Aynho Long Walk: January 7, 2016
Sixteen of us set off in deceptively mild sunshine down the Portway path and over waterlogged fields to the top of the lane to Souldern Wharf. By now the sun had disappeared and the bitterly cold wind had strengthened. We crossed another two fields to reach the track down to the swing-bridge and enjoyed a brief respite from the wind as the track was sheltered in places by the hedgerows and the tunnel under the M40. Once we were past the neat and mud free farm of Souldern Grounds the wind attacked with new vigour. It hit us with horizontal freezing rain that soaked and froze any exposed hands and faces. There were men working on the bank of the railway but it was difficult to see what they could do in the blizzard. We crossed the swing bridge and could appreciate the extent of the flooding of the water meadows. Fortunately the towpath was reasonably free from water and mud and once we reached the protection of the hedging we felt more comfortable. The canal water was thick with brown mud. We saw no water birds. At Souldern Wharf we crossed the canal and the very muddy farm yard and walked briskly back to Souldern Village, the wind pushing us all the way. By now we had become quite spread out and while some of us walked down to the ford, observed its depth and speed of flow and climbed round it, those with Ian at the back followed the route to Portway. We all reached the pavilion safely after a final three minutes sunshine.
Never had we been more grateful for the hot drinks, soup and other delights at the Pavilion. It had been a bracing experience for us all.
Next Week is our fourth Anniversary Walk and Lunch. We will meet and set off from The White Horse in Kings Sutton.
About the Author
Keith McClellan Keith loads contributions from the Writers Group and writes the blog with photo for the long Health Walks.
