It was on this rather chilly, but dry, Spring morning that twenty-three hounds and their owners arrived at this very picturesque venue.

After our record gathering last month, this number was a little disappointing - but several ’regular’ walkers had good reasons not to attend.

Among these was our walks organiser, Jean, who was nursing ‘Annie’ - who was recovering from a nasty cyst on her back.

It was good to see two new members turn up and enjoy their first Branch walk.

Brian rang ‘Dusty’s bell’ and we set off along the wide track which led us down to the eponymous memorial.

A group photo was taken at this monument, the hounds happily posing at the front of the line-up, before dashing onwards towards the muddy stream ahead. For many of them this is the chief highlight of this particular walk.

Here, a simple wooden bridge allowed the more refined Basset Hounds to cross this water obstacle without getting wet and cold, while the rest enjoyably paddled through the mire.

The route here turned right and we began a long gentle climb out of the valley. The wind picked up and blew extremely chilly. From here onwards we get distant views to the car park.

The group began to get a little strung out as we climbed the incline and made our way back to the cars.

I was at the front - a somewhat insoucient scout - and suddenly noticed a familiar shape approaching. Derek, our distinguished webmaster, had belatedly turned up to meet the group with a rather wary, apprehensive Hope.

A sight for sore eyes. It was like Stanley meeting Livingstone - with his dog!

Hope, sweet girl, was a little wary when faced with the approaching ‘pack’ and all their strange owners (I know how she feels); and she walked back to the car park off the lead, but keeping very close to Derek’s side like the best trained dog in the world.

Many thanks to everyone who attended this very enjoyable walk.