Strollers and Striders

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The Strollers and Striders group, affectionately known as the SAS, meet every Tuesday evening from mid April until September.  As the name implies this walking group is for people of all abilities who would enjoy an evening walk in various parts of this beautiful island in the company of like minded folks.  The starting point and route is planned in advance – see list below.  Tea or coffee, and biscuits are provided at the end of our exertions.  This will be in the Church Centre if we finish nearby, otherwise we have flasks and other equipment stashed in the boot of a car and enjoy fellowship wherever we are.

Getting the tea ready.

Each walk lasts for 1 – 1½ hours – over paths, tracks, beaches, quiet roads and pavements. Occasionally we puff up inclines and sometimes encounter muddy patches, midgies, drizzle, downpours or even scorching sunshine. We always enjoy stunning scenery and each others company.

As the name suggests we aim to include people of all abilities and it is also possible to undertake shortened versions of the walk. The pace is leisurely (but you can walk more quickly if you wish), the distance not too far (2-4 miles on average) and the fellowship is warm and sincere.

The walks are open to all (including the four legged variety) and is not confined to church members. All you need is a sturdy pair of shoes or trainers, a pound coin (which is distributed to good causes at the end of the season) and an enthusiasm to join in.

The 2023 Programme of Walks.
For all walks please meet at 7.00pm.

April 18th : LOCH FAD – (meet at Church Centre) via Lover’s Walk, Loch Fad Road, Causeway, Locally Farm, Ashfield farm and back to Church

April 25th : PORT BANNATYNE – (meet at Public Park) via the Loop Port Bannatyne Public Park, Garrison Road, Bogley Road, Gortans Road, Hydro Road and back to Port Bannatyne Park.

May 2nd : KINGARTH – (meet at Kingarth Hotel) via Kingarth Hotel, Kilchattan Bay, through wood to Airstrip, Golf Course, Langalbuinoch Farm and back to Kingarth Hotel.

May 9th : EASTLANDS FARM -(meet at Eastlands Farm) Canada Hill, via Golf Course, Ardbrannan Riding School, Bridle Way and back to Eastlands farm.

May 16th : ETTRICK BAY CIRCUIT – ( meet at Tearoom) via Tearoom, Tramway Path, Greenwood Crossing, Cranslagvourity farm, and back along shore to Tearoom.

May 23rd : KILMICHAEL BURIAL GROUND – (meet at Ettrick Bay Tearoom or Glecknabae) via Tearoom or Glecknabae, Kilmichael Farm, down to burial ground, and back to Glecknabae / tearoom.

May 30th : ASCOG – (meet at Balmory Road, some cars to be left at Montford) via Balmory Road, path to water works road, past waterworks, 2nd right to Bogany Farm, to cottage at end of track to Montford.

June 6th : SCALPSIE CIRCUIT – (meet at Scalpsie Car Park) via car park path to shore to Scalpsie, turn right, continue along shore path leading up to Ardscalpsie Farm and back down to car park.

June 13th : DUNAGOIL CIRCUIT – (meet at St Blane’s Car Park) via car park, Garrochty, pathway down to hut, along shore, Dunagoil Farm, back to car park.

June 20th : DHU LOCH – (meet at Church Centre) via Lover’s Walk, Loch Fad Road, path to Dhu Loch road down to causeway, Lochly farm, Ashfield Farm, back to Church Centre.

June 27th : MOUNT STUART – via Cnocnicoll Wood, to Moor Road, West Road and back to Church Centre. LEAVE CARS AT CHURCH AND MOUNT STUART

July 4th : PORT BANNATYNE – (meet at Port Bannatyne Public Park) via the Loop, North Bute Cemetery, through cemetery to path to Edinbeg Farm, Sawmill Cottage and back to Port Bannatyne. TBC

July11th : BRUCHAG ROAD – (meet at Red Brick Houses) via Red Brick Houses, via path passing Barefield, back to Bruchag Road and Red Brisk Houses.

July 18th : STRAAD CIRCUIT – (meet at Straad Hall Car Park) via Straad Cottages on shore, over burn and stile, follow field up to Kilmory farm, Quogach farm, Ballycurrie Farm and back to Straad. PARK AT STRAAD HALL

July 25th : DRUMREOCH CIRCUIT – (meet at Kingarth War Memorial Car Park) via Kingarth War Memorial, Moor Road, Drumreoch Farm, and back to War Memorial.

August 1st : SKEOCH WOODS – (meet at Church Centre) via Lover’s Walk, Loch Fad Road, Barone Cottage, Skeoch Woods, and back to Church Center via Rothesay.

August 8th : ASCOG KERRYCROY – (meet at Balmory Road) via Balmory Road, path to water works road, follow road to the Hermitage and then out Kerrycroy Quay and back to Balmory Road.

August15th : WOODEND HOUSE – (meet at Church Centre) via Lover’s Walk, Loch Fad Road, Woodend House, back to Causeway, Lochly farm, Ashfield Farm, back to Church.

August 22nd : SKIPPER’S WOOD – (meet at Church Centre) via Skipper’s Wood, Eastlands Road, Bridle Way, Rothesay and back to Church Centre.

August 29th : GREENAN LOCH – (meet at Barone Road Cemetery) via Barone Road, Eskechraggan Farm, pathway to Greenan farm road end, and back to Barone Cemetery. LEAVE CARS AT BARONE CEMETERY

September 5th : MOUNT STUART GARDENS (meet at Mount Stuart garden centre(?)) walk through gardens.

September 12th : DINNER – TO BE ARRANGED