Leigh IV - The Plough

Put That In Your Pipe And Smoke It! (kindly supplied by Windy)

Tuesday 26th October - blimey, soon be Christmas AND, the clocks go back next weekend, folks.

Walkers: Farty, T.B. (who was going commando today - with his leg gear), 10 Legs, Windy, Lil and Clat. SALLY JOINED US FOR LUNCH! HELLO LOVE!!!

Mrs P has gone back to her roots, literally, as she was at the coiffurist. No Registrara or Hootsmon.

Distance: 81/2 miles - woweeeee

Weather: well, it started off ok, a bit grey and claggy (as they say up North), but the rain (or a front, as they say out at sea), came in, the wind blew up, and we got rather damp.

Find of the Walk: a skip, full of goodies -more later - that should keep your taste buds going.

We set off along Clayhill lane and turned a left, to begin the walk proper. Our route led us down towards Mynthurst Farm where, once again, electric fencing seemed to prevent our intended route, and we detoured through the farm itself. Heading East we eventually arrived at Hammond's Copse Nature Reserve, where the plentiful bushes allowed a plentiful choice of relief - oh, and we had our break here. We had already seen one deer and a multitude of pheasants - all getting ready for the shooting season I fear. A 'bantams for sale' sign took the attention of our eggy friends, but we soon got them back on track.

put that in your pipe...

This then led on to Ram Field, and Ewood Farm, where we saw another deer, and along we went to Swires Farm . The weather closed in and we closed up - all very quiet, as we were buffeted along in the wind and the squalls. Mutterings from T.B. confirmed that he was not enjoying this very much. Then we found the skip, just by the sewage works, and a great rummaging ensued. Vintage Singer sewing machines, day-glo jackets, baby's bath, framed pictures, notepads - soooo much stuff. Farty gave us a demo with her 'hooker's ' pipe, and came away with a blue glass vase, and a fleece for T.B. - result!!

The sewage works lived up to its fragrant best, and by now we had all had enough. Right then, drastic steps were taken - ha ha ha. and we took the most direct route possible, to get home. This entailed a bit of road work, where we found a lovely mushroom tree, and then we arrived back at base, to find a funeral gathering, so it was a bit crowded.

The pub was very welcoming and the landlady was brilliant. Friendly, efficient, cheerful and so organised. It took us a while to compose ourselves, Windy stating she looked like Hitler will give you the gist of how things were............ However, lunch was served, and that was excellent, so full points in all areas. We shall be back !!!!!!

Next walk: Tuesday 2nd November - should be from Dunnings Mill Pub, East Grinstead. Don't be late or early - depending on which way you swung your pendulums at the weekend.