Today was very dry and hot. The worst of the July heat continues and has hampered my walks this month, but there has been almost no rain, and the Thames Water hosepipe ban took effect yesterday. I have been feeling very ill walking in this heat, sunscreen in hand and going through several litres of water. I normally walk 5 to 10 km, but in this heat, I am limited to shorter distances to avoid passing out on the trail, given my long-term health condition.
Accessibility: I last reported on this route on 16 May. The ground is now rock hard and dusty, with deep cracks in the clay on the open stretches. There is little shade on the field sections, with overgrown brambles, and few places to rest, especially on the walk from Tingey Tops through the Golf Course.
Navigation: Signage remains broken, and I will need to follow up to report it again. The gates and stiles are in acceptable order.
Fly Tipping & Litter: I observed some fly-tipping, including a fridge that has been there for about six months. Some refuse bags volunteers picked up have been burst open, presumably by foxes.
Fallen Trees & Debris: Dry brush and cut wood were left beside the path, now posing a potential fire risk. The fields and verges are brown and brittle, with limited bird and insect life observed in this oppressive heat. The hard ground means that some birds cannot access worms or insects.
Safety: No anti-social behaviour or other threats encountered.
