Ten of us set off in warm sunshine although back marker, Ian delayed by Simon putting on his gaiters, chose a variation for both of them. Most of us walked through the village and down Station Road to Millers Lane and then along the valley, under the motorway and out to the Great Western. The birds were in full song throughout this route. Once we were on the towpath it was clear that canal traffic was very busy as were the swans and ducks. the farm track at Souldern Wharf was dry and firm, unusual so early in the year. The long climb up Wharf Lane in the warm sunshine tired us all, but as we took the path across the meadow we could see Aynhoe Park House and the church very clearly in the distance. We soon reached the Portway path back up to the village, though only Mary was fit enough to run up the last hundred yards. Back at the pavilion we sat outside in the sunshine with our drinks and, in some cases, delicious cake.
