This first Club walk of the year coincided with the first snow of the season in the south-east. Ashdown Forest looked very beautiful and was lit by a watery, winter sun and members and hounds all seemed very keen to be out together on this wonderful Sunday morning.

On such a day as this, we were not the only group to be enjoying these conditions. There were others walking their dogs; some families were tobogganing; and as we descended the slippery pathway, we noticed that over other side of the valley was a long line of Lycra-clad runners, apparently undertaking some charity cross-country race.

So as not to clash with the Spandex swarm we turned right and took a slightly different route than originally intended. We looped around and headed down towards a small stream at the foot of the valley. The time taken doing this allowed the runners to disappear into the distance, perhaps running somewhat slower without the encouragement of our hounds.

All the hounds seemed in a very excited state, dashing through the snow and playfully chasing a black Labrador, who was with us for the walk.

The walkers, some of whom had become a little strung out, waited on the far side of the stream, here we caught our breaths and took advantage admiring the wonderful scenery.

The route back to the cars involved tackling a steady incline, but all seemed to manage this quite well. It had done us all good to be out and about on such a lovely day.

Friends walk ☞