We parked and started from the long lay by, on the A517, opposite Bradley Wood. It felt a might drafty, standing by the roadside with many heavy vehicles creating their own mini whirlwinds as they passed us by. A few words from Dick, indicating the several roads we had to cross and a brief description of the likely conditions, which he knew first hand from a couple of days ago, when he recce’d the route. We crossed over the road, to enter Bradley Wood at the west end and then followed a lovely leafy path, its entire length going to the eastern end, here we regained the road, keeping on the verge for about a hundred yards, Then, entering through a field gate, to climb Bull Hill and still further on the same line, until reaching Lady Pond and All Saints parish Church, Bradley. We stopped for our morning break, mostly on the benches outside the church door. We noted the small bell, hung low at the eastern end, the rope to toll it passing under the stone window sill, the rope being pulled horizontally, from within. With a pleasant break over, we walked by road out of the village to recross the A 517, via a very awkward stile, set in the roadside hedge. The footboard set at a sideways angle, making it quite difficult to climb over. Thanks to Neil for his help, we all made it safely over. He repeated this helpful interaction several times during the walk. Muddy boots and slippery wood the cause of our uncertainty.

A cross=field path, led us by Corley Farm, going ahead to Agnus Meadow Bridge, here we crossed Henmoore Brook on a sturdy sleeper bridge. We now walked, across many fields, each with their own stiles in and out, until reaching and turning southwards to walk by Sturston Mill. A chained dog here, giving it some wellie as we crossed its territory. We now walked Mill Lane and soon rejoined the A517 for a short walk, on the broad shoulder, back to our cars.

It was a lovely walk, although a few of the distant views were shrouded in mist. A lot of time was spent, negotiating field gateways and stiles where excessive traffic had stirred the already soft ground into something more akin to chocolate brownie mix. I think we all managed to stay upright, so just the boots and leggings heading for a clean on our return home. Thanks Dick, for a walk advertised and finished not only on time, but exact mileage too.