This was a happy outing: 14 hounds on a pre-Christmas walk with the odd chase of an interloping chocolate lab - not Maude for once - interrupted by an excellent ale at a very posh pub at Tollard Royal. We but not The Pack saw a dozen deer flash by just out of scent unfortunately, but apart from Betsy wandering off piste a couple of times, the walk passed relatively uneventfully.

We endured a brief shower that did no-one any harm, and could nearly see Guy Ritchie's/late Madonna's house buried in the woods. (We did think of popping in but had been informed he was possibly not at home this week.)

Two of the party managed to do some extra miles, unaccountably - if you're going to stop behind a tree please make sure you can see/hear us after - but they caught us up at the King John. Though the sign did say "dogs on leads" we resisted the tempting offer to bring The Muddy Pack into the saloon bar. Another drier day perhaps.

(All photos by Guy: below "The chase")

"Where's he gone?"

Betsy, off hunting, again . . .

"It's muddy, Dad"
(Guy's three lovely hounds)