SgI'cran 4 l^amblcirs. \ V \ Lz ' 9L i 'sgy Facsimile of Silk Banner presented to the Sylvan Ramblers by Mr Andrew Gardner. g^lftan ^ ^ambleits. The Oqtings OF THE ^>^ft>an (Kamfifere. Minutes of the Rambles, Pu^lis^ed by Request of tbe lYIeinbe^s. mmiiiiii GLASGOW: A. BRYSON & CO., PRINTERS AND LITHOGRAPHERS, CAMPBELL ARCADE, 74 TRONGATE. 1892. Preface, ,TpHE circumstances which have led to the publi- cation of this volume are briefly these :— The members having already published the minutes of their first year’s rambles during 1885-86, it was thought desirable to record the four sucoeeding years in a similar way. As was stated in the first volume, this work makes no pretentions to any literary merit, or to be more than a record of the rambles as they took place, and is intended to recall to the minds of the members, the various scenes and circumstances which have been to them a source of so much pleasure, in wandering amongst the beauties of Nature, when they have been able for the time being to throw off" the cares and pressures of business which oftimes weigh so heavily upon those engaged in the struggle of life. The object of the Club is the visiting of places within an easy day’s journey of Glasgow, having an historical, memorable, romantic, or instructive interest, also places interesting from beauty of situation, view or walks, and enjoying the social intercourse VI. SYLVAN RAMBLEES. and good fellowship of each others’ company; this the Sylvan Ramblers have endeavoured to accomplish, and found such excursions to be of a healthful, recreative, and instructive character, while the companionships which have been formed have so knitted them together in their joys and in their sorrows, that they will be for ever remembered. This volume is sent forth into the world in the hope that it will foster the growth of kindred associations, and stimulate a desire for the enjoyment of similar pleasures in the hearts of those whose duties, in the workshop or counting-house, necessitate such outings. “ Tongues in trees, Books in the running brooks, Sermons in stones, And good in everything.’’ •o^o*—— SECOND SESSION. RAMBLE PACK I. Ayr and Burns’ Monument, _ - - 9 II. Duntoclier, Kilbowie, and Dalmuir, - - 17 HI. Giffnock, 21 IV. Carmyle and Kenmure, - - - - 24 V. Corkindale Law and Peeseweep Inn, - - 28 VI. Busby and Mearns Castle, - - - - 32 VII. Dumbarton Castle. - - - 35 Vni. The Craig of Carnook and Rouken Glen, - - 39 IX. Castle Campbell and Dollar Glen, - - 43 X. Fairlie Glen and Largs, - - . - 50 XI. Erskine Ferry and Renfrew, - - . 55 XII. Tillietudlem Castle and Stonebyres Falls, - - 58 THIRD SESSION. I. Maybole and Culzean Castle, - - - 63 II. Bishopbriggs and Milngavie, via Cadder Wilderness, 71 III. Pollok and Crookston Castle, - - - 75 IV. Glenkilloch, Gleniffer Braes, and Tannahill’s Well, 80 V. Neilston and the Peeseweep Inn, - - 84 VI. Mearns and Eaglesham, - - - - 88 VIII. Calderwood Glen and Kilbride, - - - 91 IX. Aberfoyle and Loch Ard, • - - - 96 X. Cardross and Kilmahew Glen, - - - 101 XI. Hamilton and Bothwell, - - - - 105 XII. Linlithgow, Queensferry, and the Forth Bridge, 109 Vlll. CONTENTS. FOURTH SESSION. I. Kilmarnock and Dundonald Castle, - - 118 II. Eagleskam, - - - - - 124 III. Springburn and Chryston, - - - - 127 IV. East Kilbride and Torrance Glen, - - 130 V. Bearsden, Tambowie, and Craigallion, - - 132 VI. Carmyle, - - - - - - 135 VII. Kilwinning and Eglinton Castle, - - - 136 VIII. Joint Ramble of the Water o’ Leven and Glasgow Sylvan Ramblers, ----- 141 IX. Dalmellington, ----- 144 X. Inverkip Glen and Gourock, - - - 145 XI. Helensburgh and Row, - - - - 148 XII. Stirling and Donne Castle, - - - - 151 »»o^o»* FIFTH SESSION. I. Stonebyres and Tillietudlem Castle, - - 160 II. Greenock, Loch Thom, and Inverkip, - - 161 III. Rothesay and Mount Stuart, - - - 166 IV. Paisley and the Peeseweep Inn, - - - 171 V. Ardrossan, Saltcoats, and Stevenston, - - 173 VI. Chryston and Lenzie, _ - - - 179 VII. Blantyre Priory and Bothwell, - - - 186 VIII. Edinburgh and South Queensferry, - - 187 IX. Castlecary and Castle Rankin, - - - 190 X. Mugdock and Craigmaddie Reservoirs, - - 194 XI. Callander, Bracklinn Bridge, and Loch Katrine, 198 An Outing in the Highlands, - - - 210 Obituary Notices, - - - - 218 Membership, ------ 220 AYR AND BURNS’ MONUMENT. 9 SECOND SESSION RAMBLES, Ramble I.