Tuesday, January 6, 2009

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Rambling - May 2004 Report

May 9th. A dreary, overcast day brightened by the presence of 17 walkers eager to be off. We headed up Shoe Lane to North Croft and then to the Hagbourne Garage via Orchard Hedge. We continued across New Road, passed by Shortlands Farm and on to Fulscot Farm where we encountered a herd of cows far more interested in us than we were in them. Having safely negotiated the cows and a stile with ankle-deep mud on either side we finally reached the road to South Moreton. There is a field-edge path here that leads to South Moreton. The first bit is a right-of-way; the second bit is yet to be declared, but is easily followed without disturbing the crops and leads into the village.

In the village, we took the first right turning, Church Lane, to make our way to the ancient church. We paused to look around and to count our blessings at still being dry under the ever-more threatening skies. Continuing east from the church brought us to the bridge over Mill Brook and the old mill race. One can immediately go west at this point to follow Mill Brook, but we decided to head south, first, to pick up the bridleway at Brookside. This path is not well marked or signposted, but with persistence we found the correct line and eventually turned right on the bridleway. The sky ahead was quite a sight, resembling nothing so much as a very bad bruise: leaden in colour, full of rain and menacing with the rumble of thunder. Were we about to be drenched?

We rambled on, generally heading west following the turnings of the path (first to the left, then to the right) and eventually re-crossed Mill Brook at the site of the old paper mill. Much mud was in evidence, especially as we approached Tadley. Fortunately, everyone stayed upright! From Tadley, the route home was via Fieldside and Church Lane. Hard to believe, but we stayed dry.

About 5 miles in a little under 2½ hours. It was mild; the fields were incredibly green; the sky was interesting and a good time was enjoyed by all. See you next month? We will have the honour of a guest leader!