Who will be king of the castle when climate change brings the walls down?

In his latest reflection on places and pathways, Will Gore sees his son enthralled by a brimming moat at Berkhamsted Castle

The same rains that filled the site’s moat caused devastation elsewhere in England (Will Gore)

Let’s be honest, getting a child to go out for a walk can be a gruelling business. The simple act of popping to the shops, barely half a mile distant, can bring on the most almighty of tantrums. The sweets and ice cream bribes I’ve had to offer in an effort to persuade my kids to leave the house are too many to mention.

But then once in a glorious blue moon, something wonderful happens and a small face doesn’t go puce when you suggest a stroll.

A week ago I bore witness to such a moment when my son agreed not only willingly, but with a something approaching gusto, to go for a trog around the ruins of Berkhamsted Castle.