成人快手

My perfect day in the North West has to be spent pretty much anywhere in the Lakes. You wake up with the sun (hopefully) blazing through the walls of your little tent, throw some clothes on (and the best thing is that it doesn聮t matter that you look an absolute sight), get your walking boots on and pick your hill/lake.

My favourite is Ambleside 聳 serious walking plus lovely lazy lunches in pubs/cafes in the village. Walk until sunset and then get someone to drive you home!
Kate Aldridge

Macclesfield Forest is a great day out the four hour walk is breathtaking there is a pub if your really hunger, and also at the car park there is a mobile food unit which sells great food. At the moment the Herons are nesting and can be viewed from the road near the car park or on the video at the ranger's hut.
Ann Berry

For great views, there are two places in Ulverston, Cumbria.
Climb up to the Hoad Monument (monument to Sir John Barrow) and sit and drink in the fabulous views for miles around. There is an easier ascent up the back way, and it is well worth it.

Then, go for a meal at The Bay Horse at Canal Foot, Ulverston. The glass-fronted annexe has THE most fantastic views over Morecambe Bay, or take a picnic and sit outside on the tables and benches. What a great day!
Jan Henry

The view of Rostherne Mere from the back of Rostherne Parish Church (itself very beautiful) is wonderful. I often have relatives visiting from Poland and this is one of the places I like to take them. They are always delighted with the view. It聮s just so English.
Ann Drozdowski

A very good way to calm down and relax, get some bracing sea air and some wonderful views is to take a walk along Morecambe's new promenade from Bare to the central area. Gauge it to finish just after you pass the Eric Morecambe statue and pop across the road for a coffee, juice or smoothie with home made cakes in 'Chill'.

Chill is Morecambe's nicest place for a snack or lunch...
You even get the chance to take a free book home with you as there is an official bookcrossing zone shelf.
Robert Nelson

Try a trip up to Ulpha in the Duddon Valley - there's a wonderful pub (The Newfield Inn) that serves great meals some fantastic scenery, and some great walks to follow. This is nature at it's best and a lovely way to blow the cobwebs away and chill out!
Jean Liney

Our favourite spot to attend monthly as there is something different to see each visit is Holehird Gardens at Troutbeck, Windermere.

Fantastic gardens run by volunteers with three National Plant Collections on site. A fantastic view of the Langdales is thrown in for good measure.
Martin and Pat Tetlow

First stop is a coffee shop, but not just any coffee shop and definitely a one-off rather than a chain. It is located on the main street in Kendal and is called 'Farrars'. It was founded in 1819 by members of a Westmoreland family of this name and is located in a very old former coaching inn.

Whilst coffee houses in Regency London were often dens of vice etc I doubt if Farrars has a reputation of this nature, but it certainly has a reputation to this day for selling a huge range of coffees and teas as well as excellent home-made food. I suggest a leisurely lunch there before moving on.

My second suggested stop s a few miles south on the A592 and is a working farm with a superb farm shop, nature walks and other rural attractions. It is called Sizergh Farm and in the shop there is a wide range of local delicacies, some made on the farm itself. I challenge anyone to leave without stocking up from the range (my own favourite is the delicious Cartmel sticky toffee pudding).

The farm walk will interest both young and less young and there is also the opportunity to watch the dairy herd being milked and to give them an encouraging pat during the process.

Finally I suggest head in a little further south to the edge of Morecambe Bay, driving along the Kent estuary Arnside. Here you can see more Lake District fells than if you are in the Lake District itself and I would also suggest have tea in one of the estuary side cafes (+ a locally made ice-cream) before walking along the estuary towards the setting sun.

If you are lucky enough for sunset to coincide with low tide, the views and particularly stunning and you may also be lucky enough to see a heron fishing in the Kent channel.

Overall a grand day out...
Arthur Rushton

The place I love to go is Werneth Low (Hyde). Great on a summer's day to look over the whole of Greater Manchester, or even in the winter to watch the fireworks on bonfire night. The day is topped off with a pint and a meal in the exceptional public house the Hare & Hounds. The country style pub is relaxing, have great staff and serve a fantastic meal any time of the day.
Vickie Bowker

Hidden gems... the remains of St. Patrick's Church on top of the barrows in Heysham with the magnificent views to Morecambe Bay through the doorway

Jenny Brown's Point in Silverdale near Carnforth.

Sunderland Point with Sambo's Grave near Morecambe (recently used for filming 'Ruby in the Smoke') - interesting area as the tide cuts off its two rows of terraces twice a day.
Jane Silvester

I live in Ulverston, Cumbria and we have a monument of a lighthouse overlooking the town. From the monument there are wonderful views in all directions - across Morcambe Bay, to the Lake District Hills, to the Isle of Man on a clear day. The monument is in need of 拢1,000,000 for repair...
Mr R Lewis

I believe a couple of gems in the North West are Pleasington in Blackburn, and White Coppice near Anglezarke....both beautiful areas with much to offer yet not known as tourist areas.
Andrew Livesey

I'd like to tell you about a walk i do most mornings - it's around Alexandra Park in Oldham. I get there most mornings just before dawn, an the amount and variety of bird song you can hear is just incredible.

I start off in the wooded section of the park and walk towards the two lakes, by the time I get there, the geese are starting to take off which is a great site to see, and by that time also there are two herons looking for their breakfast which is great to watch.

