After a month of rain we shouldn't have been surprised to find this develop into one of our more memorable walks. Somerset did bring forth some lovely blue skies – at least till lunch-time – but the ground underfoot was a little damp in places (watch the video.) It was lovely to welcome some new faces, with their hounds (Bergcamp amongst them, not forgetting Harry again who made his mark amongst the ladies).

Particularly I must mention and praise new arrival Mike, fresh from Watford, who nobly lifted several tons of muddy Basset over a stile. If only we were all young again . . . And the melt in the mouth coffee walnut cake and Aga scones with cream and home-made jam back at Sue and Roger's house.

But we digress. Some 22 Hounds plus a motley assortment of spaniels and terriers (yes Alfred) and chocolate labs set off in cheerful mood up to Cothelstone where most of the Bristol Channel and Welsh Wales could be seen. Steep Holm was wrongly identified as Lundy, but anyone can get their bearings askew when you're having such fun.

From this highest point of over 1000 ft we perambulated down to penetrate the woods and an increasingly muddy track which the children seemed to enjoy more than the adults. Arriving eventually at a road I found that my Miss Moppet was missing so ran (ran? well plodded) back up the hill to where a kindly member had found her and we were reunited.

Retracing our steps we had a placid and quite tame wander till we struck off into a field that led to a major obstacle. Despite my requests to the County Council Rights of Way Dept the barrier remained a muddy and difficult barrier. I managed to manoeuvre an alternative route via the fence but most preferred to lift and struggle – thanks to our muddy hero mentioned above. (Make a note: bring chain-saw next time).

Having negotiated that we were then faced with wriggling under another stile (the gate was padlocked) that all managed except Dr Watson who got half-way then retreated. Watty was lifted over this gate, surprisingly unprotestingly. From here it was a doddle up through Paradise Combe (well that's what the map says) though when the rain started some wondered if The Other Place might have been more inviting.

Lunch was taken sitting on logs and good humour prevailed. The Very Last Hill was surmounted and we straggled back to our motors, a little more disheveled than when we left. Those not needing to dash away then enjoyed the excellent hospitality offered by Sue and Roger: we should meet again on the Quantocks, but perhaps when it's less damp.

Time for a quick draw.

Photos above and below from Guy

Baby Eleanor is getting a regular (well someone has to look after the amorous Harry).