DEAR EDITOR -- A few Sunday ago after what had been a wet morning my wife and I decided to spend the afternoon walking.

The sun came out and we walked through lovely green fields and quiet country lanes. We went through woods, where the fading bluebells were contrasted by the bright coloured ones sheltering under the trees and sharing their space with forget-me-nots.

Many of our paths ahead were strewn with white and pink blossom, making a glorious late spring show. Buttercups and daisies were everywhere, rabbits ran, birds sang, horses grazed, cows chewed and bright butterflies were everywhere, fluttering away.

We walked past lovely old buildings, babbling brooks, all surrounded by a lovely scent from the wet grass, trees and blossom, giving us instant childhood memories. It was a lovely walk, and over three hours quickly flew by.

Where was all this?

This idyllic part of our country was all within a couple of miles of the Dodford television mast!

We went through Alfred's Well, Worms Ash, Bournheath and a host of other places, up to the Clock House and over to Battlefields. We passed some lovely pubs, the Dodford, the New Inn, and the Nailers, which we resisted with great difficulty. Then we found ourselves at the Park Gate Inn, which we didn't resist.

All of this walk was on paths and byways, all clearly marked and gated, giving easy access to the not so young or agile.

So a big well done to whichever authority looks after these and a big well done to local farmers and landowners who keep these byways clear.

Every signpost was good, all gates were clear and it cost us nothing ...... except for the drink!

Mr A Thornton

Stourbridge Road

Bromsgrove