Fourteen walkers set off down Portway, through the tunnel and out into the field where a curtain of mist hung in the middle distance. The new fence on the right seems complete and we await the appearance of the white deer herd with interest. We were soon over the fields and across the stream and headed up to the B4100 and Upper Aynho Grounds. It was soft underfoot and squelchy in places. There were no events outside at the Day in Country as we passed the buildings and headed down through the woods. In this weather the improvements made in draining the land at the bottom of the valley could be fully appreciated. We passed into Warren Farm meadows and on to Croughton Churchyard. Up through the village the cloud started to lift and it was brightening up as we approached Camp Farm. Sheep gathered round the food pens with one daring to jump in and stand on the hay. We continued back along the ridge to green lane and the pavilion. 6.5 miles and the sun came out as we bought our coffees.
