Eleven walkers set out in overcast weather this morning. We followed the newly mowed Green Lane down to Lower Aynho Grounds, walked through the dumping area and crossed the bridge on the path past the cottages. As we turned up the footpath towards Kings Sutton and entered the field edge a rabbit bolted into the hedge row, the first of several on the walk. We took the usual diagonal path through the ripening wheat up to the copse and into the field beyond. More rabbits. Through more wheat and up to the top of the ridge. We paused for a drink and a breather before continuing through the dried and compressed oil-seed r*p*. The field edge we reached was full of tall barley, (self-seeded from last year?) We were soon out of there and on the long curve round to the next field where we met a group of Daventry Ramblers. News of our walks had obviously reached them and they were impressed. We continued through the old stone pits, into Charlton Village and down to the bridge at the bottom of the hill. Up towards the camp were more mature crops and just before we reached the track along the top of the ridge we came to a section of colourful wild flowers. Back at the pavilion we were grateful to Kathy and Norman who had provided drinks and biscuits and to Paula and Ron who brought some cakes. Anita will be back next week.
