The rain came earlier than most of us expected but it was light and there was no strong wind so the eleven of us set out along Charlton Road and took the path through to Rainsborough Camp. We walked round the back of the camp and down to a field full of sheep. They seemed more curious than worried, but finally decided to play safe and trot away to the lower end of the field. Across the Charlton Road at Camp Farm the track was full of puddles and sticky mud, but no one slipped over and we soon reached the minor road which we followed down to the pony stables. From there we crossed the fields to Croughton, walked down past the School and crossed to a track that led us by means of two stiles to Croughton churchyard. The church is having serious work done to the walls judging by the mass of scaffolding along its side. We took the path through to Mill Lane, crossed the fast flowing ford and took the path via Warren Farm fields and woods into Upper Aynho Grounds. A heron took off in front of us no doubt inspecting the lakes. We climbed up to the Great Barn and then out to the B4100 and onto Portway path. We were all rather wet so sat inside the pavilion for our refreshments before going home to dry out.
