Inlets and creeks, once poldered in, had immensely fertile soil. Add some gently climes and you’ve got yourself some perfect fruity conditions. Come late April, early May, this area is simply doused in the white and pale pink petals of apple and pear trees, in bloom. Don’t rule out the blackcurrants, though. Fruit will accost you wherever you go, no need to go inside a supermarket to fill up your fruit basket, just stop on the side of the road or in a farmyard. Local foodie delights are, very often, made of fruit, too: think all things jammy, juicy or winey. Pop in for a sip, or two, at Boonmans Winery near Nieuwdorp – just one of many businesses that’ll give you a warm Zeeuws welcome.

Adding a jolly jaunt on the Goes-Borsele steam train to your footsy fun could not be easier. In summer, the train chugs back and forth on a pedestrian-friendly timetable. The gloriously restored train carriage will puff its way deep into Zuid-Beveland, delivering you to prime walking land, from where you can dally along the floral dikes, past meadows and fields, going all the way to Goes.

This may well be the prettiest village in Zeeland, whaddayathink? The village square, lined with beautifully restored houses and farms, not to mention the authentic vaete, a drinking berth for cattle. Nisse is surrounded by hedgerows, dividing the small meadows and fields. Brambles, hawthorn and sloe. Best time to visit? Late April, the hedges will be dotted in white by the hawthorn flowers, and the smell will be simply enchanting.