Seven members participated in this walk which took us on a four-mile circular stroll around the National Trust property of Barrington Court. The weather was glorious - bright sunshine and almost cloudless skies - but thankfully not too hot. The view to the distance was of lush green fields, however, underfoot the ground was often hard and cracked through the lack of rain in recent weeks. In ploughed fields the extremely dry condition of the soil was clearly apparent.

Starting from the National Trust Car Park we initially meandered through the village of Barrington where many of the properties were resplendently decorated in red, white and blue bunting and Union flags for the Victory in Europe celebrations. Many of the buildings here are built of the local Hamstone and the gardens are particularly well tended. Many superb examples of mauve and white Wisteria in full bloom could be seen and were admired.

Leaving the village we took public footpaths through fields of buttercups leading to an old Drovers track with high hedgerows, later becoming shady, tree-lined and home to a noisy rookery.

Leaving the rooks behind, the paths became more open as we approached a farm with ploughed fields (possibly planted with potatoes) and sheep. A short stretch of metalled road then led us around the farm buildings to more fields (and more sheep) for the final stretch over fields back to Barrington Court. Here we encountered a herd of heiffers who had gathered by the Ha-Ha to the front of the property where they were being photographed by visitors. Unfortunately our arrival distrupted their photo opportunity!

The last stretch of footpath then took us through the cricket pitch back to the main drive and the entrance to the property. The NT cafe was most welcoming and here most of the group retired for refreshments.

Stuart.

And PS, thank you to Stuart for devising and leading this lovely walk, much appreciated.  Ch