We welcomed, Paula, a new walker to our group, today. Thus we had thirteen long walkers setting off along the black path to Butts Close and thence over the stone stile by the ‘Dad’s Army’ hut. The views across to Adderbury, Bloxham and the ridges beyond were obscured by low cloud and mist, but the morning was dry and mild. The fields were full of stubble from the recent harvesting. We reached Lower Walton Grounds and walked up the track towards Kings Sutton but turned right along the track which led down to the foot bridge and into the farm yard. From here we walked along the farm track, for once totally dry, until we branched off in to further fields of stubble towards Charlton. Passing through the stone pits towards the top of the village there were no cows in the final field today. It was only after we had passed through the village and were climbing towards the Rainsborough Camp that we came across a field of cows. They lay resting on the grass across our route. We formed a single group and walked steadily through the herd. Cows stood up and moved away as we approached. We continued back along the ridge through more stubble, some with kale planted in rows between the stubble. Coffee, cake and jacket potatoes awaited us back at the pavilion.
