I have hesitated to tell the Guardian readership about Cafe Ariete in Moffat as it can be hard enough to find a table on some busy Saturday mornings already. However, it is the best stop-off on a UK motorway, so it had to be done. Cafe Ariete is a slice of Scottish-Italiano in the charming little town of Moffat; a perfect distance from the north-west for a stop-off. My current favourite choice for my second breakfast of the day is a scrambled egg roll with crispy onions and a tall glass of hot Vimto, garnished with a slice of fruit, but you may prefer the excellent coffees. Before eating, we call in at the paper shop next door to buy our Guardian and after eating we walk around the square window shopping, stopping to buy melt-in-the mouth Scottish Pancakes from the bakery for later. If walking around the pretty, bustling square isn't enough for you, then there is a pleasant two km circular walk along the river Annan to walk off the second breakfast. Really, Moffat deserves a page all to itself, but this will give you a flavour of this Scottish gem.

For gentle walks around Moffat check out:
www.visitmoffat.co.uk/attraction-finder/walking-2011-festival/take-5-gentle-walks-around-moffat
The site also has information on longer walks and the Moffat Walking Festival in September.
www.visitmoffat.co.uk/
The home page will take you to all the useful information about Moffat you need.
10 High Street, Moffat, Dumfriesshire DG10 9HF
+44(0)1683 220 313
Google map: bit.ly/osyE4V

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There are a few spots on the Spanish coast that remain undeveloped and the Parque Natural de Cabo de Gata-Nijar just east of Almeria is one of them. An area of cliffs, arid hills, spectacular beaches and picturesque fishing villages, although not undiscovered this area has a wildness and a sense of space for those seeking a more elemental seaside holiday. Stay in San Jose if you want a small taste of nightlife, otherwise stay at Los Escullos, either at the hotel or the campsite and during the day take a walk to the centre of the extinct volcano and spend the evening lying on the warm rocks by the sea watching the stars.

Campsite: www.losescullossanjose.com/
Los Escullos, 04118 Almeria, Spain
+34 950 389 811
Google map: bit.ly/jFdyTB

Hotel: www.hotelescullos.es/401.html
Los Escullos, 04118 Los Escullos Nijar Almeria, Spain
Google map: bit.ly/iIp4Kp
+34 950 38 97 33

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Stay in a comfortably rustic cottage along a farm track; sitting on a hillside surrounded by cork oaks, olive trees and tranquility in the grounds of an Andalucian Cortijo. The natural park of the Sierra de Aracena y Los Picos de Aroche abound with walks for all abilities and the cottage has a copy of Guy Hunter-Watts' book to help you on your way. The area also has caves, the mines of Rio Tinto are an easy drive away and the owner, Caroline, can organise riding. The restaurants, bars and shops of Aracena are only two kms away and Caroline's welcome includes filling the fridge with a delicious selection of local food.

www.ownersdirect.co.uk/spain/s8263.htm
Guy Hunter-Watts, 'Walking in Andalucia; Walks in the Natural Parks in Andalucia.
Aracena is about one hours drive from Sevilla.
Google map: bit.ly/lkjW9y

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After several months in Spain, any vegetarian restaurant is a marvellous find. This charming restaurant in a rustic alley, conveniently placed for a break from sightseeing in the Alcazabar and the Teatro Romano serves vegan and vegetarian meals. We had the vegan plate: an appetizing and generous selection of vegan finger food and salads. The restaurant decor is cheerful and quirky, with comments and quotes from previous customers written on the walls and mobiles of tin jugs and colourful mirrors. We were there in December and sat snuggly inside, in summer you may want to use the shady terrace.

Calle Pozo del Rey 5, Malaga
+39952214858
Google map: bit.ly/eXr7Nc

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Hot Creek hot springs bubble up in the middle of a cold and rocky stream; as you bathe you can move from warm to cold water as the fancy takes you and find the temperature that is just right for you by just moving a few steps. The whole area is a geological wonderland, with dormant volcanoes, the mysterious heavily saline Mono Lake with its craggy tufa towers all add to the excitement and joy of the area. Hot Creek has parking and changing rooms, but is otherwise undeveloped. It is popular and there are signs warning you to avoid the areas of scalding hot water.

