Follow gentle riverside footpaths through pretty limestone valleys, where you can admire the scenery and wildlife in detail. More exertion is required to

on, follow a town trail and explore the many historic market towns and villages. (I personally love to walk in the Goyt Valley which has seven circular routes to follow, all of varying lengths and levels of ease - a ten minute journey by car from Barms Farm – located between Buxton and Fernilee, Whaley Bridge)

A visit to the Chestnut Centre Otter, Owl & Wildlife Park at Chapel-en-le-frith is well worthwhile. An extensive circular nature trail leads you to the otters and the owls through historic wooded parkland. There is a pleasant tearoom where snacks and drinks are served and also a wildlife gift shop. Try to visit first thing or late afternoon as the otters are fed twice daily after which they tend to play and then disappear to sleep!! We have previously timed it very well by arriving as they were being fed and saw every animal much to our delight. www.ottersandowls.co.uk

Animal lovers must take a short drive to visit the Freshfield Donkey Village which is home to numerous rescue donkeys. (The main entrance is situated on the road that runs between Smalldale and Peak Forest). If you click on www.donkey-village.org.uk you can read of the marvellous work that the Michael Elliott Trust does in conjuction with rescuing donkeys and offering therapautic holiday retreat for children with special needs. The patron of the trust is well known Eastenders actress Dot Cotton.

Explore the moors via the old packhorse trails on horseback from Flash - www.northfieldfarm.co.uk or hire horses or book a lesson at Over Haddon near Bakewell - www.haddonhousestables.co.uk   Alternatively, you can cycle through the countryside on traffic-free trails and quiet lanes, from village to village. Bike hire is available for all ages at the many cycle hire centres situated on the trails. Full details of all the trails can be found here. Alternatively please feel free to to contact Peak Tours at Glossop who are a cycling tours company who operate a cycle hire and delivery service for visitors to the the Peak District. Further information to be found at www.peak-tours.com

There are numerous 18 hole golf courses within a few miles of Buxton. Green fees and details of our two local courses are shown at www.cavendishgolfclub.com and at www.bhpgc.co.uk If you havn't the time or the energy for 18 holes, call in at Peak Practice Golf Driving Range where you will find top quality 2-piece Top-Flite balls, quality mats and raised target greens at their 340 yard floodlit range which is open 362 days per year. All ages and levels catered for. Tuition for all ages and levels available with PGA qualified coach using latest video swing analysis coaching system. Tel : 01298 74444 or view www.peakpracticegolf.co.uk for further details and promotions.

Take to the rivers and reservoirs for canoeing and sailing or experience the exhilarating freedom of hang gliding, ballooning or paragliding for breathtaking views! www.dragonballoon.co.uk

For those of you who wish to fish whils't on holiday I have been recommended Barlow Trout & Course Fishery by guests who have been. Their details are available at www.barlowlakes.co.uk and they are situated aprox 30 minutes away from Barms Farm.

FREE Downloadable Audio trails  available from www.moorsforthefuture.org.uk which you can listen to pre arrival or on location.Thirteen informative audio guides of the Peak District Moors which can be downloaded onto your portable media device such as MP3 player or mobile phone. All starting points are accessible by public transport and two of the trails commence within a ten minute drive from Barms Farm ( Combs Moss and South West Approaches)

Door to door chauffered luxury Four wheel drive tours around the Peak District personalised to suit your own requirements are available from Discovery Safaris.Visit www.discoverysafaris.co.uk for further information or to book.

For up to date weather and news relating to Buxton check out the About Buxton website

explore Great Masson and Rutland Caves or descend into the Temple Mine at Matlock Bath.

www.heights-of-abraham.co.uk

The local golf driving range Peak Practice Golf is situated north of Buxton, just off the A6. Twenty of the driving bays are covered and the range welcomes all ages and levels from the complete beginner. (club hire and PGA tuition is available) www.peakpracticegolf.co.uk

Discover the wonders of the Peak District including art, geology and Roman exhibitions @ Buxton Museum and Art Gallery. Entrance is free of charge.

Make the most of the beautifully refurbished Devonshire Spa based in Buxton where you can indulge, relax and revitalise. Book your spa experience session on 01332 594408 or visit www.thedevonshire-spa.co.uk for full details and prices.

Shop undercover at Masson Mills www.massonmills.co.uk , Peak Village www.peakvillage.co.uk , Cavendish Arcade, Buxton or the many antique shops found predominantly in Leek, Ashbourne and Buxton.

Visit www.arcazantiques.com who are based nearby at Whaley Bridge

Locally produced speciality food can be found at the following shops :

The Original Farmers Market Shop, Bakewell - locally reared produce - www.thefarmersmarketshop.co.uk

The Old Original Bakewell Pudding Shop - famous for its Bakewell Puddings
Chatsworth Farm Shop, Pilsley - excellent choice of quality foods
The Old Cheese Shop, Hartington - prize winning stilton cheese
Ashbourne Ginger Bread Shop, Ashbourne
The Oatcake Shop, Leek - Staffordshire oatcakes
Bradwells Ice Cream, Bradwell
Cottage Delight @ No.64 St Edward Street, Leek

Visit www.peakdistrictfoods.co.uk for full details of local producers, butchers & restaurants/pubs/cafes where you can purchase and sample traditional local peak district produce.

Alternatively, The Trafford Centre, Meadowhall Shopping Centre and Manchester City Centre are only an hour’s drive from Buxton.

In the North West is Lyme Hall with its Palladian Hall and 1300 acre deer park. South of Ashbourne can be found Sudbury Hall and its fascinating Museum of Childhood and over in Staffordshire Britain’s most exciting and unusual gardens can be found at Biddulph Grange. See www.nationaltrust.org.uk for further details.

Although much smaller, Eyam Hall and Tissington Hall have a special, intimate charm and during the summer months often allow their gardens be used to host outdoor concerts, operas and plays.

The beautifully restored Edwardian Opera House in Buxton is famous for its internationally renowned Buxton Festival during July. It also annually hosts the popular Gilbert & Sullivan, Country & Western plus Jazz, Folk & Blues festivals.

Eating Out

Below are a few eating places I have selected and I would happily eat at any of them. My favourite Italian restaurant has to be Coco’s at Chapel-en-le-frith and Simply Thai, Buxton is well worth a visit. For a special treat I highly recommend The Copperfield Restaurant at Disley and for a lavish country setting it has to be Hassop Hall near Bakewell. The Michelin 4 star rated organic restaurant - The Walnut Club at Hathersage is excellent but expensive. I strongly advise advance booking, to avoid disappointment.

Bon apetit, Lorraine.

In Buxton

Simply Thai – Cavendish Circus, Buxton - Excellent food - need to book
tel : 01298 24471 (open 7 days per week)

Columbine Restaurant, Hall Bank, Buxton - Excellent – need to book
tel : 01298 78752 (click here for current menu and info)

Nat's Kitchen, 1, Market Street, Buxton, SK176JY    Click here for menu       Stock excellent wine from the Clear Black Wine Company
tel : 01298 214642  (Excellent food - don't take cards - cash /cheque only)

The Indian Palace - 5,Cavendish Circus, Buxton (excellent food)

tel : 01298 77260/23136 (open 7 days)

The Buckingham Hotel, Burlington Road, Buxton
tel : 01298 70481 – Excellent carvery in restaurant.

Taj Mahal – Indian, 35 High Street, Buxton – Very good
tel : 01298 78388  Click here for menu