In spite of the weather forecast we had fifteen walkers today. We were rewarded by bright sunshine, although towards the end of the walk we faced into a strong cold wind. We set off along the Black Path to Butts Close and followed it down hill to the Charlton Road. We crossed the stone stile by the Dad’s Army Hut and crossed the fields to Lower Walton Grounds. It was not as cold as forecast so the ground was not frozen over. There was broken ice on some puddles but the slight powdering of overnight snow had melted. The track round the farm buildings was very muddy as was the lane along the Valley. The footpaths across the fields are not yet restored so we either kept to the field edges or guessed the route of the path as well as we could. The path was clear enough through the old stone pits. The long horn cattle herd, as we reached the last field before the stile at the top of the village, ignored us as they usually do. We walked down through Charlton and back up to the Rainsborough Camp. It was on the path back along the ridge that we hit the strong, cold wind. With watering eyes we eventually reached the pavilion where hot drinks or soup were particularly welcome. The walk was 5.8 miles. Thanks to Simon for acting as back-up today.
