We welcomed Veronica to her first walk with us today, and Tracy also rejoined after a long absence. The sun came out just before we set out and with a cool wind it was perfect for walking. We set off down the Portway footpath and continued across the fields into Oxfordshire. From the stream we turned left and climbed up to the B4100 and crossed into Upper Aynho Grounds opposite. Safely back in Northants we continued through the grounds and turned down through the wooded track into Warren farm woods. Since last year’s work the path is much drier. There is no marshy area to cross, but the hill is still quite steep. The field after the woods is back to grazing and we met three Aberdeen Angus bullocks there but they didn’t stay to inspect us. We reached Mill Lane, crossed the bridge by the ford and took the stone stile on to the path behind Croughton Village. When we emerged into the field we soon passed two rather frisky horses behind the fence on our left. One was kind enough to pose for his photo. We continued through the churchyard and up to the village school, crossed over and headed up the lane to the open fields. The view of the freshly ploughed and farrowed fields stretched out over miles of farmland, a lovely autumn view. We were soon over the fields to cut throat corner and Camp Farm and from there we passed the Rainsborough Camp on our left and headed for the track along the ridge to Green Lane and the pavilion. It was too cold to sit outside so we had a good chat over coffee and cakes and, in some cases, a delicious looking lunch.
