Saturday 4th, February Preston, 7 miles, 5 ramblers, led by Lynn

The start of Saturday’s walk was a little delayed as Ruth, Geoff and Tony R got stuck in traffic due to tree that had fallen across the road just half a mile away from Preston! Fortunately, it was cleared very quickly and they met with Lynn and Tony P soon after. 
We headed north up School Lane, into Chequers Lane and out to Wain Wood. Walking along the edge of the wood, we stayed on the path leading to Chalton, which gives a nice view at a couple of points, out across to St Ippolyts and beyond. Before reaching Maydencroft Lane, we turned left and walked along the edge of two fields then had a short break for our elevenses (photo).

From there we walked a short stretch along Charlton Road, to a sharp bend where we went back onto a footpath climbing up around Pinnacle Hill and along the edge of the wood at the top, across the field (quite firm underfoot, thankfully) and down the path to Ley Green. When we went through the playing field, where a chap was putting up some brand new, bright white goal nets for the youngsters now Spring is on the way

 

(photo), then straight across, past The Plough pub, past Parsonage Farm and on to Whitehall Farm. Round the corner, the path had not been reinstated after the field had been ploughed and it’s a large field too, so we walked round the edge as others had obviously done too. It was the same situation at the next field but the verges were wider and a much better option! 

 

Soon after that we walked past Prestonhills Farm and reached the edge of Preston, coming back up into the village opposite Princess Helena College.
Although a grey day, it was a lovely walk rounded off with some tasty food and drink in The Red Lion.

Tony R, Tony P, Ruth, Lynn & Geoff enjoying lunch at the Red Lion

Thanks again for joining me!
See you both soon.
Lynn