Index

East Kilbride Rotary Club

On Sunday 18th April 2010, the Annual East Kilbride Rotary Club Ramble took place. Our group of 13 hardy souls set off at 9 a.m. to travel to Kilbarchan. The weather looked like it was going to be kind to us but that view faltered a bit as we drove through rain in Glasgow. However, we arrived in Kilbarchan amid dry sunny weather and were all in good heart as we set off along the Walk/Cycle path towards Kilbirnie, only six and a half miles to go. We soon settled in to our little groups and appeared to be using as much energy talking as walking! We were out in the country in no time with views of the hills and fields opening up on all sides. The first point of interest was the ruins of Castle Semple, which we were able to read about on the information board.

As we got to the visitor centre at Lochwinnoch it was time for a pit stop (unfortunately the bar was not open), but we were all intrigued with the Model Sailing Ship race that was going on in the loch (Barry was very impressed and is now a potential member!) Off again and on the home straight. We pass the ruins of John Castle (not Cardno) and have good views over Lochwinnoch. As we all gather at the pick up point we experience some difficulty in getting the coach driver to realise where we are, but this is where mobile phones come in very handy.

A short drive and we all breathe a sigh of relief as we pull up outside the Uplawmoor Hotel where we were looked after very well. A relaxed lunch with some light refreshment was enjoyed by all!

PASSING THE "BUCK"

Nine members and wives participated in an "upside down" sort of day on Sunday 9 May 2011 when they completed a six mile walk around Straiton, Ayrshire in showery weather, and then enjoyed a twelve mile coach drive in glorious sunshine to the Hollybush Inn for lunch, during which they were able to view a sun bathed panorama.

They noble nine were the remnants of an initially larger party who chose to brave the elements for our annual walk, and were rewarded with interesting scenery in the Sclenteuch Plantation followed by a halfway coffee at the Buck Café in Straiton. Then the more adventurous, or foolhardy, decided to scale 1100 feet up to the Craigengower Monument. After much puffing panting and several stops, the fearless five were able to marvel at the views of Ayrshire from their windswept vantage point which was erected in 1856 in memory of Lt. Col. James Blair, who was killed during the Crimean War.

Needless to say after all the exertion, lunch and refreshments a few managed to "relax" in the normal manner on the way home on the coach.

Once again our thanks to our ever patient guide, Tom Wilson, for organising our breath of fresh air and, importantly, a splendid lunch!

Rotary Ramble

On Sunday 22nd April 2012, members and friends of East Kilbride Rotary Club took to the hills. Under an overcast sky the party of 12 set off down the M74, ending up in the country town of Biggar. The walk set off from nearby the Gas Museum in Biggar under blue skies and sunshine, and followed farm tracks and the margins of fields, finally after a few miles joining one of the many country lanes which eventually ended up bringing the group back to the centre of Biggar. The sun continued to shine for most of the way and the walkers were entranced by the many hundreds of lambs in the adjoining fields. The day was rounded off with a most enjoyable refreshment and lunch in the nearby Cornhill Hotel.