Sydling St Nicholas walk

It was a gloomy, drizzly morning. A group of 11 walkers were due to set out for a 5 1/2 mile walk around Sydling St Nicholas. But one couple had failed to appear on time and a decision was taken to go without them. We parked in the pretty village of Sydling and made the long, slow ascent up to the Ridge. Suddenly two small figures appeared far below. Our lost walkers had caught up and found us. Quite a feat as they didnt know the walk. They had overslept and good manners prevents us from naming them. Our full complement reached the beautiful long stretch of the Ridge with far reaching views which even the weather could not spoil. A coffee break near the famous Turning Point crossroads of five ancient tracks set us thinking of all those who have passed through over millenia. A pleasant ramble back downhill past fields of standing barley and wildflower meadows eventually brought us back to Sydling. A short drive to the comforts of the Saxon Arms and delicious lunch.  Linda led and Sue at rear shut the gates - quite a lot of them - Good teamwork!

Linda Scott and Sue Shephard