A cold Northeast wind and an overcast sky did not put off thirteen walkers today. It was good to have Ian back and able to back up. We set off down Green Lane which was still free of mud and puddles after the gate that blocks vehicles. The track along the valley from the Lower Walton Grounds farm buildings towards Charlton had all its usual puddles for the first 100 yards or so, but improved after that. We continued into the field with the crop coming up well and reached the footbridge which slopes across the narrow stream into the next filed. This was very slippery but we all managed without a fall. We continued towards Charlton and turned up through the old stone pits and emerged at the top of the village. From here the wind was not in our faces and once we reached the bottom of the hill and took the path back towards Rainsborough camp the wind gave us a helpful push towards the top of the hill. WE took the usual route back along the ridge and across to the pavilion. It was full of walkers engaged in lively chat about everything under the sun, but also taking a moment to sign a card for Doris who had had a nasty fall in Milton Keynes the week before.
