THERE is no doubt that walking through beautiful countryside relieves stress and soothes the soul. At least it does for me!
I suffer from panic attacks or anxiety disorder, so taking to the hills for an invigorating walk helps me to burn off excess adrenaline, therefore reducing the severity of my attacks.
Snowdonia is the place I tend to head for because it has mountains, hills, rivers, lakes, forests and pretty villages.
You can stroll by the river, trek up a mountain or just join the happy throng of trippers parading the streets with an ice-cream in your hand.
Personally I prefer the solitude of the mountains and forests, but I do enjoy the occasional visit to Beddgelert for an ice-lolly and to watch the world go by.
One of my favourite walks starts from Llanrwst and takes us up into the Gwydyr Forest.
I especially like this walk on a warm summer’s evening because you can make it as long or as short as you like.
Plus there's something special about the forest towards the end of the day, and with May’s rain and the early June hot spell, everywhere had become a rich green tapestry.
The first thing that greets you as you enter the forest is the warm earthy smell that seems to rise from the ground - the day’s heat trapped just beneath the surface.
I also love the way that the sunlight filters through the branches, creating a dappled effect across the forest floor.
But whether walking the mountains or the woods, you should always be prepared for the unexpected.
Not long ago we spotted an Adder crossing the track just ahead of us, and I was able to take its picture before it hissed a warning telling me to back off.
I wasn't going to be asked twice, so I obeyed.
We went away feeling very pleased with ourselves - I mean how many other people have actually seen an Adder, let alone photographed one?
Anyway, that was one incident, but there have been others, which is why I always remember to take my camera out with me.
I was hoping to include the picture in this blog, but I have so many photos not filed properly that I have spent the best part of an afternoon trying to find my adder pic, without success.
I really must get my pictures filed into some kind of order.
But getting back to the walks: just the other day we were walking back from Capel Curig to Crafnant Lake and got into conversation with a lovely couple from Liverpool.
It turns out the male companion had worked with people that Bob, my husband, used to work with on the Daily Post when he was just a lad.
That was over 35 years ago. Well that was it, they were off reminiscing about the good old days. Bob told stories that even I didn't know about.
I suppose a marriage has to have some secrets!
All too soon it was time for us to pack up and leave, but not before one of them took a photograph of Bob and me with our dog Holly.
Like so many people trekking the hills, most photos are taken of one or the other - never together.
However the view above Crafnant on the approach from Capel Curig was breathtaking.
We decided to take some time out and enjoy the hazy view down towards the lake before heading for home.
By the time we reached the tea room beside the lake, it was closed, so no chance of a piece of ginger cake.
Instead we feasted our eyes on the incredible vista spread out before us.
When we reached the narrow road alongside the lake, we stopped to smile at a young foal lying flat out on the grass, soaking up the last of the day’s warm rays. I couldn't resist taking a picture before getting into the car.
There aren't too many warm sunny days in North Wales, so we have to make the most of the weather.
Also Snowdonia has its own eco system - it can be sunny in Rhyl and lashing with rain in the mountains.
But when the sun shines in Snowdonia, it is a heaven on earth.
Now I've seen Snowdonia in most of her guises, but I'm yet to see her at dawn.
That is something I intend to rectify before the summer’s out.
Sleeping out under the stars is also something I'm looking forward to - but not before I whack loads of insect repellent on: I'm still scarred from midge bites I received two weeks ago.
