Fifteen walkers and two dogs set off on this lovely summer’s day along the black path and through the Square and Little Lane to Station Road. The views across to Bloxham and beyond were at their best as we walked down the hill and into Millers Lane. The ford was mostly dry but very slippery in places. We stopped for a catch up and a drink for those who wanted it when we reached Souldern Village at the top of the track. Then we took the field route round the back of the village, noting a red kite being harried away by the crows. We continued down the footpath between gardens and then took the track up to the Nancy Bowles Wood. A momentary lapse by our leader led us to miss the overgrown nettle infested footpath, and follow the field edge burned back and brown to kill off the weeds invading the crop. By the time we realised the problem we had to straddle the fence to access the road and return to the village. Fortunately we could do this without damage. We passed the pond and the church, crossed the broken stile and joined the Portway route back to Aynho, noting the spread of buttercups in the first field and, later, seeing a pair of hares racing around in full view. It was good to get back to the pavilion and enjoy our refreshments in the sunshine. The carrot cake was a real winner.
