Moyra Forrest: The freedom to wander our city streets is one I cherish

A happy childhood memory is my late father playing The Happy Wanderer on our piano. For a child growing up in the country, 'I love to wonder by the stream' really resonated as we sang along. 'Along a mountain track' perhaps less so.

Its a real luxury to enjoy thinking time in the fresh air

One of the great joys of retirement is the freedom it brings: time takes on a different complexion. A favourite activity is just wandering – especially in the city, where there are so many unknown and unexpected treasures to find.

I have a busy diary but lots of free time too. This means not always having to arrive at places by the fastest route, not fearing getting lost en route to a time-defined commitment, and the fun of spontaneity. Roads with bends, and those with hills are especially attractive. It’s like reading a good crime novel - you never quite know what’s coming next.

There are so many styles of architecture, so many gorgeous gardens, so many interesting people going about their daily lives. It is endlessly fascinating to see buses at different points on their routes.

Some prefer organised walks and company. Often, the group leader will have done a thorough reconnoitre first – and may even have indulged in a little wandering before choosing a route.

I suspect the political activist in me feels organisation enough through delivering party literature on leaflet runs.

Locally, there is easy access to a network of walkways/cycle paths along former railway lines. You can almost hear the chug of engines and the hiss of steam. Even in a big city you can find many varieties of wild flowers, enjoy the smell of wild garlic, and sample fruits like raspberries. Bird-watchers will always find plenty to see. There are sometimes children learning to ride bikes, and always dogs finding all sorts of interesting smells.

Shore walking and beachcombing have another dimension: the sounds and colours of the sea. The flotsam and jetsam so beloved by crossword compilers change with the tides. There’s that same feeling of serendipity you can enjoy browsing in a bookshop or library. Shells, seaweed, sand between your toes. And one day that message in a bottle from afar.

The wrinkly bus pass lets you travel anywhere in Scotland. Even walking between one stop and the next can open up a whole new world. Perhaps a super new fruit shop, or the tempting smells of fresh bread.

Thinking time in the fresh air is a real luxury. Problems seem to almost solve themselves. Worries seem to evaporate, at least temporarily.

Moyra Forrest is a retired librarian and occasional book indexer. She lives in Edinburgh.