Christmas Common walkies

Barnaby puts his paws under the table

Christmas Common Walkies - 3 miles 

Barnaby says: "When the weather forecasts suggests rain,winds and storms on the day we have decided on an adventure, Helen always chooses a walk through a woods as this provides protection from the elements to some degree.  Besides  she likes walking through woods.  

Christmas Common is a small hamlet near Watlington, Oxfordshire.  It is said to have got its name from the Christmas Day truce of 1643 between participants of the English Civil War.
She and Uncle John chose a walk that began at the pub The Fox and Hounds a Brakespear pub that allows dogs in the small bar area where they had lit the most glorious log fire, just the job given the weather that we had travelled through. 

There was just one slight problem, and something that the maps and guide books don't always warn you about. Cows! There they were in a field, half way along the path by the woods gazing at us in that kind of inquisitive way that cows do.  Because she has a "thing about cows" Helen freaked out, leaving Uncle John and me to hold them back while she galloped ahead.

Barnaby and Uncle John assessing the situation

  Gosh she is a wimp!
Because of the crackling wood-fire and the friendly welcome that we received on arrival, the pub turned out to be a really snug and comfortable place at the end of the walk.

The pub which has tables outside

Cows following!

Both Helen and Uncle John chose beef and horseradish baguettes for their lunch, while I ate my packed lunch that Helen had cooked for me (cottage pie and kibbles) which was served with a nice cup of tea. A perfect combination.   They drank Barakespear's Best Bitter and declared it very satisfying. What a lovely day we had despite the weather."