Suddenly it feels like summer, so we had 16 walkers today, including two walk leaders in the final stages of qualification. We set off in the warm sunshine through the village and down to Millers Lane. We took the path along the wall and came up at the edge of Souldern before following Wharf Lane down to the canal. The heat was beginning to build, there was no wind and a cloudless blue sky. Water bottles were in frequent use. The towpath was dry, the canal water reflected the foliage like a mirror and the cows in the field on the opposite bank seemed to be enjoying the rich grass and warm sunshine. We left the canal bank, passed the two railway lines and took the path back alongside the railway embankment towards the motorway tunnel. Blossom was everywhere not least in the broad expanse of yellow rape seed, the first of many encounters, I’m sure. We looked at the ford, felt its freshness but it was too slippery to walk through its shallow stream so we followed the field up and round to Millers Lane again and back to the pavilion. The refreshments were particularly welcome. They help the cooling process and the rest after a very warm walk. 6.5 miles.
