IF YOU CARE TO AMBLE THE plains, then shoulder a jacket and a pair of binoculars, thrust a chocolate slab or two into a pocket, wear a pair of sturdy shoes and step into Horton country. No need to carry water for the streams spring clean and pure. Whenever it gets too hot, an icy dip is most refreshing. Of course a bottle of wine helps in getting over the chilling shock of the first plunge.

Stroll in any direction and enjoy the pleasures of salubrious climes and glorious vistas. Look out for the orange-beaked blackbird and the red helen butterfly. To see sambars you must be out by 5.45am. When stepping over a stream, tread carefully. Do not crush the little orange and black crabs that scuttle across the path. Wander in gay abandon, for in this particular wet upland there are no bloodsucking leeches.

The purposeful hiker has many alternatives. The walk to World's End is almost five kilometres along a flat path which winds through grasslands decked in pin-dot flowers and beneath vaulting spurts of jungle. Midway you will reach Little World's End, a prelude to the stupendous view and the vertical drop that will confront you at World's End. Continue onward and you can descend to Non Pareil Estate.

Those who wish to return have a choice. They can retrace their steps and take the shorter route back, or choose the more undulating path that skirts the stream most of the way and that takes them to Baker's Falls - a beautiful, resounding cascade.  Continued...

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