Two regular walkers brought their partners as guests today to bring the total to fourteen of us on the walk. Ian was back-up leader with his temporary dog to assist and his generous donation of a birthday cake, free to all, awaiting our return. On this lovely summer’s day we set off down Portway and across to Souldern emerging opposite the manor. From there we reached the top of Wharf Lane before crossing two fields and following the long concrete track down through the farm yard and under the viaduct to the swing bridge on the canal. having checked for canal traffic we lowered the bridge and crossed over. With the bridge back in position we set off along the canal towpath and after a brief conference at the Wharf Lane bridge, continued on to the Great Western Arms at Ayhno Wharf. From there we took the usual route under the M40, over the dry ford to Millers Lane and the uphill climb to the wondrous birthday cake back at the Pavilion. One of our longest walks at 7.6 miles.
