The Fox and Goose, Greywell on one of the hottest days of the year. 32C, a walk! Mad! Seven of us were. Unfortunately there was a misunderstanding of where to meet so we were in 2 groups.. My group headed towards the church leaving from the road outside the Fox and Goose. We came to the Old Mill a very quaint building. Then we headed to an open field going up hill leading to Butterwood. The shade of the trees was a welcome relief. Further on we came to the river which was idyllic. Eventually we reached the Basingstoke Canal. Walking along the tow path it was noted that the canal is carried over the river Whitewater using a stone aqueduct. We then came to the ruins of King John’s Castle, only the keep remains. Towards the end of the walk we passed the entrance to the Greywell Tunnel home of the Natterer and Daubenton bats. This is a SSSI and one of Europe’s largest protected bat roosts. After 4.5miles we emerged opposite the Fox and Goose. A cold drink there was most welcome. Many thanks to Jill Lowe and Mark Weatherley for leading the groups.
Lella Ranger