Hi Gang,

February walks are always difficult if you want to avoid deep mud or flooded river banks and tow paths.

So we plumbed for an elevated former Didcot to Southampton Railway embankment with views down through the valley, and back up to the chalk escarpment.

Obviously the advertising worked as we had twelve members, three having travelled some distance, with Teddy a faithful dog.

We set off down the embankment, past the former Upton Railway Station fondly located in "Beeching Close" named after the famous 1960's - Dr Richard BEECHING - "Closer of British Railways branch lines". Whilst still fairly high up we dropped down into East Hagbourne with its 16th Century timber frame houses, mainly with tile cladding.

Passing the pub at just the moment the landlady was opening the door - we entered for tea, coffee or drinks.

Onward we explored the village. Though we had several footpath options, I insisted in back tracking to follow a unique pedestrian causeway between two water courses. Ultimately we headed out across fields and an overgrown country lane back towards Upton.

I had been told of a "derelict farm house with snowdrops" deep in the wood. Sure enough our distant visitors found the "Lost Gardens of Froghall".

John (correctly) said "You are just wasting time so we don't get back to the pub too quickly". We then headed through the village to the George & Dragon PH where Ken had our table ready.

Not just walking blindly but enjoying each others company in exploritary countryside.

Thanks for making it work.

Bill