Most mornings there's only me an my dog there - it's so peaceful, but the most amazing thing is its only half a mile away from Oldham town centre
Tom Halsall

My favourite walk in the country is Borsdane Wood at Hindley, Wigan. It's an ancient woodland - e mentioned in The Domesday Book. The sunken wood is two miles long and follows the course of the Borsdane brook. It is full of wildlife.
Helen Enevoldson

Hidden gems... the best island in Britain - THE Isle of Man... It is a great island with beautiful scenery, especially in Sulby (where I live).
Mac Lace

I understand you are looking for nominations for days out in the North West. How about Port Sunlight, Wirral?

An absolute gem, a beautiful village with a remarkable history and the Lady Lever art gallery which offers lovely lunches. (Try the salmon!).
Paul

Our perfect day out which is also very affordable is as follows:

We walk from our home to Walkden Station and catch the 10.15 Victoria-Southport train, get off the train at Appley Bridge, just past Wigan Wallgate Station, and you can go one of three ways to Parbold.

(1) Walk along the Leeds, Liverpool canal to Parbold (Approx 3.5 miles).
(2) Turn right out of the station and walk up Par bold Hill to Parbold (Approx 4 miles).
(3) Turn left out of the station and go via Dalton to Parbold.(Approx 4 miles).

The views and the walks are really good whichever way you go and once in Parbold there are pubs etc for a meal but our favourite place is the little cafe at the side of the canal which sells lovely organic produce sandwiches, soups, drinks etc.

You can the use either of the routes to return to Appley Bridge Station or even walk to Gathurst Station and catch the train home from there. The canal traffic is good and one can spend hours there relaxing and letting the world go by.
Brian Farrow

Hidden gems... Barton Aerodrome, Eccles, Salford has a great deal of rare local aviation history.

This home of grass roots aviation has also been home to Lancashire Aeroclub which celebrates its 85th birthday this year.

The airfield was recently sold by Manchester City Council to Manchester Ship Canal Developments/Peel Holdings.

LAC now finds it is unable to meet the charges imposed by the new landlords so must leave.

It seems unlikely that Barton Airfield, the original Manchester Airport, with its listed buildings will survive for much longer.
J. Latimer

Hidden gems... A most beautiful and historic spot is the town of Heptonstall, just outside of Hebden Bridge in west Yorkshire. The poet Sylvia Plath is buried here and it is a place of striking natural beauty and very peaceful. There's a couple of friendly rural pubs to stop for a pint or a decent snack.

In central Manchester is Dimitris Tapas bar. Very authentic, laid back and off the beaten track without all the hubub that goes with Manchester's glut of other chain eateries. One can sit outside in summer and have a great meal or sit in the bar area at the front eating excellent tapas from the set menu at a very reasonable price while drinking red wine and watching the world go by outside on Deansgate.
Ian O'Brien

I would like to recommend the Debdale Park area of Gorton, East Manchester...

At first mention this might seem an unlikely candidate, surrounded as it is by suburbia and busy roads (A57 and M60). But this is the point: it is a rural oasis, sometimes referred to by the local people as, 'Our own Lake District'. This is because Debdale Park is sited on the edge of a complex of reservoirs, surrounded by two golf courses, allotments, woodland and playing fields.

Within minutes of leaving a busy main road one can be completely enveloped by this wonderful natural area. One first time visitor likened it to being in the middle of Shropshire!

Not only does the area have extensive walks around the reservoirs and golf courses but it has many leisure amenities...

There is a water sports centre run by Manchester Leisure with water sports facilities, a Donkey Sanctuary with a fine centre for disabled children, a cycling track along the old railway line, fishing in the reservoirs and, when you are feeling a bit peckish, a MacDonald's or Grandstand Pub with restaurant and Whacky Warehouse for children. There is even a nearby Travel Lodge if you want to spend more than a day!

Given its location, this is a truly wonderful treasure. I have often finished up spending a day out here, either with children or other groups, or just wandering with the dog. In spring there is a lovely little bluebell wood whilst the aptly named 'Favourite Walk' speaks for itself...

The reason I write to promote this area is because throughout my life it has been a source of so much pleasure to me. I would like future generations to be able to enjoy it as well.

As a child I looked forward to listening for the cuckoo and larks in spring, of listening to the owls at evening and watching the rabbits and foxes, of exploring the deep clough amongst horses and farm animals.

All this has now gone but there is still much left for young and old to enjoy. It is still a magical place to escape to. For how much longer I do not know. But I do know that if we do not treasure it, it will be lost.
Paul Kirkham

I'd like to nominate my favourite walk I do most weekends with my dogs. You can park at Marles Wood car park then follow the signs (and the dogs) along the pathway which takes you alongside the beautiful Ribble.

My kids have picnicked here and swung off the rope cavorting in the river shallows during summer and we've trudged through crispy frost to admire the wintry scenery. Whatever the time of year it's beautiful, clean, peaceful and can lead over the 'bouncy bridge' as we call it onto a hearty pub lunch in The Eagle & Child pub in Hurst Green.

It's the nearest thing to a beach because of the stony shallow water's edge.
Lynn Kingsley

I thought I'd share my perfect night with you as it is just what you need after a perfect day.

There are many, many bars and clubs which I could go into detail about, but the cream of the crop have got to be Relish, Ampersand, Venus and Sankeys.

Relish is a bar which last weekend transformed into a club for the first time. It was free entry, great music and an electric atmosphere.

Ampersand is one of the best clubs in Manchester, along with Sankeys and Venus, it would be difficult to pick between them as they all offer different qualities.
Kelly Rogerson

Breakfast at Jeremy聮s in Woodlands Road, Ansdell 聳 why not accept the challenge while you聮re there and join in the art hunt 聳 innovative and inspiring 聳 to find your way round Andsell using a map of Tokyo!

