Nothing could be more enjoyable than meeting old friends and trudging around an Oxfordshire field on a winter’s day.

In Shilton recently, we waded across the ford, washed our dogs in river water and caked our wellies with mud. The village itself with its houses built from warm Cotswold stone was picture postcard pretty.

Pink nerines and sweet smelling viburnum still bloomed in cottage gardens, while the red pillar box and worn mounting block evoked an era long past.

As we headed out towards the surrounding fields, the light rainfall stopped.

All around was the glorious Cotswold scenery – hills and rising fields All this is on our doorstep in Oxford – reached by the Number 853 bus outside the Ashmolean Museum, and in 45 minutes, the countryside unfolds. By car, it’s even quicker.

The great American conservationist John Muir wrote that: “In every walk with nature one receives more than he seeks.”

I find in such timeless tramps along countryside paths – alone and with others – the cares of the week past and the challenges of the weeks to come seem to lift.

As though to signal its accord, the sun broke through cloud, and a rainbow appeared through the trees, arcing above us.

Winter wheat was already pointing green through the soil. As we trudged, a pheasant rose whirring into the sky.

All along the road, there were dead birds lying at its edge. Probably the victims of local shoots who had dropped out of the reach of the retrieving dogs. Only the foxes would take them now.

By now we were wet, cool, and thoroughly muddy. By the time we reached the village again, we could toss our wet coats into the boot, and head for the pub.

There a roaring fire warmed the diners, locals sat at the bar drinking draught bitter and comparing race results. I wish I’d had their expertise and instinct for a good bet.

We sat at two long tables, children at one and adults at another. There was a terrific menu of Sunday roasts: beef, lamb and pork. There was ice cream and sticky toffee pudding to follow, chocolate brownies and tarts.

It was a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon, before the evening darkened and we returned to the city to prepare for the week ahead.

Once back, homework was opened, supper cooked and hot baths all round.

The perfect day – travelling out of Oxford to explore its glorious protected green belt, appreciating once more the richness of this area from the open fields of winter.

  • Do you want alerts delivered straight to your phone via our WhatsApp service? Text NEWS or SPORT or NEWS AND SPORT, depending on which services you want, and your full name to 07767 417704. Save our number into your phone’s contacts as Oxford Mail WhatsApp and ensure you have WhatsApp installed.