We were delighted to welcome three new walkers today and two visitors, Neil and Emma, husband and daughter of Paula. it was overcast to start with but all sixteen of us set off in good spirits through the village and down Station Road to Millers Lane. We were amazed to see that all the mature trees that lined the avenue along to Lower Aynho Grounds had been felled, presumably they were diseased. A great shame this was necessary. The ford was still dry as we passed it and climbed up to Souldern village. We took the path round the back of the Manor, admiring the friendly horses that approached us, presumably in the hope of some refreshment. We continued into the village itself, and then took the track up to Nancy Bowles Wood and on to Foxhill. The path through to the Fritwell Road had been cleared very well so we were soon on the road and walking back into Souldern. We passed the church and the sewage works before continuing onto Portway, Aynho and the pavilion for refreshments. We had seen glimpses of sun and sat outside for coffee. As it was only five and a half miles we were back before the medium walkers today. Much to our mutual amazement.
