Being such a lovely morning, there was no excuse. I’ve managed to put off doing a decent walk every weekend this year. Usually I claim there isn’t enough time and we settle from a stomp along the sea front from Preston to Weymouth. Today, the glaze of blue sky and warm sun had me dig out my walking boots and we headed off.
Notice the eucalyptus tree!
I chose a walk from cuttings David had saved from a magazine. I ruled out the strenuous ones, and we settled on a circular walk around Corscombe. However, when we’d gone about a quarter of the way (and David was struggling with the instructions) he realised page two of the route was from a totally different walk. Not being ones to retrace our steps, we followed our noses and found a path.
Sheep followed us at one point. 
And the clumps of snow drops were compensation for trailing through mud.
We’ll be better planned, next time.
the writer is a lonely hunter 
I think that sometimes we can overplan, and ‘following our noses’ can lead walkers to some wonderful surprises and treats. It can also lead to mud, farmyards with hostile dogs and retracing miles along boring roads.
You’re right, the element of surprise is definitely worthwhile.