Leigh - The Plough

Tuesday 29th May

A Deleightful Day

Walkers:  Farty, T.B., 8 Legs, Lil and Clat.  Sally joined us for lunch - her Mum is dosed-up due to a bad back, and we all hope she gets better.  Trish just back from erections and busy. Windy returning her sister after hols abroad.

Find of the Walk:  a snake's vertebrae

Distance:  6.8 miles - very accurate today, as Sue also had a pedometer with her.

Right then we have managed to meet after many weeks of bad weather, and bizziness, to finally convene today and what fantastic weather.  A little too hot for some, but this known route does contain wooded areas for cooling down purposes, which was great for Minnie.  Walking in a thick fur coat is no fun, and especially when you can't see over the grass either.

Down the lane, and into a field, to encounter a golden lolloping labrador, who latched on to us, and thought life was grand - he was probably on a bitch-mission.  Minnie wasn't bothered, and after a field or two, we managed to lose him.  More fields were crossed, crammed full of buttercups, and crops growing well in this sunshine.  We've  not done this walk for a while, and changes were noted.  We came out on to Gadbrook Road where once a derelict house stood at the edge - not any more.  In its place stood a large wooden cabin, complete with verandah and garden furniture - progress indeed.  Kissing gates have also replaced the stiles in this neck of the woods too.

We had been congratulating ourselves on  the lack of bovines all too soon, as these were spied in the following field.  Chris was seen in the distance getting through it and out of it as soon as possible.  This  is where we found our find - probably squidged underfoot by a hoof or three.  She was so far ahead of us, that T.B. managed to take distance shots of her standing at the bridge by the Dolphin pub.  Here we parked-up for a bit, and had  a drink.  We sat in the garden - marvellous, and studied the menus here - getting rather pricey we thought.

Time to move on, and passing by Wonham Manor we spotted the spotted deer.  They looked  clean and pristine in their gorgeous coats and were not too bothered by the arrival of 6 hatted walkers.  Further down, Wonham Mill is really going through its menopause (the change).  Windows and doors are in, the conversions are happening at last, and it's all looking rather good.  However, whoever lives here needs a car cos there ain't much else around except of course, the lovely countryside and stream.  Through some more fields we travelled, disturbing a pheasant, and then, being disturbed , by a ' tractor 'spreading his fertiliser.  A monstrous machine it was, and creating soooooo much dust that it was like being enveloped in a ha ha - but it wasn't funny.  We retreated, and luckily the farmer stopped to chat to a colleague, so we could then march across the  soon-to-be fertile soil and get to the next field.

Back to base then, and a shady table in the garden.  Inside was no-go due to the re-laying of floors, but we embraced the thought of al fresco dining for a change.  Our Daily Male turned into the Daily Mail, as he buried himself in the news of the day, and us girlies talked about all sorts.  Food was fine - service could have been a bit more welcoming and friendly, but that's  Leighfe for you.

Next week, due to Jubilee, half-term, and no doubt bad weather(!) we shall not be moved.  The week after is pencilled in for the Dog and Duck (try saying that when you've had a few) at Outwood, but, as always, we shall text you nearer the time.

Have a Jubbly Jubilee xxxxxxxx