Coffee at Caf茅 Nero in the Square at St. Annes on the Sea 聳 don聮t forget to read La Repubblica newspaper.

Lunch at the White Tower Restaurant at the Pleasure Beach in South Shore, Blackpool.

Tea at the Chadwicke Hotel on the Promenade in St. Annes (you聮ll need to go for a jog before dinner).

Dinner at the Monterey Beach Hotel on the Promenade in St. Annes. This HAS to be on a Monday night because that聮s when the one and only Ray Gordon Band play music strictly for ballroom dancing.
Lucy London

Cotebrook Shirehorse Centre, Tarporley Cheshire:

* The staff are very friendly are always willing to help.
* It is great for all ages.
* Walk around the farm and see the horses.
* One baby fowl was born in January this year.
* Five further shire horses are due to give birth in April and May this year.
* The centre has Aberdeen Angus cattle.
* Also there are sheep, Polecats, Otters, Rabbits, Pigs, Ducks, Dears, Foxes and more.
* Cotebrook also has a large number of Badger sets around the fields.

Just when you think your visit is over you can call into the Lakeside Caf茅 and either just have a coffee and a bun of choose from the menu and be served by the cheerful staff.

I think Cotebrook is the ideal place for a day out for all the family.
Mark Symth

Chorlton Ees, by the Mersey, in Chorlton. Fantastic place for a sunset, or even better for a rainbow. And there are even cows down there!
Matthew Cobb

My favourite place in the Northwest is Hartshead Pike above Mossley. On a clear day you can see four counties and it has the most fantastic views. The scenery is stunning. I feel quite close to God there. On a windy day you have to hold onto something. Revd Rosie Bowers

Gigg Lane Bury when FC United come out to play at 3'o clock on Saturday.
Stella

My choice would be a place called The Wild Boar Park in the Forest of Bowland. The day starts though from our house in Clayton-le-dale, as the car journey is of breath taking scenes - Pendle Hill, Longridge Fell, Jeffrey Hill, Blackpool Tower, Beacon Fell and on that clear crisp day even the peaks of the Lake District.

As we meander through the country lanes, we look out for wildlife, especially doing a pheasant count. The Boar Park once was a farm that has been diversified with great thought. It allows children to be close to animals and learn about there upkeep.

There is a nature trail to follow, with birds, plants and fauna to spot so encouraging that great sport of walking!

Tractor rides and a play area also amuse the children. But the position of the place really is outstanding and is accompanied by the sounds of nature - birds, farm animals and of course the river. The staff are friendly and most accommodating. I feel it is as close to nature and our beautiful countryside without being an 'all singing and dancing' attraction as so many places feel the need to be.

The Wild Boar Park certainly is our great day!
Helen Wharton

I want to nominate Flitergill Nature trail at Dent, Sedbergh, Cumbria for your Hidden gem award.

Together with a privately owned Heritage Centre, a Restored Lime Kiln, a restored barn full of vintage farm implements and a topographic view point, this wonderful nature trail is a steep walk along a limestone Ghyll beside a wonderful Stream naturally carved out of the limestone bedrock.

It is a green tunnel formed by high overhead branches, ancient dancing flags where the weavers would soak and stamp on the cloth to make it shrink and thicken up before drying and being sent to market.

A curious shaped ' wishing tree', where legend has it that if you walk under the root/trunk clockwise your wish will be granted, wonderful flora, there are explanatory signs along the way, and it can all be viewed on www.dentheritagecentre.co.uk.

This Gem is still in its infancy - the whole package only being officially developed and opened last May 2006 and really should be one of your top hidden gems...
Pam Bownass

I would like to recommend Turton Tower which is a delightful Tudor House set in woodland gardens on the edge of the popular walking area of the West Pennine moors.

Turton Tower was originally built during Tudor times and altered and extended during Stuart and Victorian times. It now stands as it was in 1850. It was at one point the home of Sir Humphry Chetham, founder of Chetham's Hospital and Chetham's Music School in Manchester. He had been Lancashire treasurer for the Roundhead forces in the Civil War.

You can explore period rooms with magnificent collections of woodwork, paintings and furniture, including items loaned from the Victoria and Albert Museum. Outside there are Victorian follies, a tennis court, a traditional English country garden and an unusual castellated railway bridge.

There is an excellent Tea Room which serves home made cakes, lunches and afternoon tea, either in the tea room or outside in the garden.
Beryl Woffenden

Hidden gem... the walk up the lovely Gummers How Hill overlooking Lake Windermere. It is reached from a road opposite Fell foot N.T.Park, and the view either from the road (for the less active) or from the top of a very steep path to the trig point, or stone cairn, is truly magnificent.

There is a car park by the main gate, and natural picnic clearings along the way. It is a wonderful site, and again should be known by many.
Jim Bownass

A visit not to be missed - first a flight over Wigan and countryside in a helicopter to show a great landscape. Hovering over the plantations to take a look at over 400 trees felled in the February storm...

A trip to Wigan pier to view "The way we were".

An amble around Worthington lakes wildlife and fishing (wheelchair access around the lakes).

Take a look at Wigan town centre nightlife - good as any.
John Joseph Barker

I would like to share my most favourite and remarkable place, Hollingworth Lake, Littleborough. This historic place is a timeless classic with an enchanting heritage...

