Kippford Walk, Stone Creatures and Lunch

[Rob's photo of a heart-shaped fern emerging]

 

 Rob, Brock and I went on a favourite walk of ours today, from Kippford to Rockcliffe and back. There is a circular walk through woodlands full of bluebells and ransomes, at this time of year, to Rockcliffe and back along the shore path, with views over the inlet, the mud flats dotted with picturesque boats, to the next peninsula with its woodlands and hills.

 

[Brock on the beach at Rockcliffe: the half-way point]

There is a garden on the return leg, where someone makes strange little stone creatures out of rocks, pebbles, found items, teddy bears' eyes, and sometimes teeth. There are always a few new ones to spot.

We decided to try a new place for lunch: The Mariner Hotel, Restaurant and Bar We sat in the beer garden with Brock. There were quite a few tables available outside, with good views over the marina. There is plenty of indoor seating in a conservatory, for when the weather is less clement.

We ordered orange squash, mineral water and two portions of the vegetable curry with rice (Rob had half rice/half chips). It arrived fairly quickly, and was a good-sized portion. It was tasty: quite mild, English-style curry, with a fruity/spicy flavour; plenty of chickpeas, sweetcorn, greens (chard, I think), red pepper and onion. Rob said that the chips were very good, too. The bill came to just under £20. The choice was a bit limited for vegetarians apart from the curry, (mainly cheese-based dishes: macaroni, salad, or panini). But at least there were two gluten free, veggie choices: the curry and the cheese salad.