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It's that time of year when getting out and about is higher on the 'to do' list than in colder, wetter months. Although the coast path beckons all year round when you have a couple of energetic Labs to walk, if it's not high summer it's easy to settle for a quick spin down a local lane or two and an off-lead run around a our field.

But it's too easy to take for granted that we live somewhere that others consider worth travelling long distances to reach and spend their precious leisure time. So despite another frantic week's workload I made the effort, along with my Festival colleague Brian (Mushroom Mummy's 'BH', in case you're wondering) on Thursday night to join an evening coastal walk with Colin Porter of walkalongway.com. It was run as a Fish Week event and I cannot claim that the promised 'Barbecue Mackerel Supper' wasn't a significant factor!

Our walk took us up over the headland towards Druidston from the beach at Broadhaven and returned us via Haroldston West and through a wooded inland glade. I was so glad to have made the effort because you see and enjoy so much more when you get out of the car and get your boots a bit muddy. And with a knowledgable and experienced guide on hand, you can learn so much of interest about a wide range of subjects: so whether you enjoy a little history, natural or otherwise, foraging or perhaps some local geology, geography and the odd personal anecdote the time passes as pleasurably as you could wish. The supper was excellent and the company convivial.

Of course, it could be argued that it's easy enough to take yourself off for a stroll with a map and a maybe guide book, but I've learned that you don't have to be a holiday-maker or a hard-core hiker to spend a few happy hours enjoying the best of the County with some like-minded people and a great guide. We're lucky, we've got the some of the best coast and countryside right on our doorstep and couple of great guides too. Colin Porter, along with Andrew Dugmore of Pembrokshire Paths are working hard and also working together to bring as many people right into the countryside as they can. Why not join them? I'll probably meet you soon in my new walking boots...

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