Adults and Children spend days walking around the lake and visiting the nature park at the back, and the fish and chip shop on the front is an absolute must!
Natalie Nero

Though I am reluctant to name this attractive inn, which I regard a Shangri-La in the North West corner of England, but it will be a selfish act if I keep the other connoisseurs away from experiencing this beautiful place.

The inn is in Cumbria; its 20-odd guest rooms have en-suite facilities. The name of the inn is New Dungeon Ghyll Hotel, which is nesting at a foot of a big pike. The hotel聮s backdrop is a mountain from which a water fall cascades down to create a fast moving stream along the rolling lawn of the hotel and meets a rapidly flowing brook over the road.

The front lawn of the hotel meets a hill farm, which, in turn, is trying to reach a big but accessible mountain. The hotel is in the middle of hill walkers聮 paradise. The well-appointed hotel lounge is adorned with an open fire, and looks out to the lawn and the mountain, and a country road. In the morning one would wake up with the chorus of bird songs.

All day long one would hear the sound of the fast moving stream, and then later, occasional bleating of the young lambs calling for their mothers, breaks the long quiet of the approaching evening.

In this setting the hotel appears, as if from nowhere, as one turns the corner of the country lane...

Some weekends the surrounding open spaces are filled with the mobile homes and impromptu little tents. So in the morning the bird songs are interrupted by the exciting laughter of camping toddlers who are waking up after a night聮s sleep in the open countryside...

All in all this is my favourite place in the North West corner of England.
Amal Basu

Beautiful walk Gummers Howe. You can go to the Lakes many times and enjoy the splendour of the Lakes. Some of the most outstanding views can be seen from the mountain tops which can be a hard grind to reach. This walk takes half an hour from a car park which can be found on the road from Newby Bridge to Bowness.

Take the right turn near Fell foot park and proceed up the hill in your car - the car park is on the right and is well signed for Gummers Howe. Follow the path to the hill.

The rewards are the views of Windermere, the hills and the estuaries - it is fantastic.
Anonymous

I'd like to nominate two locations that I love to visit, especially come summer time when the gardens are in full bloom. Both of these places appear relatively unknown to outsiders, which is such a shame, as they are both wonderful places to visit.

1st Norton Priory, Runcorn
Hidden away behind a business park. This has so much history... The outside of Norton Priory are beautifully kept gardens, where you can just escape and relax.

2nd Walton Hall & Gardens, Warrington
This is a beautiful old mansion that used to belong to the Greenall family (I believe). It is now available for weddings etc, and is set in some of the most stunning gardens.

In the summer there is often a band playing on the outdoor bandstand. There is a bowling green for those who enjoy this pastime. Plenty of entertainment for kids, a small animal and birds zoo. A play area with lots of variety.

Near the entrance there is a very small bicycle museum which is fun to have a look.

You can quite easily find a nice peaceful spot to have a picnic, in the large and beautiful surroundings...

Common to both of these places are Rhododendrons in abundance, and when they flower, the mass of colour is truly inspirational.
Gillian Burrows

Tram to Navigation Road and then walk down the canal towards Dunham Massey. Have a picnic on the canal bank before roaming round the park and saying 'Look! a deer!'

Continue to Altrincham - depending on your route might even be lucky enough to catch sight of a game of croquet. Have a couple of pints and then home.
Nina Webb

I'd like to recommend my two favourite beauty spots in Lancashire - Anglezark, and the Trough of Bowland.

Unfortunately both these lovely areas are quite well frequented, but mainly by walkers, cyclists, horseriders etc, and motorcyclists like myself.

Dunsop Bridge is well worth a visit. It's a lovely village, and is also reputed to be the exact centre of England, according to the village telephone kiosk !
Michael Pierrie

Rivington Barn - outside the main towns and cities of the Northwest and free for all to use. Young or old, rich or poor, able or disabled all can make use of this wonderful area on the door step of the North West.

I love going there at the weekend - people make the area there own doing many activities from walking, cycling, motor cycling and horse riding or just sitting in there cars and watching the world go by and it is all free.

A great mismatch of people all getting on together. The caf茅 both at the lower and upper barn are great with friendly staff. What more do you want for a perfect day out.
Will Higham

I live in central Manchester, and I think the path that runs alongside the Mersey is one of the best spots nearby. It's the only place I've found where at certain points I can neither see a road, hear any traffic, or see a house.

It starts at the back of 'The Galleon' , which I think is a hotel come sports retreat type place situated between the Parrs Wood Complex and Cheadle Village. You can follow the path through the back of Fletcher Moss park in East Didsbury, under Palatine road, under Princess Parkway to Chorlton Water Park.

I believe after that it carries on to sale and becomes part of the trans-Pennine trail...
Kathryn fry

You asked about a perfect day - well, I am a member of the Friends of Clayton Vale and our perfect day is being out on the Vale working together to improve the area.

Clayton Vale is in East Manchester, within five minutes walk of the City of Manchester Stadium and only a couple of miles from the city centre, yet once on the Vale you could easily be out in the countryside.

It is an area of around 100 acres which was reclaimed from landfill, by Manchester City Council, some 30 years ago. Over the years mother nature has turned this area into a beautiful haven for wildlife and the local community...

The Friends carry out clean up and work sessions, host events and lead health walks. The work is hard and the hours are often long but we love every minute...

On Wednesday 7th March we will be out on the Vale for another 聭perfect day聮 reclaiming an overgrown path. We have found several such paths over the years and put them back into use.
Lynn ?

