Aynho Long Walk: 6th July

Only nine of us on the long walk today but it was pleasantly cool as we set off through the village and down to Millers Lane. The stone wall was being repaired near the turn to Lower Aynho Grounds, but the workman was pleased to be shaded by the trees. After crossing the ford we walked up to Souldern. The concrete tracks are being replaced so the path is closed to vehicles. We paused at the top for a cool down and a drink. As we approached the gate and stile for the path behind Souldern Manor a blacksmith was at work preparing to shoe a horse which was standing patiently by. This was not the case with some very lively dogs who were keen to welcome us into the field. We continued on our way and took the usual path between the houses and onto the track up to Nancy Bowles Wood. The path off there to the left towards the alpacas was overgrown with very tall nettles: only with arms above our heads could we get through unstung. It was worth it for all the scabious and knapweed flowering along the next section and the marbled white butterflies that few of us had seen before. By now the sun was very warm and strong, although we had had a few large drops of rain. We came back through Souldern village and across the Portway route to the pavilion, where sadly there were no refreshments today.

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