The morning started early for Jim, Guy and John as they had to drive out to Wallington and leave two cars there to get us home at the end of the walk.At 9:30am, we all met at the Cross in Royston; David Izod, Guy Garfit plus dog, Jim Webb, John Kelly, Ken & Di Charles, Sandra Scott and me. After a quick pose for photographs we set off towards Therfield Heath. Despite the sunshine, there was a bitterly cold wind as we walked up to the back of the Heath. Whilst the majority of us followed the path into the woods, Ken & Di hadn’t noticed and, instead, turned off left to follow the Icknield Way arriving at the Fox & Duck in Therfield well ahead of us.
In the meantime we walked through the woods and along the back of the golf course crossing Therfield Road into the Jubilee Wood and to the Jubilee Stone. As we came out of the woods the sun was shining across towards Litlington and Cambridge. The path finally dropped down to a small track which we followed for a short distance before turning left and walking alongside the woods to The Thrift. Our path took us through the farmyard where, in the shelter of the farm buildings we stopped for refreshments.
We took the path out of the farmyard to follow the Chain Walk up to Therfield and the Fox & Duck and reunite with Ken & Di. On the way we saw a dozen or so hares playing in the fields. To our delight we were joined for lunch by David and Ann Bannister. Don Kingsley popped in for his Saturday lunchtime pint. 
Lunch over, boots on, we set off through the churchyard for the path to Kelshall. In Kelshall we passed the Kelshall Cross and then on through the village to … the churchyard. Then, following the Chain Walk and the Icknield Way we entered Sandon via … the churchyard. As we walked through the village we met a very inquisitive goose by the telephone box.
Walking across the fields to our final destination we were observed by a herd of deer who kept their distance. We entered Wallington again … via the churchyard. Then past the cottage occupied by George Orwell, 1936 to 1940, where he wrote “Road to Wigan Pier”, to the car park and home.To round off the day David and Lesley Izod kindly invited all the walkers and partners to The Willows for supper – chilli con carne followed by Sephrone’s delicious chocolate and sherry cheesecake.
Chris Hardy