Hot Creek is located in a remote area, a few miles outside of the town of Mammoth Lakes. From US 395, go east on Hot Creek Hatchery Rd/ Airport. After less than a mile, you will see a sign to "Hot Creek Geothermal Area". The last mile or so, before the parking lot, is unpaved. For more information on hot springs in that area go to:
www.hotspringsenthusiast.com/CA.asp#HC
Google map: bit.ly/fKohVw

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Named after the Roman God Saturn and a handful of kilometres away from the perfect Tuscan hill town of Pitigliano, the small rocky village of Saturnia has a nearby hot spring and spa hotel. At no cost, you can wallow in the sulphurous spring water that gushes out at 37 degrees C and tumbles down a series of waterfalls. It gets busy with visitors, but there is always a quiet rock pool to rest in while you watch the Italians having fun. If you want peace and quiet it's worth getting up at dawn and revel in having the place to yourself.

www.termedisaturnia.it/en/
58014 Saturnia (Grosseto)
+39(0)564-600111
Google map: bit.ly/hPXrTo

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Cordoba is a fantastic place to visit. Its Great Mosque and Christian Cathedral, emotive synagogue, evidence of Roman occupation and the narrow streets and courtyards of the old town all provide the visitor with sights and smells in abundance. An afternoon in the Banos Arabes compliments the sensual charm of the city. The baths are an indulgent, relaxing and stimulating experience; for 41 Euro you can luxuriate in the warm, hot and cold baths, experience a traditional hammam massage and drink glasses of sweet peppermint tea and emerge ready for more sight seeing.

c/ Corregidor Luis de la Cerda, 51
14003 Cordova, Spain
+34 902 333 334
Google map: bit.ly/goX9mJ
www.hammamspain.com/cordoba/

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Hamburg is our favourite winter city break; we've been there for crisp autumn weekends and for snowy weeks in January. Hamburg is a cosmopolitan city with plenty to entertain, whatever the weather. Wander through the Alter Elbtunnel (old Elbe tunnel) at 426 m long and marvel at the magnificent tiling; climb to the top of Michaeliskirche for an excellent view over the city; try ice skating in the old botanical gardens; take a boat trip around the huge port. There are streets of smart shops, as well as weekly fleamarkets and more museums and culture than you can fit into a weekend. On Sunday morning don't miss the Fish Market, from 7am in winter, a festive and crowded shopping experience; you can buy almost anything and enjoy beer, sausages and dancing for your breakfast. Later stroll around the two lakes; the Binnenalster and Aussenalster, and warm up with hot chocolate and Cointreau.

www.hamburg-tourism.de/en/
has useful information for tourists.
www.hamburg-magazin.de/startseite.html
has information about what's on.

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A family favourite woodland walk is from Dane Bridge in north Staffordshire, starting from just below The Ship Inn in Wincle - everything a country pub should be and where there is some road parking. Follow the Dane Valley Way towards Gradbach, along the river which is an excellent bathing spot in the summer and through pleasant woodland of Silver Birch. The route takes you through fields and in to Back Forest; a darker woodland of beech and oak high above the river. We always stop at Castle Rocks for a scramble and take time to enjoy the view, before carrying on to where Black Brook joins the Dane. Here the Dane Valley Way continues to Gradbach, but you would be missing a treat if you didn't climb steeply up through the tall trees to Lud's Church, easily overlooked, if you don't know its there. This deep gash in the Millstone Grit is a place of stories: pagan worship and secret Christian sects. After exploring the depths of the moss covered chasm, continue over the moors, looking back for views of The Roaches to Hangingstone Farm and back down to Dane Bridge. After this delightful six kms walk, a visit to The Ship Inn will be well deserved.

Dane Bridge is at Grid Reference 965651, on the A54 Congleton to Buxton Road, turn on to the B road for Wincle at The Fourways Motel. Dane Bridge is at the bottom of the hill, just passed The Ship Inn.
The Ship Inn: Wincle, Macclesfield, Cheshire SK11 0QE
01260 227 217

Google map: bit.ly/bDEej7

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