Shortly after completing a 4,500 mile coastal walk, Spuds life changed dramatically. Single motherhood was followed by a diagnosis of cancer. A year later, in an effort to put this phase of her life into perspective, she went for a walk with a difference. Small Steps With Heavy Hooves is a colourful account of this walk, following old drove roads across the Grampian Mountains of northeast Scotland. Accompanying her on this cathartic journey are her sixteen month old son, Barnaby, aboard Ben the horse, her faithful dog, Tess, and her new partner, Rob. Interwoven with this lively travelogue is the story behind the walk. Spud combines coming to terms with cancer, the trials of travelling with a toddler, maternal reflection and camping anecdotes with a mixture of humour, candour and personal contemplation.