Walk on the Wild Side!

Although this wasn't an official Summerwine gathering its worthy of reporting the experience albeit for the fact that we were introducing a newcomer to the group with his wife and well behaved dog Stanley (I think I got that the right way round?).
The 4 of us gathered (eventually) near Chiddingly Church and watched as the sun broke through a grey overcast sky. The bells of the church gave us our time check.... 09.15 and we set off firstly along the Vanguard Way. The walk was to combine several other slightly smaller walks around the fields and lanes surrounding the village of Chiddingly and Gun Hill.

Stanley was scouting at a ferocious pace waiting impatiently at stiles and gates but obediently coming to heel when asked. The sunshine was short-lived and we encountered a few spots of rain in the first mile. Stopping to listen to blackbirds. (well, we identified it because we saw it singing).

The terrain was changing constantly, from long lush green grass to heavy muddy bog states, to open well identified tracks. Stanley, meanwhile was happy to clean himself off in the flowing brook, momentarily sharing the experience with us as he shook vigorously when back on dry land. The sun was more constant and our raincoats were packed away with confidence.

Onwards we trod, through meadows, looking into woods which were still carpeted with bluebells.

Just over 2 hours into the walk and we felt the call of the local pub after stopping off to view the Stream bridge. Up the track and onto the main road, down through another farm where a group of young children were being tested by a variety of challenges. No such challenges for us, as we passed by the Gun Inn (which wasn't open) and on the final leg across new growing crop, the lonely stile with the backdrop of Chiddingly church was once more in our sight.

Just over 7 miles and the church bell chimed again.. 12.15. (3 hours amble) What you having... pint of Harveys!