This year, wherever we go, we seem to find mud!

I think it’s evidence that we’ve had a wetter Spring than last year, in that all our walks recently have been muddy ones. My walking boots remained pristine all last summer, but this year, they’ve got very muddy. Of course, it’s also evidence that we’re more adventurous in our walking, and don’t just stick to the well trodden paths anymore.

What a difference a few weeks makes. After wrapping up against the cold and the wind in Malham, it's now time for the SPF and the sun hats. On Friday, as it was a glorious day, and remembering that, last year, spring turned out to be summer, we decided to take on the challenge of the longest walk in our book. 6.5 miles from Coxwold to Kilburn, and back again. It’s one of my favourite areas, in the Howardian Hills.

Of course, as usual, it takes a long time for us to actually start the walk, as we have to have lunch (cake!) before we start. After about an hours walking, we arrive at the Black Swan at Oldstead. The last time we were here, it was quite run down, but now it’s had a re-furb. New décor and a new menu. The sun is shining, the cherry blossom is in full bloom and it’s idyllic. Of course we stop for a drink.

Afterwards, we get a bit lost crossing a field, but decide it’s because the farmer has ploughed up the path. Back on track, the walk takes us through woodland, along a ‘green swath’ (the writer has waxed a bit lyrical on this walk) and up a valley. Eventually at about 4.30pm, we reach Kilburn and the 'Mousey Thompson' visitor centre. I have to admit I’m speeding up at this point, as I want to make sure that we make it to the centre before the tea shop closes!

Tea and scones later, we set off on the return journey, and immediately get lost. We end up in a farm yard. We’re supposed to pass an oil tank, but it isn’t there. ‘I suppose that could have been an oil tank’, I mutter, and we decide it’s the only option and press on. In another field we get followed by a friendly herd of cattle. The afternoon is drawing to a close now. The final leg is down a country lane, back into Coxwold, so no opportunity to get lost.

I'm starting to feel a real sense of achievement now. And all this walking means I get to eat cake!