To book a place on a walk:

WHATSAPP or TEXT  Tony Grimason, on 07516238706, No phone calls

➜ ONLY CONTACT Tony within 2 weeks (6th May) of the date of a scheduled walk.

➜ Maximum number on each walk: 16.

➜ Booking is on a first come, first served basis.

➜ A reserve list will be created in the event of cancellations.

➜ No charge is applied for those participating on these walks.

➜ Financial costs associated with transport are at participants own cost.

➜ All walks are between 5 and 8 miles, and will be undertaken at a leisurely pace.

➜ Appropriate weatherproof clothing and walking shoes/boots & poles recommended.

Please note, this is the revised walking plan for the 20th May Wednesday canal/walk entitled ‘Cruising with June MacDonald’

✔ Walk Leader: TBA

✔ Location: Cruising with June MacDonald

✔ Time & Travel: Ahoy Ramblers: We will catch the #347 Cumbernauld bus at 10.00 a.m. outside Monklands General Hospital (MGH) arriving at Cumbernauld Town Centre (CTC) 10.40 a.m., then the #447 Kirkintilloch bus at 10.45 a.m. arriving 11.15 a.m.

We will start the walk from the Kirkie Puffer at 11.40 a.m. to allow walkers time for a comfort stop. We walk along the canal path for approximately 1.5 miles to The Stables canal boarding point to board the Voyager canal boat at 1 p.m. to enjoy a 2-hr cruise along the Clyde – see below. After disembarking, we walk back along the canal path to Kirkintilloch.

There will be no post walk social stop after the walk, as walkers are encouraged to bring along their preferred ‘tipple’ to consume on the boat. We have the Captain’s permission to do so. On the return journey we will catch the #447 Cumbernauld bus at 4.11 p.m. arriving CTC at 4.40 p.m., followed by the #347 to MGH at 4.45 p.m. arriving 5.25 p.m.

The cost of the cruise will depend on the number of walkers e.g. 20 walkers = approx. £10 per head. Bon Voyage.

Please note, I covered the cost of the deposit for the canal cruise (a year in advance) – so if you book a place and cancel later, then I will expect you to re-imburse me on a future walk.

Travelling by car: Barleybank car park, access from New Lairdslands Rd, Kirkintilloch bypass, G66 1HF. Car parking charges are in force.

✔ Information from the Skipper: “The Stables was built to serve the watermen and horses using the Forth and Clyde Canal. When the canal was first built the boats that used it were pulled by horses. As a horse could go a few miles before needing a rest, stables were built along the canal at 4-mile intervals.

Sailing towards the historic town of Kirkintilloch look out for herons and other aquatic and birdlife. Sit back, relax, people-watch and don’t forget to wave to those walking along the towpath and passengers on-opposing boats.

There are several swans and duck families on this stretch of the canal. The Millenium Bridge is situated just outside the Southbank Marina and is shaped like the bow of a boat. St Mary’s Church is a striking pink Sandstone neo-Gothic church.

It was built in 1914 to replace the old church, which is now the town’s museum. A feature of the church is its tall square tower topped with pinnacles. Next on our cruise is the Luggie Aqueduct passing the site of the old Lion Foundry.

Great views of the Campsies can be seen from the aqueduct. Enjoy the cruise!”