Aynho Long Walk 22 January 2015

We welcomed another new walker today. Trudy is a seasoned rambler, but this was her first walk with the Aynho walkers. Eleven of us set off down Green Lane and along the ridge to Rainsborough Camp overtaking the Strollers on the way. The ground was quite soft underfoot and as we continued out towards the Camp Farm Buildings we came to a gateway across a wide stretch of water. Wellie wearers had no problem but some of us had to cling onto the gate post and swing ourselves round. A large truck followed us down the permissive path beyond the Charlton Road so that eventually we had to stand aside to let it pass. Fortunately it was moving so slowly that it did not cover us in mud. Conditions improved as we turned towards the road and then took the path across to Croughton. The snow drops were out in Croughton Churchyard. They brought a cheer to everybody. The TV set was still inside the old hollow tree. We crossed the field which the horses grazing there had churned up, especially by the gate, and walked through the wooded path to Mill Lane and thence down to the ford, across the footbridge on through to the meadow behind Blenheim. Lots of tree felling in the woodland of Upper Aynho Grounds and as we climbed towards the Great Hall we could see the beaters at the ready. Shortly afterwards we heard the shotguns being fired. Across the B4100 and down to the Portway path was clear, but as we climbed the hill towards Aynho we saw a herd of deer, dark against Rylands Wood. A large number for a wild herd. Finally approaching the tunnel the tree across the path from last week was still there but easier to navigate this week. After 6.5 miles it was good to reach the pavilion for hot drinks and refreshments.