On this really cold grey day when the weather outside if foggier and more rainy than anything I’ve seen so far this winter, it’s no wonder the mind returns to warm places in the sun.

One of my favourite trips on the island of St Lucia in the Caribbean was a hot morning’s walk into the rain forest, high in the island’s vast and mountainous interior.

Our Rastafarian guide was a kind of cheerful and laid back Caribbean version of Ray Mears – he knew every tree in the jungle and was able to expound upon medical and other virtues of various barks, roots and crushed leaves.

Eventually our progress became too slow for the likes of a country boy me (I was with some other journalists, more used to desks than crags) and, having been given permission by the guide to forge on ahead, I set off for what was to be one of the most memorable walks of my life. 

Being alone in virgin rainforest is an exhilarating experience, quite unlike anything you can enjoy in our northern climes. Under the canopy it is dark and in truth there’s not much to see – but the noise of the place, the bitter earthy scents and the general ambiance - all combine to make you feel very much alive and alone. What you mustn’t do is dwell upon thoughts of boa constrictors or the guide’s advice on what to do if one should take a liking to you.

The walk ended at one of the many tall waterfalls which punctuate the island precipitous interior. Our arrival coincided with a severe but hot and steamy tropical rainstorm and it didn’t seem to matter a jot if we immersed ourselves under the falls fully clothed.