The London Trampers made a return visit to Matching Tye.  It is a pretty village to the west of Essex, at this time of year with the leaves turning gold and yellow ready to fall, a perfect setting for a walk to finish our season.

Oh well that was the plan!  But with sickness and other problems whittling our numbers down and our luck with the weather running out, it was for us to make the most of what we had.  Fifteen of us met up in the rain at the Fox Inn where we pre-ordered our meals with the publican who was surprised that we had not cancelled.
 

 
The stalwarts, ready to go. Use your browser zoom to see a larger picture.

The photo speaks for itself.

Due to the weather conditions we decided to change the walk route as several open ploughed fields would have added to the discomfort and safety issues.

We set off down a grass track edging a cornfield.

St Mary's at Matching Tye.

After approximately a mile we came to the Matching Church and fortunately it was unlocked allowing us to have a look round and take cover for a while.

From here we decided to stay with the lane to see what it had to offer.  After a short while we came across a large lake at the roadside where the ducks and water birds were enjoying themselves - their sort of weather, I guess!
 

We continued up the lane until it came to a busy road where it would have made it dangerous to go any further, so we turned back with thoughts of getting wet on the inside for a change and some hot food.

Back at the pub I have to say the gaffer did us proud.  He had set us up round a couple of large tables and we all enjoyed a two course meal with coffee and great service at a very good price. 

In the dry at last.