Secrecy surrounded the plans of Rural Affairs Minister Alun Michael last night as he faced another confrontation with pro-hunt protestors after he pulled out of "right to roam" celebrations this weekend.

The Countryside Alliance said hundreds of hunt supporters, angry at the decision to ban fox hunting and hare coursing, would gather in Weymouth, Dorset, as Mr Michael took a trip on a paddle steamer.

A Defra spokeswoman declined to give details of the visit.

Will Templer, the Countryside Alliance's regional director for Wessex, said: "We'll be there on the land and on the water - there's nowhere we won't go to follow the minister."

Mr Michael decided on Friday night to pull out of walks across land in the Lancashire and the Peak District, which was opened up under the Countryside and Rights of Way Act, after police told him hunt supporters would be out in force.

He said he wanted to avoid "thuggery and violence" that may put people at risk.

Meanwhile, a fresh legal challenge to the controversial fox hunting ban in Scotland is being taken to the courts this week.

Brian Friend, hunt supporter and member of the Union of Country Sports Workers, is appealing against an earlier ruling that the legislation does not breach human rights.