Numbers were back up to fifteen today and it was good to see Ian W. return from Portugal in time to be back marker for this walk and to lead on New Year’s Day . Green Lane was very muddy, especially in the lower section and it made the slope very slippery as Ian demonstrated for us. The farm track along the valley was worse if anything, long puddles joining together along and across the track. At least it was not as slippery. As we approached Charlton we followed the field edge round to the gate taking us through the old stone pits. The path across the muddy field may have been shorter but it was not clearly marked and again across sloping muddy soil. From the stone pits through to the village street, the route was mainly grassy and pleasant to walk on. The village was quite busy but we were soon on the way up to Rainsborough Camp, passing a flock of sheep on the way. From the Camp we did not go on to Green Lane but took the bridle way down to the Charlton Road and followed that to second crossing and then took the path that emerges behind the pavilion. After 5.2 miles we were glad to indulge in fresh Bakewell tart and coffee or tea provided by Anita.
