Seven Ramblers set off from Sapperton under a grey but brightening sky. The forecast was set fair and apart from the uphill bits was progressing well however we were unaware of the challenges we would encounter. 

Challenge 1. A path around Tunley Farm (now a posh country residence) petered out in some woods on a steep bank. A couple of walkers turned around and found another path and we were only reunited only after a slippy and overgrown scramble.

Challenge 2. The path up to Waterlane, at a junction in the woods, was shown by OS as running west, the path on the ground was heading east. This turned out to be the correct route as the path, on the ground, turned through 180 degrees at the top of the bank.

Challenge 3. West of the Giants Grave the track ran between high hedges. Half way down a slope the track was joined by a stream which then covered the path with rushing water for more than 100 m. When we arrived this 'water splash' was being enjoyed by trail bikers (see photo).  As we were not in waders we walked back up the hill to decide on our next move. Step forward the hero of the day - while the rest of the group ate lunch  Andrew scouted out a route through a field and using his coat to protect us from barbed wire we were able safely cross the raging torrent and continue on the planned route.

Challenge 4. Less than one mile from our cars, toward Park Corner, we encountered another stream crossing (see photo). The flood waters in the stream left the wooden footbridge was almost level with the surface of the water, tricky to get on and off  and very slippy. However we all very gingerly crossed the bridge and  survived with relatively dry boots.

Learning points - due the circumstances I had not been able to complete a walkover which could have identified some of the challenges! 

On a more positive note the stop at Waterlane House and the Giants Grave allowed brief history lessons and took us back almost 5000 years.