Six of us set off in glorious sunshine on the longest walk so far and a new route for us. The Portway path down to the newly planted woodland was dry at last. We passed over the parish boundary and cut diagonally up towards Souldern Manor. On Wharf Lane we took the footpath across the fields to the track which runs down to Souldern Grounds, stopping to admire the long viaduct. At the swing bridge we met two walkers having an early lunch. A long boat with a family on holiday passed at the same time so we waited and waved them on their way. We managed to lever the bridge down but had to be sure everyone was safely across before releasing it to swing slowly back up into position. The tow path led through very quiet and still countryside, with only a hovering sparrow hawk to distract us. At Souldern Wharf we crossed the canal again and walked up Wharf Lane until the path off to the left took us down to Lower Aynho Grounds and led us under the motorway. The ford was quite low. Two of us with waterproof boots walked through the running water but the others preferred to make their way round the top of the woodland and joined us on Millers Lane higher up. The wall by Station Road was in the final stages of repair as the workers were pleased to inform us. We were soon back at the pavilion for coffee, cake or a more substantial meal after a seven mile walk through delightful scenery in beautiful sunshine.
