The open section begins after the last row of alder. There are no turns for nearly a kilometre, only a pale track between reed beds and the steady pressure of wind from the west.
Distance becomes difficult to judge there. The next marker appears close but takes longer to reach, while sounds from the road arrive before the road itself is visible.
The reeds offer the best forecast. When their upper stems move but the lower leaves remain still, the wind will usually soften near the water. Today every part moved together, so the longer sheltered route home was the sensible choice.