Six walkers braved the muddy conditions today and fortunately no one slipped over. We set off along Green Lane which was very wet and muddy as soon as we left the tarmac. We walked down to Lower Walton Grounds inside the field parallel to the lane. As we approached the buildings we turned left and followed the lane towards Charlton and then passed through the fields. The stream flowed strongly beside us. We climbed up to walk through the old stone pits towards the top end of Charlton Village. Two workmenn who were taking a tea break from resetting a stone wall gave us a wave..
We emerged opposite the school in Charlton and walked down through the village, pausing to admire the waterfall between the lakes in the grounds of Charlton Lodge on our left as the road entered a sharp bend. Through the fields to Rainsborough Camp we came across the leg of a cloven hoofed creature. We thought it was probably a monkjack. As we entered the final stretch along the ridge the rain threatened and by the time we reached Green Lane again it was raining steadily. It was particularly pleasing to reach the pavilion and sit at the table with a steaming cup of coffee and a slice of delicious cake. It looks as though we will have to rely on volunteers for refreshments and setting up and clearing away for the foreseeable future, but if the quality of cakes is maintained that will be some compensation. Many thanks to the walkers who made the cakes and to Sue for serving us and masterminding the setting up and clearing away.