Jurassic Way, Part 2: Chacombe to Chipping Warden, October 14

Well, it was definitely a case of Margaret's Muddy Miles today - I hate to let anyone down! We met at the George and Dragon, again, at Chacombe and headed north across fields. We were soon flummoxed by a rather large ram who seemed to be very inistent on stopping us from crossing over a stile - and was being watched by a herd of cattle with young calves. This was enough to distract the walk leader from paying sufficiently close attention to the map, so resulted in the first of several slight deviations from the originally planned route. Sometimes it is very hard to believe that I actually go to the effort or pre-walking these routes! Most of the newly planted fields we crossed had no indication of where the footpath might be; no signs, no clearing of crops, nor previous footsteps, so even with the use of the compass and magnifying glass a few errors were made!

Despite the route variations, we had a great day. The weather was perfect for walking with just a fine drizzle to cool us down then a warm refreshing breeze all day. Coats were soon stuffed away in bags, although waterproof trousers or gaiters helped keep the mud at bay.

The manor house at Wardington and then Edgecote House gave us plenty of ogling opportunities, and  all four villages visited had an abundance of beautiful stone thatched cottages. Sadly I took hardly any photos so may have to sneak some in from the pre-walk!

A bit of light entertainment was provided at our picnic stop at Chipping Warden when a young lad was busy texting in his broken down car, when his dad arrived to try to get the car going. Dad tried everything, but all the youngster could do was text! How will he learn from the experience!! Eventually, the problem was sorted by Richard and Martin bump starting the car - by this time the rest of us had found another pub and were having an enjoyable drink.

The walk back took us very close to the route used for the outward journey as there are few footpaths in this area going from north to south. At times, we used the roads as the fields were so muddy, and unmarked.

A good day out and about 9½ miles walked.

Richard's new friend.

Edgecote Manor