On what promised to be a very hot day, but which turned out to be significantly cooler than forecast, 14 people including one newbie set out from Middleton Cheney in West Northamptonshire. Our walk took us across arable pasture and past honey-coloured manor houses up to the highest point of our route at Farthinghoe, where we had long views across to the Cotswold Hills. Lunch was taken at Farthinghoe Church. From there we continued across the disused Banbury to Northampton railway to Marston St Lawrence where there was another interesting medieval church and large 17th Century Manor House with Stud Farm. Then we crossed the grounds of Thenford House; where we sneaked into the statue garden for a quick photo opportunity before the short stroll back to the starting point.

The day finished with the obligatory visit to a watering hole for liquid refreshment.