The thing about GOC is it's the people wot does it.

Good as this walk was (thanks Ted), it's the assembled participants that make GOC events just so damn enjoyable. Thanks to all who turned up, you made my day.

The walk was an 8.5 miler from the Barbury castle country park, just south of Swindon, following ancient trackways across the Marlborough downs to Ogborne St Andrew. Lunch was consumed overlooking the church and ancient neolithic (correct me if I'm wrong) burial mound within the churchyard. A little unusual I think you'll agree and really rather interesting. The return leg was pretty much more of the same, with some fine views across the landscape.

An excursion to view the iron age Barbury castle hill fort at the end of the walk, probably bought the distance up to a good nine miles.