Waking up to a bright blue sky and sparkling sunshine, it came as no surprise to see 18 walkers turn up for our walk to Foxhill. For almost the first time this year we were able to walk without being burdened by heavy jackets, hats and wellies. Some of us got slightly wet feet on the way to Souldern as the ford is still slightly above the height of the path. Further along we had a few more challenges to overcome as access to the footpaths and styles in one of the fields was cut off by electric fencing for the benefit of a rather lovely collection of horses. However, no amount of clambering over alternative fences and gates took away from the pleasure of walking in beaming sunlight which amplified the intensity of nature’s Spring colour palette from soft pinks and intense rose hues on the blossoming trees to stunning sight of rape seed fields of yellow and gold. The return leg from Souldern involves a long uphill stretch across fields back to Aynho and by the time we were back at the pavilion just before midday we were ready for Anita’s delicious refreshments. It was wonderfully relaxing sitting outside with a much deserved cuppa enjoying the company of and chat with fellow walkers and friends.
Renate Maddocks-Born