—8th April, 1886. iyr and Burns’ Monument, Guide, Mu. James Robektson. HE Second Session of the Sylvan Ramblers was inaugurated by a trip to Ayr and Burns’ Monument. The company numbered twenty, and all got safely away from St. Enoch Station at 9.15. The weather prospects were by no means bright; but, as events showed, the Ramblers were favoured with their usual good luck. The country did not present that joyous appearance which was so specially noticeable in the opening ramble of the previous year, but glad we were for what we had; and that we were, at least, one remove from “gloomy winter.” We travelled over the site of the old Paisley Canal, associated with many interesting walks in bygone B 10 SYLVAN RAMBLERS. days; and we had a view of Crookston Castle, the scene of Queen Mary’s joys in her youthful years. On reaching Ayr at eleven o’clock, we found that the town had a very cheery appearance, and had assumed quite a holiday look with the presence of numerous visitors—it being Glasgow Spring Holiday. The town of Ayr is clean and handsome, and its principal streets are well built. It is situated on the left bank of the river Ayr, about forty miles south-south west of Glasgow. “The Twa Brigs,” which figure so famously in the poems of Burns, connect the suburbs with Ayr. In 1202, William the Lion made it a royal burgh; and it is a market and sea-port town. A beautiful tower, erected in honour of Sir William Wallace, is 113 feet high; and the spire of the Assembly Room is 217 feet. In the wars of Scottish Independence Ayr was a centre of many military exploits; and the poet, Burns, says— “ Auld Ayr, wham ne’er a toun surpasses, For honest men and bonnie lasses.” After a short rest at the Ayr Arms Hotel—and some needed refreshment—the company started in a large brake for the cottage. The road is a delightful one; and, in Summer, when the trees are covered with foliage, must have the appearance of a long avenue with a beautiful canopy of green overhead. On the way we passed many couples AYR AND BURNS MONUMENT. 11 intent on paying respect to the birthplace of Scotland’s famous bard; and apparently all were ardent devotees of that passion which inspired Burns in some of his sweetest melodies. Speedily we were set down at the Auld Clay Biggin where he was born, “ at whose name every Scottish heart beats high.” “All ask the cottage of his birth, Gaze on the scenes he loved and sung, And gather feelings not of earth, His words and streams among.” BURNS' COTTAGE. The humble cottage where Burns was born is a low-roofed, one-storey house, and consists of a “but- and-a-ben”—two rooms on the same floor—with an additional apartment which has been added at one end, neatly white washed and thatched. In the “but” there is the recessed bed in which the poet first saw the light of day. The plain deal dresser, with dish-rack above, still remains the same, and® t 12 SYLVAN RAMBLERS. the “wee window” still looks out behind over the fields. The open fire-place, with roomy, projecting chimney, is a place of interest, and the apartment towards the back is little changed since the event- ful night when “Janwar’ winds blew hansel in on Robin.” We stayed a considerable time looking over the many interesting relics _ open for the inspection of visitors; and, after enjoying a cup of tea in the AULD ALLOWAY KIRK. hall, behind the cottage, we proceeded to visit Alloway kirk. The size of this old and well-known building is very disappointing — as from Burns’ account of what Tam o’Shanter saw on the eventful evening, one would fancy that it was of considerable dimensions. How “ They reel’d they set, they crossed, they cleekit,” « AYR AND BURNS’ MONUMENT. 13 in a place of such limited capacity, is very hard to understand. But, of course, the ladies on that occasion were not unduly impeded with long trains ! Be that as it may, the place—from being a quiet resting spot for unknown country people — ere Burns wrote Tam o’Shanter, has now a world-wide fame, visitors coming from all parts to see Alloway Kirk. We took special notice of the tomb of Burns’ father, which bears tbe well-known lines :— “ 0 ye whose cheek the tear of pity stains, Draw near with pious reverence and attend! Here lie the loving husband’s dear remains— The tender father and the generous friend: The pitying heart that felt for human woe— The dauntless heart that feared no human pride; The friend of man, to vice alone a foe— ‘For even his failings leaned to virtue’s side.’” Leaving this interesting spot we then wended our way to Burns’ Monument, and enjoyed a stroll in the grounds adjoining. The monument occupies a prominent position, and from its roof a fine view of the surrounding country is obtained. It was erected in 1820-23, is a handsome Grecian edifice about sixty feet high, and on a triangular pedestal are placed nine Corinthian columns, a cupola, and a gilt tripod, supported by dolphins. The columns and architectural decorations of fruit, flowers, and foliage are beautifully executed, and the effect of the whole design is very artistic. The enclosed 14 SYLVAN RAMBLERS. ground near the monument is laid out with walks, evergreens, and flowers^—a graceful offering at the shrine of genius, contributed by the willing hands of the gardeners and florists of Ayrshire, and the spot in the Summer months looks very beautiful.