The first golden rule I've discovered is to always have a really good breakfast before you set off on a walk in the countryside. It makes a world of difference, particularly to the little people who really do rely so heavily on the food fuel. Things that work for us are boiled egg (or two), avocado, and then banana. That is probably the one that fills him up most and lasts the longest.

We walk to the Eastbourne train station (about 20 minutes walk from our house) and then we reward ourselves by having a lovely coffee (babychino) and even a cupcake at our favourite Bella's Secret cafe at the station. I know that it makes the outing more expensive but it really puts Arthur in the mood, just that warm milk and some sugar give him the extra kick to then last a whole long walk in a cold countryside and I think it is worth it. He also loves that place and feels nice and cosy there, and the Italian owner says that Arthur is his most important customer :-). Alternatively you can bring a flask of hot drink with you and a little sugary treat (chocolate or biscuit) unless you don't give these to your child at all.

Now that Arthur is well and truly fuelled, we get on the train and it's a 14 minute journey and return costs £4.40. This is probably the only cost you truly have to bear on this day, everything else is nice but optional.

Oh yes, and I pack a few changes of clothes with me, Arthur is wearing wellies, hat, gloves. It's better to take more warm things with you, even if the day looks warm, as it can always get colder and windier out in the open. There is no way Arthur could enjoy being out in the countryside if he was cold or hungry.

As soon as we come out onto the first field everything changes. I mean the mood, the whole feeling about the day.. Up until now Arthur moans and slightly complains about things but then it's like someone has turned the switch on and he relaxes with the breath of the wind and the open wide perspective in front of us.

The field is very muddy and as it has been very cold recently, the puddles are covered over with thick ice. So as we slowly make our way through this field, trying not to get stuck in the mud, Arthur runs from one puddle to the next and jumps on the ice, smashes it with the sticks, holds it up against the sun, throws it in the air.. I love that I don't need to ask him to stop, to be quieter or put any other restrictions on his behaviour. He can bang, he can shout, he can break, he can throw. And so can I. It's just us and the field.

It really has been cold recently and I, with immense pleasure, notice the layer of snow on the gate. Perhaps it is the closest Arthur can get to his Russian heritage in the south of England and it is fantastically exciting! And he knows what it is: “Snow, mummy!”.

He happily runs ahead of me and that is why I am particularly fond of this walk – there is a clear path that gives Arthur the direction, calling him to follow and explore. I find that in unstructured open spaces with no suggestion of path he sometimes can feel a bit stuck or overwhelmed and not really knowing where to move next. See how far ahead he is? And it's totally safe.

We chat very happily on the way and he makes up stories and collects sticks. I am always carrying his sticks. I am so used to it that I don't even notice it any more. When he was two, they used to be just sticks. Now he is three, they are a spaceship, a sword, a rocket, a baby... He notices specific peculiarities of each one so I am not so naïve as to 'accidentally' drop one any more, we've had to come back to find the 'rocket' before. Sticks are important, you know.

I am so pleased he had a good breakfast, I can see it has lasted him a while as he is still chirpy a couple of hours later. Our eventual aim is to get to the Barley Mow pub in Selmeston. I want a pint and Arthur needs some hot food. Originally I think to myself that I might have to get a cab back so I budget that in. When we turn up at the pub, we look suitably muddy and scruffy. I have a lunch bag and a drinking bottle attached to my rucksack and also a few sticks (I convinced him to 'hide' the rest of the pile at the pub entrance). As I say I am so used to it I don't even notice it, until I see those sticks reflected in the pupils of the locals having their lovely Thursday lunch at the pub. Oh well, I choose a seat reasonably far from local elders hoping we don't disturb them. I've lived in England for nine years now but to be frank I still have no idea whether those people are staring at us thinking we're cute or we are just an interesting spectacle, or they think I should keep Arthur (and myself) a bit more tidy or just stay at home in my apron. Literally no idea. I just smile at them to be on the safe side.

I order Arthur a kids meal and a cup of warm milk, and a pint of lager shandy and a proper meal for myself. I am not doing it again though as my budget can't take it. But it was a very good meal and definitely Arthur needed something hot.

I must say that keeping Arthur quiet and still whilst eating out in public places is near impossible but telling him off doesn't work. My (I hope temporary) solution is to agree that we play whilst we are waiting for our food. So we always carry 'friends' with us. Friends are any little figures who can get 'stuck up the tree and rescued' whilst we're waiting for our food. I don't find it a very relaxing experience but it is nonetheless enjoyable, and I definitely needed a pint and Arthur definitely needed something hot and a bit of rest. Next time I would order something just for Arthur though and just have a drink myself, to keep expenses down.

Arthur walks all the way back to the train station to my complete and utter amazement. He just does. I don't carry him once. Blimey. Role playing helps (friends flying through fields on a helicopter) and also singing. We start singing the Marry Poppins 'A spoon full of sugar' tune and then I play it on my phone. It is a bit bizarre listening to it whilst walking in nature and perhaps a bit invasive (I'd agree with purist nature lovers) but it does lend a cheerful tune to the tired toddler's little feet.

The sun is starting to set as we get to the last field before the train station. The air is a little misty and colours are paler and dimmer, and Arthur points the moon out to me. It's the end of a very nice day.

Cost: train fare/patrol minimum if you pack food and drinks.

I ended up spending over £30 on train fare, cafe and pub lunch. Ouch!

Things to pack:

• food (even if you are planning lunch at the pub, pack snacks to keep your toddler going)

• water (a big bottle, as might be required for washing things, not just drinking)

• warm clothes in winter: gloves, hat, scarf, as might get colder when you're out, especially on the way back and their hands get cold if they play in mud.

• Change of clothes: even if your toddler is completely toilet trained, you might want to change their trousers before you enter the pub/train as they might get very muddy!

• Boot scraper: we used sticks to scrape mud off but they weren't as efficient. I literally couldn't see our boots under mud after crossing that field!

• Bacterial gel: I carry it around with me and always put it on our hands before eating, as the danger of dog poo is too real.

• Well charged phone: in case I really need a taxi or need to check train times.

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