Seven of us were brave enough or foolhardy enough to defy the weather forecast and set off this morning down Millers Lane, round the ford and out to the Great Western Arms and the canal. On the way the path was frequently thick with mud and there were a number of puddles joined together to make lakes. Those of us in wellingtons were able to wash them quite well. There was an initial burst of biting rain in a strong wind as we walked down the lane, but the rain soon stopped and the hedges held off the wind. The canal was calm and quiet, with snowdrops blooming in little clusters under the hedges. Once off the towpath at Souldern Wharf there was a very muddy farm yard to cross before Wharf Lane. We were glad of the firmness under foot as we climbed up to Souldern. We crossed the fields, greeted the horses and returned up the Portway path to a much reduced number of refreshment customers. Those of us who braved the weather really enjoyed the walk.
