The Glebe Blog: 07/2012

It's the last Saturday in July 2012.

21 of us turn up at Logan Botanical Gardens Carpark for today's walk.

I won't go into much detail since the 'Weaver' is writing the report for today, and she will really do it justice.
Once I receive it It'll be published following the pictures.

Logan Botanic Gardens

A macro shot in passing

We're soon out of the gardens on farm tracks

When taking this picture of Bully, I'd never noticed the Heron beyond since I'd already zoomed in a fair way.

But I'm now wondering, if to the left of the heron, that isn't a youngster. It looks a bit fat though ? Maybe it's an optical illusion.

Colourful cottage and countryside

Here we heard quite a lot of 'Fowl' language

Coastal path

Overlooking Port Gill

(Thanks to Scoop for her contributions, taken on her Canon Powershot G1)

Duniehinnie Fort

Heading south via Peter's Paps, Lurghie Point and Otter Rock

I don't half fancy a day's exploration of the caves and shoreline.

The flower is Grass of Parnassus

I love the zoom on my new camera

Who's this, Salty or Sandy ?

This is the Devils Bridge...............

..................and it's lunchtime

Scoop takes pictures as three of us take a walk on the Devils Bridge

Although the seagulls take to flight, the shags are unperturbed by our presence

Back on the clifftop I get another picture of the Devils Bridge

Are these Cardinal Beetles ?

Another arch

A scramble to the cliff top

Port Logan comes into view

A couple of fields get us back on the track to the Gardens

Our 'Strawberry Tea' awaits

Ramblers’ report July 26^th 2012

Despite a dismal forecast for the day, the ramblers set out from Logan Gardens in fine weather. Twenty one walkers took the track past Logan House to Logan Mains where they eventually turned towards the sea and Port Gill. Undergrowth was lush, yellow vetch brightened the path and the air filled with the delicious scent of pineapple weed crushed underfoot.

Ducks, guinea fowl, geese and hens greeted the company at the entrance to the little bay of Port Gill, which was viewed from the cliffs above. Boats pulled up onto the rocky beach and a few caravans by the little inlet made the peaceful bay an ideal holiday hideaway.

The walk led onwards to the south now. The Iron Age fort of Duniehinnie caused some interest with a few hardy souls adventuring across the narrow link from the cliffs, to explore the remaining lumps and bumps left on the sea cropped grass.

The flowers were still creating a colourful carpet on the banks and headlands. The delicate Grass of Parnassus grew profusely in one place, while yellow hawkweed dotted the ground and created a golden glow, enhancing the hot sun which appeared from time to time.

The folly on top of Mull Hill beckoned as the cliffs were navigated. Now only a single wall, which resembles a tower, it was once part of a larger building, but its original purpose is now obscure. Wild carrot, whose flowers were being inspected by a host of orange insects, clothed the steep grassy sides which led to narrow inlets all along this stretch of cliff, with the sea roaring through restricted passages, creating a foamy swirling surface.

A curious seal popped up to watch the ramblers pass by.

The force of the sea acting upon the rocks was seen in the jagged shapes of the sea girt stacks and caves which have been eaten out of the cliffs, and then the spectacular Devil’s Bridge, a great archway with a large flat rock alongside where shags rested. Here the company also rested for lunch whilst herring gulls wheeled overhead, screaming at the intrusion of so many walkers.

Views across to Ireland were hazy but the Mountains of Mourne stood out, and the gap which showed the entrance to Belfast Lough could be clearly seen. The broch at Ardwell Bay and the nearer bay of Drumbreddon were picked out along the coast north, and then as the corner turned the view south included the picturesque village of Port Logan; this all increased the satisfaction of walking on such a beautiful coastline.

Another rock bridge, this time much smaller, was passed where a new core path was being fenced to create better access along this coast. As the walkers crossed the fields to a quiet road leading onto a Logan estate track, and passed the gamekeeper’s house with kennels of barking dogs, the rain suddenly came on with force. But by the time the cars were reached once more, the tarmac on the car park was steaming; heat from the summer sun welcomed the ramblers to a strawberry cream tea in the restaurant, set alongside the lovely walled gardens. A delicious end to a most enjoyable walk.

Next Saturday’s walk, on the 4^th August is an easy stroll around the Braes of Balker and Loch Inch. Meet for car sharing at the Breastworks, Stranraer 9.30am, Riverside, Newton Stewart, 9.30am or at Loch Inch Tearoom, 10am. If going straight to the start please phone walk leader 01776 700707. New members are always welcome.

I haven't been far from home this week on account of appointments. I have however got out and about my home town of Newton Stewart, and I've taken pictures (I like the swallows)

I'll start with this aeroplane

This belongs to Scottish Airway Flyers and is based at Prestwick airport.

It's an interesting concept. Owned by a cooperative of around twenty five pilots, it's sole aim is to provide an aircraft for shareholders to fly at minimal expense.