SEWSSC Autumn Walk 25.9.16

A sunny September Sunday afternoon, and the carpark behind the Onslow Arms at Loxwood played host to an accumulation of red-and-white spaniels and their people. Some were fairly local; others had come from further afield including at least one from Norfolk and an overseas contingent from the Isle of Wight. A final tally of 24 dogs and their 26 human supporters gathered to receive instructions and a brief history lesson* from Ralph before setting off along the towpath of the Wey and Arun canal.

Most of the dogs were soon off-lead, giving the usual challenge of trying to keep track of one’s own amidst the sea of matching spaniels. The towpath had the advantage of offering a narrow linear route, so nobody went missing. There was plenty to keep the interest of both 2- and 4-legged members of the party, though: ripe blackberries appealed to some, while Reggie and Hazel managed to find some fox poo to roll in. Walking beside the canal meant, of course, that there was swimming available for those who fancied it (and plenty did).

A mile and a half on and we paused to admire the view of the Drungewick Aqueduct (a structure of modest proportions). The canine contingent was much more interested in a solitary large duck on the water, which put on a fair turn of speed as it passed us. Then we crossed the bridge and headed back towards the car park through the woods. A brief shower of rain did nothing to dampen the spirits, and little to restore the natural colouring of young Max, who had earlier been turned tricolour by a therapeutic mud-bath in a stagnant pool.

All too soon we were back at the car park, where those who had the time to do so took over the smokers’ gazebo in the pub garden and ordered cups of tea and unfeasibly generous portions of cake before heading for home. Our thanks must go to George for planning a fine route, and to Ralph for keeping us all in order - and if you’ve not been on one of these walks then do consider putting the next one in your diary. There’s not much can beat the sight of 23 WSS and a GSP all out on a jaunt together, and WSS owners are a friendly bunch.

* The canal was built in the early 19th century to provide an inland route between London and Portsmouth, which was needed in order to keep shipping away from the dastardly French. Of course, building schedules being what they are, by the time construction was complete an “entente cordiale” was back in place.