Twelve walkers set off in autumn mist but summer temperature this morning. We took the Black Path and continued through Little Lane, across the road and on to station Road and Millers Lane. At the ford we took the footbridge onto the footpath which passes under the motorway, but we were faced with a tricky obstacle as a willow tree had fallen across the pathway. Everyone had to be quite agile to climb over or squeeze under several heavy branches. We all made it however, and were soon passing under the motorway and moving on to Station Road and the Great Western Arms. Once on the towpath we noted the increase in moored long boats, perhaps there after the holiday. Two swans glided along but paid little attention to us. The farmyard at Souldern Wharf was back to its usually muddy state. We tackled Wharf Lane with heads down, and were soon crossing the stone stile round the side of Souldern where the farmers were busy removing the straw bales. We crossed the fields and followed the Port Way track back to the village, by which time the sun was out and the temperature very warm. Anita was back in the Pavilion so refreshments were as welcome as usual.