My favourite place has to be Delamere Forest. With stunning views, picturesque sights and plenty of wildlife its a natural haven for me.
Andrew Bell

A favourite place of mine is Furness Abbey in Barrow-in-Furness. It is a beautiful site and so peaceful, set out of the way and surrounded by trees. I used to go there often as a child and even now it still amazes me. I like to walk around and spot the mason's marks on the stones.

By the entrance to the Abbey there is The Abbey Tavern, where you can get good food and drink. It's small, but then not many people tend to go down to the Abbey often so it is quiet.

Right next to the Abbey is a nature trail trough Abbot's Wood. It is lovely in spring when all the bluebells arrive. There is the perfect place for a picnic in there...

Just behind the amphitheatre there is a little known bridge, Bow Bridge. We did an assignment on it at school. The theory is that it is linked to the Abbey in some way, maybe as part of a mill for the monks, but I'm not sure.
Abigail Taylor

My perfect day would be an amalgam of a few past perfect days!
Up all night chatting with my best friend Simon, then a sudden decision at 4am to go and see the sunrise from the Snake Pass... up through Glossop to a random layby. The sun just coming up and just climbing.

Up past a running brook, clambering over rocks to stand and watch the world waking up. Glorious.

成人快手 through Charlesworth and Romiley in time for breakfast (in a perfect world it would be cooked by someone else, but hey... you can't have everything).

Then off to Formby beach with the kids and the dog... who cares if it's raining? Fish and chips on the way home and an early night for the anklesnappers... then its curled up together on the sofa for me and Si with chilled beer, conversation and music.
Beyond perfect.
Lin Denidni

Here are a few places which I think are very nice to visit.
JEFFREY HILL NEAR RIBCHESTER;
BEACON FELL NEAR LONGRIDGE;
HARTSHEAD PIKE NEAR MOSSLEY;
TROUGH OF BOWLAND;
DOWNHAM NEAR CLITHEROE;

PENDLE HILL;
VILLAGE OF NEWCHURCH NEAR SABDEN;
VILLAGE OF ROUGHLEA NEAR PENDLE;
RIBCHESTER VILLAGE AND PARK FOR THE KIDS;
OSWALDTWISTLE MILLS BESIDES THE SHOPS INSIDE IT HAS BLACK SWANS ON THE POND.
Mrs J Byrne

A perfect day out would be a to my wonderful part of Liverpool called Speke... so here goes for a Great Sunday outing:

1st Book into The Marriot Hotel used to be Liverpool airport... Beautiful it is all art deco style

2nd Then across to Damons Restaurant for your breakfast... two mins walk away... Great American Diner which does great breakfast.

3rd Shopping for an hour or two at Speke Retail Park...

4th Visit to Speke Hall which has a great history...They have staff dressed in period costumes... You'll be told the story of John The Childe Of hale...

5th Go to Hale 5mins away in a car.. Great carved statue from a tree of the great man... I think he was seven feet something and walk around the beautiful church & grave yard where you can see he is buried... It's a fascinating story..

6th walk from there to Speke Light house which you can see the Mersey & Runcorn Bridge..(which is great in the evening as it is illuminise & notices with more great facts about our fine city..
7th..Childe of Hale pub for a lovely Lunch ( very reasonably priced & foods great)& bit more history..Good pics on the walls that tell stories..

8th Short distance away 5mins to our great John Lennon Airport..Pop in for a coffee or Shandy & watch the planes land & take off...Just to chill out for a bit... It's very relaxed & the staff are very friendly..
9th Back to hotel for a change of clothes..

10th Short distance to Lark Lane Restaurant called Moranto,... food is outstanding & staff great...Then few beers in the many lovely bars which line the quaint little street...You wouldn't believe such a nice chilled out place it is..

11th... Back to hotel feeling a rather bit worse for wear...

Well that's my great day out & don't knock it till you try it :)
Tracey Morgan

My special places are on the moors, and in the valleys, between Todmorden and Colne, verging on Hebden Bridge, (which is definitely Yorkshire) I have written three books of walks in the area but am now 76 and retired, although I still have an interest in photography...

Blake Dean on October morning, A wonderful spot where two steams meet, well loved by people hereabouts.

The second is the Pack Horse Inn at Widdop, a fine pub about half a mile from Blake Dean and a close to the Pennine Way... All the food is home cooked and is excellent. It does not open on weekday lunchtimes between September and Easter, but does open at lunchtimes at weekends and in the Summer. They have over 100 malt whiskeys behind the bar. The 成人快手 has used it in a drama series some years ago.

Reaps Cross on the moor - this was repaired by people of the hillside to celebrate the millennium It stands 11聭 6聯 tall in the middle of nowhere. In the old days is was designed as an aiming point for pack horses to cross the moor. The area was depopulated following the construction of the Gorple reservoirs.

The third is an old milestone, close to Reaps Cross, inscribed 聯To CLN 6m聰 In fact it is 8 miles to Colne because this milestone pre dated the Act which defined the statute mile in about 1596. I know of three other milestones around Todmorden which pre-date that Act.. We get our word "mile"from the Romans who put a marker every 1000 paces on Roman roads. The Latin for 1000 paces is Mila pacum! Miles were used all over the British Isles, but by the late 16th Century they had become different lengths in different part of the county - hence the need for a statue mile of 1760 yards. The old Lancashire mile was 1.33 statute miles. That is why the distances on the old milestones seem to denote short cuts.
Geoff Boswell

I write to tell you about my best view. I have travelled widely, Norway,Spitzbergen, Western Europe, Egypt, China, the West Indies, South America and New England and always compare the best of their views to the one I love the most.The view from Billinge Hill.

