Mystery tour was a magical day out

TERRY MCGEARY

Members of Our Lady of Lourdes Hiking Club were out in force at the weekend as they defied Storm Jorge in order to complete a mystery hike.

This annual event attracted a nearcapacity coach-load of members eager to enjoy a sociable ‘club’ walk with high and low level hikers together.

The prospect of a meal at the end was no doubt another attraction.

As the coach veered towards the Queensferry Crossing it became clear that an east coast hike was on the cards.

The starting point was at Ardross on the north side of the Firth of Forth, just a kilometre east of Elie.

The heart of the storm was still some hours away and the weather was mainly sunny, if a tad breezy.

The mystery route was along the Fife coastal path for 12km westwards to Lower Largo, birthplace of Alexander Selkirk, whose experience of being marooned on a South Pacific island for four years inspired Daniel Defoe’s classic tale ‘Robinson Crusoe’.

The seascape and views across the

Forth were stunning, encouraging many phone photographers to snap the south coast, the Bass Rock near Dunbar and oil rigs tethered in the choppy waters.

Oystercatchers and many other shorebirds calling, together with skylarks trilling overhead, gave the impression that long-awaited springtime might not be so far away.

Historic interest adding to the glorious scenery included towers, ancient stone ruins of a castle and chapel, as well as relatively modern concrete remains of WWII anti-tank defences and gun emplacements.

After a windy lunch on the rocks around the halfway point the group strolled along the beach to meet the coach at Lower Largo, a quirky little village with a lot of artistic interest along with Selkirk’s birthplace.

Having been quick on their walk the hikers had some time spare for refreshments before their delicious meal at Pettycur Bay Caravan Park, near Kinghorn.

As the coach returned to East Kilbride, Jorge was starting to do his worst and OLOL thanked their lucky stars for having had a tremendous day out ahead of the storm.

The club’s AGM is this Thursday (March 5) in Our Lady of Lourdes Church hall from 7.30pm.

For more information, call Charles on 01355 222 464 or see the club’s website www.ololhikingclub.co.uk for information.