Jean Miller writes:

After the thunderstorm of the night before, we thought we might run into a few difficulties with the ground being a little muddy, to say the least. However, when we arrived it was really quite dry and the weather perked up as well

We had a total of twenty-three Bassets and their owners, plus two honorary Bassets which was quite a good turnout as it is rather a long way for some members to come, and some had other arrangements for that day.

This walk starts off with a rather steep drag of a hill, but then divides and you can either follow onto a lovely open field before going into the woods on the other side. This is one of my favourite walks, but I decided, with several other members, to take the straight path which eventually takes you back into the lower woods and then the car park.

This is the longest walk I have done since my operation, so I was very pleased with that. On the shorter walk we could hear the unmistakeable baying of the main parties' hounds, all sounding as if they were having a great time.

On everyone's return members gave their contributions to the picnic - a real feast as usual. The weather was just right to sit and chat and enjoy a lovely afternoon in the sun (with no rain). I think everyone was hungry as there did not seem to be much food left over. It was fairly late when the party broke up.

Tony Roberts writes:

Frankie and I know this walk well as we live only a few minutes away.

The morning’s weather turned out to be rather good. This long, varied, walk - a little over three miles - took us across open Downland and through shaded Beech woods. In these sunny, dry, conditions it proved the perfect combination, allowing man and hound to cool down when in the forest.

The large open area at the beginning of the walk is known colloquially as The Gallops - for the obvious reason that it is used by the several horse racing stables in the area to exercise the thoroughbreds. As this activity usually takes place very early in the morning we were all safe of being trampled under hoof. Climbing to the highest part gave us great views across the tree canopy towards the Downs beyond.

All the hounds seemed even more excited than normal to be out together on this wonderful spring day. There were several chases and I am sure that their presence was very audible to all the other users of Friston Forest. One lady we met said she thought there was a pack of wolves loose - though, I think they would make a totally different noise.

At one point in the woods, a number of over-excited chasers left the trail and headed into the undergrowth - their white tail tips flashing in the trees’ shadows. Luckily, they looped around and emerged back on the path ahead of us.

I am sure there were some very tired Bassets later in the day.

It was lovely to return to the car park and rest and enjoy a very good picnic. And it was good to meet some new members who had come to their first walk. I do hope, that like me, they had a great day.