From that vantage the view is that gained from a plane, so steep is the western aspect.

To the North is Blackpool tower and the Cumbrian fells. Due West is Liverpool and the sea behind which are the Welsh mountains.South West is St Helens and Frodsham and the Runcorn Bridge, while South the escarpment of Alderley Edge is easily visible as well as Jodrell Bank.South East is Manchester and industrial Lancashire where much of our wealth was created and,towering behind, the Peak District with Kinder Scout.
Due East nestling in the Douglas Valley is Wigan in front of
Rivington Pike and Winter Hill and to the North East Pendle Hill and Longridge fell.

I have not during my many journeys seen anything to compare with the drama and diversity as seen from Billinge Hill, from the Welsh mountains, the sea, the rich Lancashire plain to the industrial towns framed by the desolate Pennine moors to the East.
There is no place in England or possibly the world where one can appreciate such diversity of landscape and yet be so close to home.
Who says the North West is not beautiful?
Dr Charles Mather

Family breakfast on the patio with the early morning sun slowly lifting over the fence and trees, lighting and warming up the garden.

After breakfast check the greenhouse and other vegetables to see how they are.

Get walking boots and cameras. Head off towards Arley Hall. I聮ve been back to this, place lots of times and never tire of it.

The gardens are like a house with lots of little rooms which have had the ceiling lifted, each with its own personality and d茅cor.

The sumptuously laid out perennial beds that have been recognised as one of the finest in Europe and for all its show, the rich amount of wildlife that is enticed into it as a result.

The arboretum, with some spectacular specimen trees at certain times of the year

The camera will capture the flowers in their glory or insects (many types including lots of butterflies and dragonflies), birds (many), mammals (I聮ve seen foxes) and amphibians (newts in the ponds) making the garden a tremendous wildlife haven tucked away so near to many conurbations.

On a sunny day late in summer, no finer a place, which can always be finished of in the tea rooms.
M. R. Tilling

Places in the North West to get away from it all...

When visiting our daughter on the Wirral and on a fine day there is no place lovelier than Ness Gardens. Additionally the views across the Dee are spectacular.

When in Stockport, where else but Edgeley Park? They are my team, win, draw or lose and the only place to be on a home game Saturday.
Lawrence Cross

My wife and I love the "swan-link" hide at the WWF reserve at Martin Mere. In the winter between November and March it is possible to see and hear the beautiful Whooper swans who have come down from the Arctic for the winter.

The hide overlooks the swan pool where up to 1,200 swans together with wild ducks and geese congregate for food and shelter. The noise is unbelievable and the spectacle is something to be enjoyed especially at feeding time. We can, and have spent hours enjoying this wonderful sight. It is most relaxing.
Hugh & Nina Kingston

I thought what could be better than a walk along the River Weaver in Northwich at about 9.15am when the juniors from Northwich Rowing Club are out training come rain or frost to see them enjoying themselves so early in the morning... plus all the people out on early morning walks with dogs/children. Watch them go past, admiring the dedication.
Tim Preece

Choose a warm spring day with the tide in and start at Thurstaston Country Park, Wirral. Walk along the Wirral Way towards West Kirby, pausing perhaps at cubbins green to sit and admire the views of Hilbre Islands across the Dee.

Then walk round the lake at West Kirby and make your way to slinky byrnes cafe in Banks Road to an outside table. Order the cheese platter - unbelievable value at 拢4.75.if you can finish it and are still able to walk return to Thurstaston along the promenade and then along the beach.

Alternatively walk out to Hilbre Islands across the sands when the tide is low in the morning with a picnic. As the tide comes in, the islands will become surrounded by water and you will be marooned until the tide retreats later in the day for you to walk back. There are seals and bird life to look out for.
Linda Sutton

The Macclesfield Canal tow path is an excellent walk. It is suitable for all ages as, of course, it is level. The varied beautiful views of the rolling Cheshire hills, Lyme Park and the stone mills of Bollington prevent boredom and of course there are the many narrow boats, and ducks to feed on the canal itself...

Can I suggest visiting the Anson Engine Museum and Mining Museum at Adlington... followed by a coffee at the Trading Post on the canal, walking towards Bollington and enjoying the view of Lyme Park with the occasional deer in sight whilst seated in the Lesley Hayes memorial, set in the boundary of Hagg Farm, a popular resting spot for picnicing elderly hikers...

Walking on to The Miners Arms for an excellent lunch of the type forgotten in most pubs and then walking on to Bollington with the many stone buildings and differing sites including the folly known as the White Nancy on a nearby hill...
Stephen Hayes

Our favourite place is a spot called Chetham Close at Bolton. It is so quiet and a nice spot to visit when you want some peace. It can also be followed by a trip to the Strawberry Duck for a nice lunch.
Ian Furness

I have three which are as follows:

1. The circular journey around Buttermere, a four mile lakeside walk which is a scenic joy. Park at Gatesgarth and walk to Buttermere Village along the southern shore for a welcome pint from either of the local hostelries, or a cuppa from the tea rooms, before walking back along the northern shore to Gatesgarth.

Alternatively park at Buttermere and walk along the northern shore to Gatesgarth where there is usually an ice cream van before heading back to Buttermere Village on the opposite side of the lake. The High Stile Ridge dominates the southern shore of the lake with the final resting place of Alfred Wainwright high on Haystacks.

