Date: Sunday 18th November
Route: Hambleden to Henley via the Great Wood and Fawley then back along the Thames
Distance: 9.3 miles
One of the benefits of writing this blog is that it is a good way of measuring how much (or how little) walking we are doing - it does make it pretty clear that, despite our good intentions, Autumn tends to be a time when other things take priority and it's more difficult to get motivated into leaving the warm house to brave the chilly countryside.
On a day like today, however, there is no excuse to stay inside - clear blue skies and bright sunshine, combined with green hillsides and all the colours of autumn leaves make this one of the most visually stunning walks of the year.
This is a walk that I have blogged about many times, but never at this time of year, when all the paths are flooded with fallen leaves - whilst the path is muddy at times, the extra effort is rewarded by some great views through sun-dappled woodland and across the Thames. The highlight of today's walk, however, is the sudden sight of a herd of deer crossing the path in leaps and bounds ahead of us. Whilst its always difficult to find the time and energy to go out walking on these dark days, today's experience means that we will try harder to get out again before Christmas (weather permitting!).
