Eight of us set of today in lovely sunshine. We walked along the Black Path to Butts Close and then down to the stone stile towards Lower Walton Grounds. The wheat crop looked very healthy but the soil was cracked and dry on the path. The views were wonderful in the clear summer light. At the bottom of the hill we turned left, skirted the buildings and joined the track lined with cherry trees. Many of the cherries were ripe, some had fallen onto the track or the verge others had been eaten by birds. Further on larger, darker cherries predominated. We reached the lay-by on the Banbury Road and crossed to the bridle way which curves through to Station Road and leads into Millers Lane. We paused in the shade by the ford so that people and dogs could have a drink. Then it was up the hill to the village, round behind Souldern Manor and through the narrow footpath to the lane down to the village pond and into Church Lane. From there it was the usual direct route back to Aynho. We passed a spectacular fungi as we crossed the stream on the county border, before the long climb back in the increasingly warm sunshine. We met a group of Oxford Zoology students on their annual walk and they were glad of the guidance we were able to give. A five and a half mile walk with satisfying refreshments, as always, on arrival at the pavilion.
