Ruling on leaving the Friday prayer to go out to the open countryside

Question:
What is the ruling on many people going out to the open countryside on Friday for a picnic, which results in them leaving the Friday prayer with the congregation?

Answer:
We know of nothing in that matter. If they go far from the town for a picnic and pray the midday prayer, there is nothing wrong with it; because the Friday prayer is only obligatory on one who is present and hears the call from within a farsakh. As for if they are far from the town, they pray the midday prayer.
However, it is prescribed for them not to do that, or to do it sometimes and not others, so that they do not deprive themselves of this good. It is prescribed for them to maintain the Friday prayer so that they hear the benefit and hear the sermon. But the Friday prayer is not obligatory on them if they are far away; rather, the midday prayer is obligatory on them.
Q: What if one goes out on Friday after the sun has passed its zenith?
The Shaykh: It is not permissible after the sun has passed its zenith. Once the sun has passed its zenith, he must pray with the people.