There is a secret little footpath, not signposted, known only to the locals, that threads its way along the top of the valley from Bossington to Porlock Village in deepest Somerset.

The bees hum in the hedgerow and the skylarks cheer to the skies, while the grasses gently swish to and fro in a light midsummer breeze. It’s as if you had stepped into Vaughan Williams’ music.

I set up my easel and lost myself for a few hours in this eye-stretching view across to Porlock Weir and beyond, to Countisbury Head and Lynmouth. Later, I carried the painting home carefully to the tiny cottage and finished it against this whitewashed brick wall.

It almost smells of the Somerset fresh air. If you listen very carefully, you can still hear the skylarks singing.

Oil on canvas, 25cm x 35cm