And who cannot savour the majesty of High Crag and Red Pike, and the splendid beauty of the Buttermere Pines as you approach the southern end of the lake. All this beauty within four miles. Magic!

2. Another Lakeland gem, this time in the valley of Little Langdale. Park near the Three Shires Inn at Wilson Place, Take the minor road to Tilberthwaite and shortly go through the gap in the hedge to the right marked to Slater Bridge.

Over a small hill, and down to the old packhorse bridge which crosses the beck which comes out of Little Langdale Tarn. Dabble those toes in the ice cold waters of the beck before heading back to the main road, this time travelling along the footpath on the west side of the hill you recently came over, and past High Birk Howe Farm with fine views of Little Langdale Tarn and Wrynose Fell. No more than a mile in length but bursting with that lovely Lakeland scenery.

3. From Wilson Place, continue along the road towards Wrynose Pass and in just over a mile take the road leading off to the right towards Great Langdale until you eventually come to the car park by Blea Tarn.

A few hundred yards walk brings you to the edge of Blea Tarn with magnificent views towards the Langdale Pikes. Continuing along the road will bring you into Great Langdale and the hostelry at Dungeon Ghyll.

I could give you a whole list of beauty spots, Little Loughrigg Tarn, Elterwater, in fact anywhere in the Lake District, but the three above are my all-time favourites.
Betty Wilson

As a pensioner I use my Bus Pass which is free, and use The Mersey Railway to get to the Harbour at Liverpool and then show my pass to get a ticket to Birkenhead. I then have a lovely trip on the Mersey River and after getting off at Birkenhead go on the Electric Bus, again showing my pass.

I then have lunch in the shopping area,and then after a little shopping make my way back home to Birkdale. I thoroughly enjoy the day out and it doesn't cost very much
Pam Tomlins

Have you ever been to Morecambe and sampled the delights of Lubin's? If not, then you should go and experience a step back in time to the genteel days of tea rooms. Although the decor may be a little shabby the hospitality and service are wonderful led by Trish and her family. Serving light lunches and delicious cakes and pastries it is a treat not to be missed. Seafront Morecambe near the Lifeboat centre - go and see! It is a place we used to go to often when we visited friends who lived in nearby Lancaster - one of our favourite afternoons (or mornings) out.
Pat Powell

I visited Rode Hall in the school holidays with my mum and loved the mug of home made soup. The Snowdrop Walk was exciting and pretty with all the snowdrops out in bloom.

I saw an old boat house; found some pet graves and a secret grotto with slippery steps. The grotto was very very dark. Then we visited the local church opposite where I did a quiz about the church and found out a lot. The church helpers made us a drink and a biscuit and made us really welcome.

I loved this place because I love nature and animals. Thought you would like to hear about it.
Laura Schofield - age 10

You can get the Isle of Man ferry from the docks at Liverpool, at the side of the Liver Building - there are now Seacats and they get there in about one and a half hours... See the Island and if you want come back on the "ferry" about six o'clock at night.

I recommend going in Summer and see the Manx Rail service from Douglas to Ramsey and back visiting Laxey on the return. OR
take the Steam Engine from Douglas to Port Errin. The Manx Rail services trams are about 100 years old and still perform well, as do the Steam Train.

It is a very interesting place to visit - there are items of interest all round, and something that all "Lancastrians" should see in their lifetime...
Graham Bannerman

I would like to recommend the Heversham/Leasgill (LA7) area. From here we can see Yorkshire, Lancashire and Westmorland plus Morecambe Bay and on good days the Irish Sea

There are some of the best views of the Lake District hills from this area. If a three mile radius is taken them there are some stunning estuary and river views. The elevated point from which my photos were taken is within view of the M6 motorway but very lightly visited.
Raymond Pengelly

Do visit Wycoller tucked in a corner of Lancashire just off A6068 east of Colne near Laneshaw Bridge. Ruined Wycoller Hall, reputed to be Ferndean Manor of Bronte fame. 13th Century Bridge also a feature. Bags of atmosphere and serenity here and a super cafe in the centre. Pie and peas and scrummy home made cakes!
Janice Hartley

Travel to Whaley Bridge and park the car in canal basin park.
Walk along canal tow path then cross the canal by footbridge onto tow path of Buxworth arm of canal [dead end]. After a short walk passed row of cottages, arrive at Bugsworth [Buxworth] canal basin.

This has been reconstructed by volunteers. Usually some canal narrow boats parked. Site also of lime kilns which burned minerals brought by narrow gauge railway from a local quarry. Closed down in the 1920's. Small museum open Sat/Sunday. Now all dug out in working order with lovely stone work.

The 'piece de resistance' is the Navigation Inn at the head of the canal & the little hamlet of Buxworth [was Bugsworth, name changed by the vicar in the 1930's] This pub is unspoilt & serves great meals at lunch time & evening. Also does B & B. Outside eating if weather is OK. This pub once belonged to Pat Phoenix.

You can drive all the way to Buxworth [approx 1.75 miles] from Whaley Bridge if you wish [Chinley Road]. It is a great day [or afternoon] out.
Geoff Hall

Trough of Bowland, often by passed on the way to the Lakes.
Many great walks up there. Walked 10 miles up there a week last Sunday. Beautiful day.
Andrew Eaton

Longridge Golf Club and Preston Cycling Club, Longridge Fell, near Preston, a game of golf with the most stunning panoramic views anywhere.and I do mean anywhere... Perched on top of the fell this golf club has a 360 degree vista unrivalled. You can see the Rossendale hills, Ribble valley round to the Welsh mountains and Great Orms Head, even Anglesey on a good day... some evenings in summer when the sun is setting the Isle of Man is visible beyond.

