A disappointing turnout of nine hounds made our 60th anniversary walk from the quiet village of Ashmore near Shaftesbury but still made it a most pleasant stroll through the woods of Cranborne Chase.

Lunch was taken at the plush King John at Tollard Royal - just down from Guy Ritchie's house (ex Madonna for the ignorant) - around a welcome wood furnace. The only mild excitement was to be greeted by a fallen beech across our path which wasn't there last week - honest - when I perambulated along the five miles. But The Pack found its way over and through with no mishaps.

Though there were plenty of pheasants the week before, they had flown elsewhere, so no gamekeeper need to have worried about disturbance.

After lunch we wended back along a nice ridge tryingto glimpse Madonna's house in the woods to arrive back at Ashmore by about 2.30pm.

A happy Christmas and invigorating New Year to Bassets everywhere.

Debbie at Ashmore pond at the end of our walk.

(All photos from Guy)

This is what Basset walking is all about: a roaring fire, a good pub, a pint of real ale.

Wee chase

Nearly back