The U3A walking group parked in the grounds of Sporting Targets in Riseley.

Just before I turned into the shooting range I spotted a mother pheasant and two chicks on the grass verge. They seemed unconcerned by my presence.

We set off along footpaths and across fields which were partly harvested. Along one of the roads we encountered a pack of hounds being exercised by their keeper.

Even though the weather was damp and my canvas shoes and my socks got soaked, it was a delightful and uplifting walk.