Now coronavirus restrictions have been completely relaxed, retired NHS worker Jane Bartlett was excited to enjoy her favourite South Downs walk near Treyford with her son and daughter-in-law for the first time since lockdown began on Monday, March 23.

Although I had seen number-one son (that’s in order of birth and not favouritism) briefly about ten days ago when he had cycled from London, where he lives, back to Petersfield with a friend – quite some ride for them – the surprise news that he and his lovely wife were coming down to see me for the first time since lockdown was very exciting.

They live in a two-bedroom flat and have been lucky enough to work through lockdown from home – albeit a home that, as the days wore on, seemed to get smaller and smaller, they said!

To stay socially-distanced safe, we decided to go for a walk – a great chance to take them on what is probably my favourite one. I do it at least once a fortnight throughout the year.

Driving straight from London to the car park near the top of Treyford Hill –good old sat-nav – it was quite emotional to see them getting out of their car, but very disappointing that we couldn’t hug.

Once we had said hello, and stopped admiring the magnificent views, we set off along the lovely chalky track, chatting away 19 to the dozen!

The hedges were filled with buttercups, dandelions, red thistles, ferns, cow parsley, juniper berries and hogweed – there really is a world of wildflowers on the downs.

Over the crest of a hill we passed a house with animal skulls decorating wooden beams overlooking the path, like some sort of pagan warning to stay away!

Standing there, we tried to guess what they were – we recognised a deer skull by its antlers, but that’s about it.

Either side of the chalk path, barley fields with dainty pink and white bindweed edges rippled in the strong breeze – windblown butterflies whirled by.

As we followed the track we marvelled at the wonderful scenery – the fields were like an enormous green patchwork dappled with sunshine and shade as huge white clouds blew across the downs. Further along, where the trees formed a green tunnel, we noticed fossils and bands of flint under foot.

At the top of the hill, almost opposite a five-bar gate, we turned right into an avenue of the most amazing copper beech trees spaced out on either side of a drive.

It is worth going on this walk just to see these magnificent trees – they always touch my soul, especially at this time of year when their leaves are a deep, rich russet shade.

As we walked, my son and wife stopped to look at something in one of the fields beside the path.

I was surprised they had noticed such a faraway object – it looked like a tree stump to me at first.

My son laughed and said it wasn’t that far – and that it was moving.

Peering harder, I thought I could make out a ginger cat. It turned out to be a gorgeous hare that bounded away – ‘you should have gone to Specsavers’, said my cheeky son with a grin!

Along the drive was a crate with boxes of eggs for sale, and an honesty box to leave money in – something that was quite a surprise for both son and daughter-in-law.

In London the eggs, never mind any money, would be gone within minutes, they said.

Turning right at the end of the drive, the views were breathtaking with the Isle of Wight shimmering in the distance.

Following the track down and then steadily climbing up, we felt very fortunate to be able to walk in such exceptionally lovely countryside.

The track took us over the cattle grid and then down the hill.

The heather was in flower, orchids and herbs nestled in the long grass gently swaying in the wind, and in distant woods, oak and ash trees blended.

Plastic-covered circular bales looking like big black full-stops lay scattered across fields.

At the bottom we turned right and walked along the shady wooded area. The path then led us through fields and we arrived back at the chalky track.

Turning left, we were soon back at our cars. We were still marvelling at the incredible scenery as we said our goodbyes.

There is no doubt for me that this walk is really something special – and this time was made even more special by completing it with my son and daughter-in-law.

Standing watching them drive away brought back memories of my father taking any combination of me, my six brothers and sisters, and cousins walking from the self-same spot

And along the way we inherited his love of trees, and gained invaluable life lessons.

His rambles often involved pushing through brambles and hedges, or climbing over barbed wire fences, and we would return covered in bruises, scratches and cuts.

Later in life, I decided to take my terrier Norbert and teenage daughter on the same walk. It was windy, cold and raining; setting off, Norbert miserably trotted along with his head down.

Then out of nowhere a rabbit appeared, and a reinvigorated Norbert took chase.

This was a regular event in Hawkley, where we lived then, and he always came back.

But not now – after three hours of searching, we were very cold and wet so we decided to get my son’s help.

And as we neared the car, we heard Norbert’s dulcet tones!

As we turned the corner we saw him growling at a couple, who were very relieved to see us. They had been drinking tea in their car next to mine when they saw Norbert sitting dejectedly nearby and tried to get close enough to read the ID tag on his collar – and he started growling!

After aplogising to them profusely, and amking a show of telling 'bad dog' Norbert off, we made a hasty retreat – Norbert was never again let off the lead when out of his home territory.