Then pan around Beacon Fell to Parlick Fell and beyond to the Yorkshire hills including Penny Ghent... A hidden gem indeed.
Steve Miller

Though I can't account for the whole day - part of it should start at Longridge and take the drive over Jeffrey Hill for perhaps the most spectacular view in Lancashire. Then down the other side taking the road to Whitewell - you'll find it hard to beat the Inn at Whitewell for lunch, atmosphere and setting on then to Dunsop Bridge taking in the beautiful scenery before taking the road to Lancaster through the amazing Trough of Bowland.
That's my perfect afternoon... onto Morecambe Bay for sunset. Michael Spurrier

My suggestion for the ideal location is a walk along the sea wall between Haverigg and Millom on the west coast of Cumbria.

On one side you have the Irish Sea stretching out in all its splendour, behind you is the looming mass of Black Coombe with the spire of St George's Church and the buildings of Millom nestling against its foothills, in front is the mass of Kirkby Moor with delicate windmills and Walney island reaching out into the sea and to the other side of you is the Duddon Estuary snaking along in between the hills of the Lake District.

Add to all this the heritage around - sea wall built during the time of the mining heyday, Barrow with its Trident building and the Town Hall and Church spires, and an RSPB bird site beside the lagoon inside the sea wall. Add a sunset perhaps (although that really is the icing on the cake) or the sun sparkling on the sea and perhaps a seal sunbathing. Oh and you could ponder on the words of Norman Nicholson's poetry as you stand and gaze.... a Perfect Day!
Liz Piper

I think that the "Bells of Peover" pub should be included in your programme as it is a beautiful little pub in the heart of the Cheshire country side. It has a cobble road leading to its secluded location in Lower Peover.

The pub has a fascinating history, it dates back to the 13th Century. Its name refers to the family (the Bells) who changed the pub's name. During the second world war Eisenhower and Patten were stationed nearby and used to hold strategy meeting in the bar here, which is why they fly the stars and stripes along side the Union Jack. The side of the pub leading to its entrance is covered in a huge wisteria which is in bloom in the warmer months.
Alex Keenan

Ulverston is the gem of the North West - here is my poem about this delightful market town:

Ulverston

A market town, friendly and warm,
Blessed by distant mountain scenery,
Seashore, bay, canal and monument
Surrounded by fields and woodland greenery.

On market day the band will play
Tunes old and new for one and all.
Shoppers from villages near and far
Buy goods from stalls and the market hall.

The Cumbrian Way leads from the Gill
Along a path and bridging a brook.
Trekkers togged in boots and anoraks
Follow Harvey map and Cicerone guidebook.

Take the Gill Banks path for a pleasant walk By tumbling brook and broad-leaf trees.
See wild flowers growing by sparkling water, Listen to birdsong, feel the whispering breeze.

Visit the Hoad 聴 it聮s an uphill trek
Along various paths 聴 just make your choice.
When you reach the monument stay for a while, The view is magnificent 聴 your heart will rejoice!

Midst ivied tombs and forbidding trees
The Parish Church stands aloof from the throng.
Stained glass, choir, organ, tell the ancient story And bells ring out their welcoming song.

By war memorial, under dark November clouds, People come to honour the dead, as best they can With wreaths of red poppies 聴 symbolic of the suffering Of man聮s grievous inhumanity to man.

The Railway Station with tall clock tower Stands just as it did in days of old.
Building embellishments and fancy iron structures Picked out in bright colours of red, green and gold.

Go by the Chippy Bank to the unusual museum Where Laurel and Hardy are worshipped by fans.
The Sons of the Desert can be seen there daily On mugs, posters and bric-a-brac, and films out of cans.

Hear the Town Crier as she tolls the brass bell Loudly telling of what聮s on in the town:
Coronation Hall 聴 Art exhibition, drama and dances, Church coffee morning with tombola and clown.

Festivals abound throughout the year 聴
Walkers, words, music, beer, banners and flags.
Folklore with singers, street music and dancing Magicians and comedians telling old gags.

Dickensian Weekend at the end of November 聴 Ladies in finery, sweeps in old rags.
Music and carols, roundabouts, chestnuts, Mulled wine, fancy stalls set on cobbles and flags.

Carnival day and the town is packed full Of locals and visitors, and child dancing troupes.
Floats, gaily decorated in colourful themes Parade with the pipers and marching band groups.

In late September聴 it聮s usually raining 聴 The Charter weeks end with lantern procession.
Sculptured canes and white paper (lit candles within) Paraded with music, causing traffic congestion.

At civic events and festive occasions
Join with the throng and let all-comers rejoice.
Firework displays end all great celebrations With sighs of pleasure and joyful voice.

Gladys Hobson

My favourite place is Downham, Lancashire, it's totally unspoilt and very picturesque.
Pete Johnson

If you want to get away from it all 聳 and have a wonderful meal into the bargain 聳 then you should go to the Fisherman聮s Retreat.

This fantastic place is just outside Ramsbottom, up in the hills. There are lovely views over to Holcombe Hill, a chance to fish for trout and walks. Children are very welcome so it is an ideal place for a family outing.
Barbara Peareson

I thought that I would drop you a line to say that, my Perfect Day Out would be a cycle ride through the beautiful Forest of Bowland and lunch at the cafe in Scorton.
Gary