RAW

Went for a wee run to Glenbuck today to check out the start point for next weeks race.

Glenbuck is the site of the source of the River Ayr. The Loch at Glenbuck is quite beautiful, even on a dreich day in August.

Glenbuck village (ahem, not quite) is set back off the main road in a wooded hillside approx three miles from Muirkirk. Entering the village feels like your on someones driveway!

Parking is limited, 15-20 max in an anglers carpark next to the loch. Add to this, race day registration and there wont be room to swing a cat. There are also NO facilities at this site.

The start of the race looks as though it follows the driveway back down toward the main road. As mentioned elswhere the signage was not very obvious. This first section was a tarmac road on a slight downhill and it was quite slippy today.

**Warning** anyone intending to access Glenbuck via the B743 Strathaven - Muirkirk DONT. The road is closed from 01/09/08 til 10/09/08. for up to date info click here- http://www.east-ayrshire.gov.uk/devser/roadstrans/road_works.asp

There is not much else to say, as its not a big place. I hope they have told the anglers, coz I dont think they'll be best pleased about being invaded. When I got back to my car around 5pm they were ready for the off. One of them had a bottle of the Scottish national drink (not Irn Bru). Sounds like my kind of fishing!!
Very last word, promise. Glenbuck is the birthplace of Bill Shankley, Im afraid that news was wasted on me, as I dont know who the chap is. There is a nice memorial in the village which I thought was a nice touch.

See you next week LMx