering or leaving a nuclear licensed area – see below in the photos. If you wish to clarify your understanding of the Nuclear Installations Act (1965), then please do!
With legs beginning to feel rather heavy, we reached Fairlie and skirted the village via the recently completed shore path, and a very fine shore path it is too.
The Village Inn marked our destination where we were made very welcome and provided with some much needed refreshment and a nice lunch too.
Our wait for the bus back to Largs was fortuitously cut short when a little red car drove past us, turned round, stopped and we all piled into the back. Thanks, Gerry!
Look out for details of the next adventure…..