River Ayr Way

Run reports 07

Tim's report.

It was a grey, wet & windy morning (in fact, probably much like the other 364 days of the year at Glenbuck) when 7 hardy souls (Alex, Anne, Bobby, Caroline, George, Ian & myself) gathered at the start of the RAW. The plan had been to start at 9:00 am but feasting midges forced a change of timing so it was at 8:54 that we set off.

Somewhat unsportingly, everyone else had decided NOT to handicap themselves with heavy rucksacks and had chosen the "travelling light" option leaving me feeling somewhat over equipped. But on the plus side, carrying an extra 3kg for 44 miles has got to make me stronger.

Within the first 200yds I was firmly in the "sweeper" position but happy to be there as we wended our way down to the disused railway line that forms the first part of the route. The early stretches of the RAW from Glenbuck to Kames and beyond could never be described as "beautiful" but it does possess an atmospheric charm of its own. The remoteness and frequent evidence of past industry provided food for thought whilst we cursed the driving rain. It was never too heavy though and was only a mild annoyance.

As the path works its way from Kames to Sorn the countryside & river changes as it cuts into the soft ground. It was upstream of Sorn that I saw my first Kingfisher of the day, a sight that never fails to delight.

Despite my lack of proper training my legs seemed to be holding up well and although Anne and I were trailing a bit, we were making respectable progress and enjoying the journey.

At Sorn we had our first rendezvous with Caroline's mother who was acting as our support for this stage of the route and this gave Anne and I a chance to catch up with most of the pack apart from Bobby and Alex who had passed through earlier.

The five of us left Sorn together and Ian and Caroline raced on ahead, only to come to an abrupt halt when we encountered a bloodied, but unbowed Caroline trying hard to win the "Lets see who can fill their socks with the most blood" competition.

Once the initial shock was over we decided that the best plan was to carry on to Catrine for a spot of first-aid and before long Caroline was running strongly again. Not long after this I spotted my second Kingfisher of the day.

I was glad to be travelling with a group who knew the route well as signposting is decidedly dodgy through Catrine but it wasn't long before we were passing beneath the majestic arches of the Mauchline viaduct (the highest railway viaduct in Britain I believe). Unfortunately the majesty of the viaduct is somewhat marred by all the trees which make appreciating the height (and depth) of the valley at this point difficult.

Not long after this came one of the most disappointing parts of the RAW, the road section that forces runners and walkers to use the main Mauchline-Failford road which is not at all a safe place. Still, we safely negotiated our way to Failford where I have to confess I chickened out of my plan to fill my camelbak with some of their finest beer. A fine pint of real ale would have been much appreciated at this point but the thought of supping on ale warmed to near body temperature in my camelbak was less appealing.

For me, Failford marked the beginning of the "home stretch" as this was the only part of the RAW that I was familiar with. Having done 27 miles already, knowing that it was "just" 17 miles put a bit of a spring back in my step.

From Failford to Stair passed uneventfully apart from the fact that Caroline, far from looking tired and shocked by her experience, seemed to be brimming with energy and galloped off into the distance. In Annbank I stopped for a pint of milk before carrying on to Tarholm bridge. I almost came unstuck when I chose the fishermans' path alongside the river that started off well but then became very overgrown. I almost turned back before realising the the route wasn't quite blocked and worked my way through the undergrowth.

At Oswald's Bridge I met Muriel for a very welcome cup of coffee a banana and a top-up of milk. Unfortunately the coffee brought on a rather "pressing" call of nature and I was forced to desecrate yet another part of Aryshire. As I hunkered down behind the high hedge by the cycle path thinking "only a giant could see me over this hedge", I heard a clip-clop, clip-clop of an approaching rider on horseback! (Note to self, riders on horseback *are* giants )

Anyway, apart from a bit of horse-frightening, no harm done or any act of gross indecency committed.

With the the signs declaring that Ayr was only four and a half miles further I picked up the pace in the hope (vain as it turned out) of catching sight of Alex and Caroline. It's funny how even after 40 miles you can find energy you never thought you had. I kept looking ahead for the pair but in the end had to accept that they were uncatchable.

Eight hours and eight minutes after starting I reached the end of the RAW where Alex, Caroline and Ian were waiting. 23 minutes later George and Anne jogged across the bridge to mark the end of our run.

Bobby romped home in 7:14, Caroline & Ian in 7:49, Alex in 7:54, myself in 8:08 and George and Anne finished in 8:31.

Apart from one or two stretches I really enjoyed the experience. The RAW has much to offer and if the councils concerned can be persuaded that the RAW is worth maintaining, we have a real asset on our doorstep. Even if the council doesn't organise an annual event along this river I think that if the path remains negotiable, (which I fear is a pretty big if) we ought to run the event ourselves.

Highly recommended and full marks to Alex for all his work and encouragement.  Also mustn't forget to thank all those friends and families who gave up their time to help provide invaluable support along the way.

Caroline's report.

I think the biggest thanks should go to Alex for without him the event would never have taken place. Alex you did a brilliant job with all the organising, T-shirts, instructions etc. Also special thanks to all our support people whom also we would not have been able to do it. Muriel and Alan who had enough food to feed an army. Thanks too to Rob, my Mum and sister (sorry for dropping you in it at the last minute). I’m sure you had nothing better to do on a wet Saturday!
An excellent day despite the torrential conditions. I still can’t believe I’ve done an ultra. My one and only that is for sure! The route was very wet, slippery and overgrown in bits but still beautiful in parts which we could see through the rain!.
Well Done to everyone and especially Bobby whom we saw at the start and then never to be seen again!
Thanks also to George who stopped at the chemist in Catrine to get me antiseptic wipes. Apologies to everyone if I slowed you up and you were a bit stiff after having to stop and wash my knees etc. Karen I am following in your footsteps with spectacular falls. Must have been the slippy slope or (Iain reckoning I was stepping the pace up a bit too much and decided to sneakily stick his leg out!) However after a trip to A & E for a tetanus knees are all bandaged up and I am hobbling about like an old man. The nurse took a scrubbing brush to the open wounds (OWCH) and then tweezers (OWCH) to pick out the stones and all sorts of plant material. I have been left with a hole and told I will have a scar. Well at least I’ve have a lifetime momento of our race!
 

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