Great Chesterford to Newport

17 July. On the hottest day of the year (so far) a dozen of us walked in the beautiful Essex countryside from Great Chesterford to Newport.  Real shade was in very short supply, as we were mostly walking across extensive farmland with fine views. At Saffron Walden, our usual pub – The Old English Gentleman – was closed, due to Covid. So we moved to The Cross Keys 1569 pub for a splendid lunch. In the afternoon, in the interests of time, we missed viewing Audley End House, in order to make the train at Newport – which we did with moments to spare! Thank you to everyone for coping admirably with the heat and for helping to make my birthday so special. Daphne (Photos Julia, Daphne and Sue H).