Aynho Long Walk 8th February 2018

Fourteen of us braved the cold, overcast weather to walk through the village and down Station Road to Millers Lane. The snowdrops brightened up the lane as we passed. When we reached the field we followed the path along the wall to avoid the ford. We were soon on the lane up to Souldern where we skirted the village by following Wharf Lane to the horses’ field. They had left a churned up and smelly area too wide to cross without squashing through the gunge. The horses were now behind their electric fence and looked hopefully at us for food. We continued to the path between the houses and emerged to see our first daffodils just beginning to flower. The track up to Nancy Bowles Wood had thawed into a mix of mud and puddles but at the top the path through to the alpacas had been cleared. Another bonus was the alpacas themselves. They were keen to see us and came closer than ever before. They seemed to have a smile on their faces, their thick coats obviated the need for a coat, unlike their regular companion, the horse. We reached the road and made our way back via the church lane and sewage works to the Portway path and back to the pavilion where refreshments were particularly welcome; especially the hot drinks.