Only seven walkers turned up today for our long walk, in spite of the warm and occasionally sunny weather. We took the usual route through the village, down Station Road and along Millers Lane. The rape seed is a vast spread of yellow on all sides at the moment. WE continued along the valley and under the motorway before climbing up to Wharf Lane and continuing down to Souldern Wharf. Very muddy here after yesterday’s storms. The tow path was in good condition and we greeted holiday makers on their long boats in both directions. On the swing bridge carpenters were repairing the hand rail but we crossed easily enough and thence up to the track and under the impressive viaduct. We eventually reached Souldern Village and cut across the fields to the Portway track up to Aynho. After seven miles in two hours five minutes we were really ready for our refreshments. it was good to sit outside and chat over coffee.
