The Peak District is a great place for flat, family cycle trails, with a number of disused railways having been converted to multi-use trails. The most exciting has to be the Monsal Trail, with its recently (2011) reopened tunnels. The trail runs for 8½ miles between Blackwell Mill and Bakewell following the course of the delightful River Wye. There are three car parks at former stations where you can also hire bikes (if you don’t take your own). There is a further car park just off the A6 at Wyedale, linked to the western end of trail by a bridleway (no cycle hire here). As well as taking you through the six tunnels, you cycle through deep limestone cuttings, along high hillsides with splendid views of the river and former mill buildings. Bridges carry the trail across the river a number of times – with the most spectacular crossing being the Monsal Head Viaduct. Between the Litton and Cressbrook tunnels there is a listening post which allows you to listen to, “Monsal Memories,” a series of six podcasts covering aspects of the railway’s history (these can also be downloaded from the link below).

www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/visiting/cycle/monsaltrail
Google map: bit.ly/Hg33t4

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This is a fantastic independent bookshop, with a brilliant music and CD collection on sale. Quirky, original, friendly and unexpected among all the pudding and tart shops and outdoor clothing stores. One of Bakewell's treasures, and featured in 'Last Shop Standing'. Don't miss it if you are in the area.

www.bakewellbooks.co.uk
Matlock Street, Bakewell, Derbyshire, DE45 1EE
+44(0)1629812818
Google map: bit.ly/cVW7ww

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Bakewell Old House Museum is a facinating, small and quirky museum of local and social history.
Explore the nooks and crannies of the atmospheric Tudor building, and discover the secrets of historic Bakewell via the Museum's trail. This museum is family friendly, with hands-on activities for children, a superb Tudor Dressing-up box and much more. It's 100% recommended for a great addition to a day out in Bakewell. Well worth the wander up the hill!

The Old House Museum, Cunningham Place, Off North Church Street, Bakewell.
01629 813642, oldhousemuseum.hammerdesign.co.uk
Google map: tinyurl.com/2u7vmpj

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A lovely place we stumbled upon, which is a cafe by day and unpretentious bistro on weekend evenings. A group of us were very well treated despite our being such a large group and being a bit late.

Those of us who could manage it had three
courses for £13, and we all agreed on the excellent quality and value for money.

A pub up the road was charging similar prices for a much less exciting menu, and didn't serve food in the evenings! Cafe Nosh is unlicensed but there's an off licence just across the road. Highly recommended.

Hebden Court, off one of the main roads in the centre of Bakewell.

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