We thought it was going to be mild and sunny so fifteen people set off just as the rain started. We took the Black Path through to Little Lane and were hit by freezing wind and horizontal rain. We continued down Station Road and Millers Lane in the same horrible conditions. We followed the wall down to the stream and up to Souldern before taking the heavily horse-trampled path behind Souldern Village to the track up to Nancy Bowles Wood. There were still remnants of what must have been impressive snow drifts as we followed the track. Behind the hedge the alpacas were well looked after by their foster mum the horse. As we took the road back to Souldern the sun appeared and lit up a rainbow beyond Aynho Park House. We took the usual Portway path back to the pavilion and enjoyed Dawn’s usual refreshments. Especially that lovely cake!
