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The article said that 92.5 per cent of respondents said walking in nature helped them unwind, while 48.7 per cent said they prefer to sit on the sofa to beat stress.

These statistics had come from a survey commissioned by the Ramblers.

As keen walkers we can see both sides of the argument, especially during the holiday season, where the couch is preferable to the cagoule.

Eventually though you need to get back into the great outdoors, and for Doncaster Ramblers, there is no greater temptation than Norman’s cake.

Thus, a leisurely walk of about nine miles starting from Snaith, was just enough.Norman, our leader, and whose birthday it was the following day, briefed us and introduced some new members who had perhaps read the article before leading us through Snaith for the tracks and footpaths to West Cowick.

There the coffee stop included leftover cake (baked by Norman himself and with marzipan and icing) plus cheese (for traditional Yorkshire folk) – which was enjoyed by all.

Thank you, Norman, may this tradition continue well into the future.

Next onwards to the Aire and Calder canal to Pollington.

Here, the wonderful Emma opened up The King’s Head pub especially for us, alternatively serving at both bars with aplomb (and serving teas at no charge!) such is the charm of the Doncaster Ramblers or maybe that is just the appeal of Norman.

Reluctantly, but eventually we had to make our return to Snith via Dorr Lane, a medieval trackway.

Thanks to Norman for planning and leading the walk and to Steve at the back and ensuring that the 36 people who started the walk all arrived back safely.

For more information about the Doncaster Ramblers and future activity please visit our Home Page and download a full copy of our walk programme.

Visit https://www.doncasterramblers.org.uk/walks/walks-programme-printed-version.html

You can also follow the group on Facebook https://www.facebook.com/doncasterramblers/ where GPS Maps of many of our past walks can also be found.

See next week’s Doncaster Free Press for a report from the Ramblers’ recent walk to Retford.

And talking of walking, planning is well in hand for the fifth Thorne Rural Lions Walk on Sunday May 17, to raise money for a mobile scanner for prostate cancer. The walk is around six miles long and starts at Town Moor Fields.

Registration costs £6 for adults, children and disabled people can take part for free.

Registration forms and sponsorship forms can be obtained by emailing [email protected] or calling 01302 536472.