EATING IN & AROUND SKIPTON

Before leaving our trip to Yorkshire, I thought it might be helpful to list some of the excellent eateries that we found while there.

Just 5 minutes walk from "Drumlins", on the main A59 Kendal to Skipton road, is the Cross Keys Hotel. Good pub food, though not the cheapest in the world, and pleasant surroundings.

In Skipton itself, you will find the excellent, award-winning Fish & Chip Restaurant, Bizzie Lizzies. Address: Bizzie Lizzies, 36 Swadford Street, Skipton, North Yorkshire, BD23 1QY. Further details here .

Also in Skipton is Herriots - Herriots Hotel,Broughton Road, Skipton, North Yorkshire BD23 1RT. The restaurant here is open to non-residents and is excellent. Try the pasta specials - absolutely mouth-watering and very reasonably priced!

A little further afield, but very worth the trip, is The Clover 19/21 Wellgate, Clitheroe, Lancashire. BB7 2DP. Fantastic Cantonese food, first-class service, affordable prices - 'nuff said!

YORKSHIRE DALES

I'm going to start with our most recent short break, walking in the Yorkshire Dales. As Skipton is known as "The Gateway to the Dales", we searched the internet for somewhere in that area. We came up with "Drumlins" at East Marton, about 5 miles out from Skipton.

This is a beautiful bungalow in a quiet cul-de-sac just off the main A59, Kendal to Skipton road. "Drumlins" has an en-suite bedroom with a king-size bed (which must be the most comfortable bed we have ever slept in!) and shower and a twin-bedded room with private bathroom and shower.

Judith Moran, the owner, is a lovely person and nothing is too much trouble for her. Breakfast is a sumptious and relaxed affair.

Full details can be found here . Multimap directions can be obtained here .

Highly recommended. Enjoy your stay!