A group of 19 walkers including 3 members we had not seen before met at the Fox Inn in Hermitage on a sunny Saturday evening. We meandered through woodland paths and what should have been a surprise for the walkers- a field of scarlet poppies- but these unfortunately had  faded since the walk was recced just a week or so before the walk. However David Balman who recced and led the walk had captured the poppies on his mobile and showed them to us so all was not lost! We continued our walk through open woodland passing en route Brockhurst and Marlston House Prep school and the small but attractive parish Church of Marlston. Sadly it was locked and we were unable to visit. On our return to Hermitage we sat down to a hearty meal at the Fox Inn.

Thank you David for planning and leading this walk.