We welcomed Ian’s friend Martin as a guest walker which brought our number to eight for the long walk this morning. We set off down Portway and through the tunnel avoiding the bramble strands waving near our faces and arms. It was overcast for most of the way to Souldern. There was no breeze so it was quite clammy and we reduced our pace accordingly. The sun came out as we walked down Wharf Lane to Souldern Wharf and this made it hotter still. Along the canal it was a little cooler. There was no traffic this time, unlike our last walk by the canal. The station road by the Great Western was quite busy but we were soon into Lower Aynho Grounds where we were impressed by how the maize had grown since we were last there. There were several fields of maize, all the way to Souldern Mill where the ford was dry.. The long uphill climb back to the village and on to the pavilion was quite demanding in the heat. We took it more slowly than usual and were happy to find drinks and lunches of just a glass of water in the shade. Another enjoyable walk of about 6 miles.
