This is a delayed report of the 4 Church (Benefice) Walk. Considering how cold and wet it has been recently the weather was perfect. Warm but not too hot and so well organised.

We started just after our breakfasts at Keinton Church. Full of food and energy we walked all the way down to Lydford. There was a lot of chatter and much to look at.

We arrived at Lydford Church and were delighted to find that coffee and cakes were laid on. Things were looking up! Refreshed we continued to Barton. All went well along the idyllic section by the river and millstream. We managed to take the right turning (well we are Scouts of course) and continued across Combe Hill. Things got a little difficult on this stretch for dog owning leaders who had to lift their dogs over the stiles! But the Scouts forged on. At this stage it became clear that each of us got something different out of the walk – some looked at the flowers and others were much more interested in old farm machinery!

Arriving at Barton Church with our picnics we were amazed to see that lunch was also provided by the wonderful volunteers there. I am ashamed to say that we ate both! One of the Scouts said that he much preferred the Barton lunch to the one in his rucksack!

From here we walked up to Kingsweston Church. No refreshments here so we set off quickly back to Keinton. The last section saw some Scouts picking up more random bits of old farm machinery until we reached Keinton Church. It had taken a little longer than we expected (probably because of all the eating en-route).

Finally, after the Scouts were collected the Leaders enjoyed a wonderful cream tea in the sunshine.

A perfect day and thanks to those who spent a lot of time organising the event and looking after us on the way.

Vega. Group Scout Leader Barton St David.