2010-08-15 * Tempsford - Blunham - Great Barford - Roxton - Tempsford * 7 miles.

The first of our post-holiday walks was a great success.  We convinced Robert to join us, (training him up for walking in the Lake District next Easter), and the weather was kind.  Tara and Meg enjoyed it, even though they were on leads the whole time.

The walk began along the River Ivel, which looks good kayaking territory, with some weir-practise seeming possible for the more adventurous (in other words, Steve, not me!).  Some of the houses we saw en route were amazing. Lots of butterflies around - some of which I could identify, but I need to brush up on that knowledge before I give Robert wrong information.  We succeeded in increasing Robert's tree identification from 1 species to about 5 by the end of the walk, and will test him at the next opportunity!

There was much field walking and where the crops were still standing, the sun could be heard making the kernels pop - something I'd never heard before!  Grasshoppers were noisy too, making it sound almost mediterranean.

We took a lunch break at the riverside at Great Barford, where the ancient bridge is iconic, and looks fun to navigate with larger craft through very low arches.  A pair of swans with six cygnets were attracting much admiration from other visitors.

After a picnic and a pint, we set off on the home straight, which followed the course of the Great Ouse, though much was not visible as the path was  behind the tall river-bank vegetation.  This stretch went quickly, with the highlight being a small herd of long-horn cattle, including an impressive bull and two calves - very pretty, and luckily safely contained behind fencing! 

The final few hundred metres through a very pooey farmer's yard was fragrant.. and not necessarily the ideal way to end the walk.  Note to selves to consider walking the route in reverse next time so that the mucky paws and boots are clean before returning to the car!