Aynho Long Walk 25th August 2016

It was overcast and clammy as thirteen of us set of this morning. We passed through harvested fields and Rainsborough Camp, crossed the Charlton Road at Camp Farm and continued round to second crossing. A hare emerged from cover and raced ahead of us, exciting the two dogs. They were both on leads, so had no chance of catching it. We crossed more harvested fields to Croughton and took our usual route via the churchyard and along the track to Mill Lane. There were no horses in the next field but once into Warren Farm the Aberdeen Angus herd was back in the field that has been arable for the last few years. They stayed in a group, observing us from a distance. The path through the woods beyond was very overgrown. So much so that I have to onfess to missing the correct route and having to retrace a few yards. We had kind permission to come off the path and go round the lakes. The swans and their cignets cruised along the lake in their usual majestic style. We crossed the bridge and continued up to the Great Barn and out to the B4100. Across the road and into the next field we enjoyed the sunflowers, some of which seemed to be searching for the sun. Portway meant another harvested field and the walk back up to the village. We were so dehydrated that many of us had a glass of water as well as coffee or tea with our refreshments.