Twenty five walkers and one dog gathered at St Andrews Church School on a bright but cool December morning. Around half of the group took advantage of a hot drink and toasted tea cake before starting the walk.
We made our way across Sindelfingen Park to one of the tracks off Gosforth Drive that leads into the fields. After crossing several fields we joined Cowley Lane by Cowley Hall. After crossing the road and continuing almost straight across we continued for a short distance before turning left, passing by Great Brind Wood and Peakley Hill. At the end of this track, our walk leader Paula decided that it would be better to follow the road round the corner rather than climb the steep, slippy bank to meet the road. A route through the trees alongside the fishing ponds took us to our coffee break at the Lakeside Cafe. A couple of horses were parked up there, enjoying a break with their riders.
From here, much of the journey home was uphill, initially along Gateland Lane and then on to Barlow Lees. On meeting Cowley Lane for a second time we walked past the spot we passed on our outward leg and took the right hand turn past Springwood Farm.
The final leg of our journey took us into Kitchen Wood and back into the estate near to the junction of Leebrook Road and Gosforth Drive. Many thanks to Paula for leading us on a lovely, mud-free walk.