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On the first evening we dined in The Castle Hotel, Porlock. Guess who was the only person to order a starter?

We waited patiently for the lonely Kipper to have his starter before we could go in the dining room and have our meals. We welcomed No Grappa (right) as well as Sinex and The Bag to our weekend.

In typical Exmoor weather we gathered in the car-park of the Blue Ball pub. Were we really going to walk seven miles in these conditions? Doggy, Sprout and Honest John clearly thought not and stayed in Porlock!

Maybe it will ease off in a minute?

Maybe it won't pass over - so off to the pub!

"Just keep serving the coffees and pints of Tribute"

Eventually, we staggered out of the pub to find it had eased off and the rain was now merely torrential. Down! Downs! were awarded to the visitors.

Sinex, No Grappa and The Bag were introduced.

Goblin Teas Made was punished for his inability to walk properly the previous walking weekend.

Some local residents watch the proceedings in disbelief.

The first regroup as we climbed to the summit of Countisbury Hill.

It was near this point on the way home from a Hash Walking Weekend in Coombe Martin in the 1990s that BOF, Organgrinder and Bluebell watched a huge black cat-like animal chasing sheep. It was about the size of a puma or panther. We were unable to get a picture because we were in a car in heavy traffic. The 'Beast of Exmoor' really does exist!

We sheltered from the rain in a very dark dense wood and ate our lunches.

This area is named "Desolation Point" on the map - how appropriate!

ABO in thoughtful mood.

Arriving first back at the hotel Calculator Kid, BOF and Organgrinder ran hot deep baths to recover from the seven mile walk. It was glorious having a deep soak in really hot water. Unfortunately, this appeared to use up the hotel's entire hot water supply so that some walkers had to endure cold showers. Calculator Kid, BOF and Organgrinder wish to unreservedly apologise and, had they known they had hogged the hot water, those without hot water could have shared their baths.

In the evening we had a good meal at the Old Ship and played games in the skittle alley. A great end to a tiring but enjoyable day.

On Sunday we set off for a walk in brilliant sunshine with amazing views over the valley towards Dunkery Beacon. But first - the Down! Downs!

The Bag has her new trainers christened.

Drain was a faller and it looks as though he fell on his head!

There were wooden carved sculptures at one point on the walk.

A really great walk in perfect weather.

On the way home we stopped briefly at a pub next Washford station - a preserved steam railway. BOF had the orgasmic experience of seeing an LMS Stanier Class 5 4-6-0 named 'George Stephenson' and he explained it was unique in that it featured outside Stephenson link motion in addition to other experimental features; a double chimney, Timken roller bearings throughout and electric lighting. These modifications were part of a series of experiments by George Ivatt to improve the already excellent William Stanier-designed black five.

At this point BOF was carried away raving and foaming at the mouth and tied to the rails to await the next train arrival.

Many thanks to Merry Hen and Gravelrash for all the hard work they put in to organising this excellent weekend!