Rotary Walk

Rotary Walk from the Britannia Inn - 18 June 2015

We arrived at the Britannia car park to find our leader, Rtn Philip, freezing in his shorts and t-shirt.  We laughed at him, as it was obviously the wrong attire.  However, as we set off on the walk, out came the sun and the rest of us were uncomfortable in our colder weather wear.  He who laughs last.....

After a stroll along the berm that surrounds the Northampton Washlands we joined the path towards Clifford Hill, leaving two walkers to continue round the Washlands on their own.  The rest of us continued East, parallel to the river until we crossed a ploughed field, that was not as muddy as we feared, and arrived at Clifford Hill where the usual debate ensued.  Was this the remains of a motte and bailey castle, or just a rich man's folly?  The consensus was the latter, but we might have been wrong!

Turning back, past the lock, we found a sentinel heron.  Was it real, or a plastic one to protect the fish?  The closer we got, the more it seemed to be man-made as it was absolutely unmoving.  However, it suddenly took flight to prove us wrong, but only landed a few feet further away.

As we approached the Washlands again, Rtn Philip made a new, equine friend, but as no-one had an apple or sugar lump the friendship was a short one!  Walking back along the North Berm we noticed a white bundle, which turned out to a dead swan, but why it had died was not immediately apparent even though Rtn Peter walked down to check..

Remarking at how long the berm was (again), we eventually arrived back at the bridge next to the pub, to see that a boat was moored alongside.  While enjoying the view of pub and boat, it occurred to us that this might mean a long wait for our lunch!  However, as our two, short walk friends had bagged a pair of tables outside on the riverside we were able to enjoy some real ale in the sunshine, and a chat, before our excellent lunch arrived.

Last month's Walker of the Month trophy holder had actually remembered to bring it with him and Rtn Philip, as our walk leader, decided it might be politic to present it to next year's Club President, who also happened to be the walk's unofficial photographer.  That probably accounts for the excellent quality of the last photograph, which was taken by Rtn Stan.