On the first snowy day of the season, with a carpet of snow, 6 members decided to go ahead with the planned walk.  It had only been recced 4 days previously and it was like a different walk. More puddles and snow-covered ground. When we started out there was a mixture of sleet and snow falling. Leaving the car park, we made our way across the fields beside the quarry.  Next was road walking until we reached the A40 which we carefully crossed. Entering a field, it was down a steep hill until we came to Asthall; Through the village until we reached a bridge over the River Windrush, and climbed over a stile into the field, crossed 3 more fields. Here there were workmen building a stone wall in the middle of the field. Shortly we reached the road by the Swan Inn in Swinbrook.  Then a short road walk to Swinbrook Church and then over the fields to Widford Church. This is where we took a 10-minute break. Leaving the Church, we walked near to the river until we came to a lane leading to Widford Manor. At the bottom of the lane, we crossed another bridge near to Mill Race Cottage. Directly in front of us was a steep lane leading back to the A40. Once again crossing with safety we came to where another quarry was being developed, with a new footpath running near to the quarry towards Burford (we must investigate). From here we walked over 4 fields where the stiles had all been replaced by kissing gates.

Passing Sturt Farm, they now have a few pens housing goats and sheep. The goats were stood under a cover, one decided they didn’t want their photo taken!  After the fields there was a short walk on the road and then we retraced out steps back past the quarry.

Overall, it wasn’t too cold, and it felt good to be out in the crisp air. Thank you, Ian, for transporting us from one end of Carterton to the other.  Pam