Leaving the outskirts of Wallingford it was a steady slog uphill. Then about 3 miles along Grim's Ditch which starts as a raised causeway flanked by trees and bushes and eventually becomes a ditch between 2 banks. Rolling fields on either side. Some very steep ascents and descents through beech and bluebell woods and I was so glad that the ground was still dry, not slippery. There were several quite fierce hailstorms but we were protected from the worst by the trees, until the last mile or so which was exposed and very muddy. Sadly not much time to really enjoy the walk, but it got me thinking how it must have been for travellers in the past who didn't have the benefit of light weight, high tech walking gear.
Saw more wildlife today - rabbits, a squirrel, a fledgling bird who looked very lost, also unexpectedly an unspoilt bank of violets and cowslips. But no people and certainly no motorbikes.
The last few miles were flattish and low so we had clear views of the tree covered hills rising above us in gentle evening light. The Chilterns just as I remember them.
16 miles today. Exhausted to bed!
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