Holidays & Travel

with Al Hidden

Delightful Derbyshire

Many years ago, I nearly moved to Derbyshire with work. Fortunately – as it happens, a bullet well dodged – the move didn’t happen. However, while researching possible places to live, I was struck by the stunning landscapes between Ashbourne and the market town of Buxton. Excellent walks close to town

Several decades later, it was a pleasure to spend a few days in Buxton, an easy drive up the M5, M6 and A53 from Gloucestershire. Not only is the town great for a Peak District ‘city break’, but it’s also perfect for exploring on foot, on two wheels or by car.

There’s loads of choice within a short drive – or without driving if you choose the lovely Ring of Trees walk (10 miles) or explore Combs Moss’s moderately challenging circumnavigation. Whatever you do, always take suitable equipment and follow good hill-walking practice, including bringing suitable maps. All walks mentioned are on OS Explorer OL24.

On a day of less clement weather, the circular Ring of Trees through Buxton’s ‘urban’ woodlands made a great introduction to this northern spa town and its environs. We started at Poole’s Cavern Visitor Centre and headed clockwise via Shay Woods and Corbar Woods before finishing the day with a picnic and breathtaking views from Solomon’s Temple atop Grin Low Hill.

From our centrally located Airbnb apartment, all the town’s renowned highlights were nearby, including its Pavilion Gardens, impressive Devonshire Dome, famous opera house and tempting teashops. Leaving town, excursion potential ranges from highbrow Chatsworth House to wider exploration of landscapes such as Curbar Edge.

Gridstone crags and adders

Our week’s highlight was undoubtedly the 10 mile (16 km) circular walk on the craggy escarpments of Curbar Edge and White Edge, half an hour east of Buxton. The company was congenial and Mother Nature arranged great weather – plus a basking adder and swooping curlew – to accompany the awe-inspiring 360-degree panoramas. In autumn, I’m told, rutting stags are a regular sight – and sound – on the walk. Afterwards, on most Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, you can enjoy delicious home-baked goodies at Jolly’s Coffee & Cake in Clodhall Lane car park. For various reasons, I’m glad I didn’t move to Derbyshire. Avoiding relocation back then only made our recent trip even more special. It’s not just Sarah’s amazing sausage rolls, chocolate brownies and vintage Citroën catering van that come highly recommended when you visit Derbyshire! The Local Answer To advertise call 01242 510500 Page 19

Senior promotions strengthen team

Cheltenham-based specialist business lawyers Sherbornes Solicitors have announced the promotion of two longstanding employees – Trula Brunsdon and Matt Lennon will now form part of the firm’s senior management team.

Trula and Matt have been with the company for 10 and 6 years respectively and will work alongside existing Directors, Darren Sherborne and Simon Birks. ‘No-nonsense, practical legal advice’

Darren, who founded the business 11 years ago, commented: “I have always been a firm believer in promoting from within. I’m delighted to announce these promotions which are very well deserved and will put the business in an extremely strong position going forward. The reputation that both Trula and Matt have developed over the last few years in providing no-nonsense, practical legal advice to our clients has made it an easy decision to bring their skills into the management of the firm.”

Trula specialises in employment law and has built up a wealth of experience advising both employers and employees across numerous sectors. This has proved invaluable in understanding both sides of the employment law fence and helping secure the best outcomes for her clients. She said: “I’m absolutely delighted with this news. I love working with the team and am excited about the future – we’ve grown strongly in recent years and have ambitious plans.”

Matt advises companies across a number of industry sectors on corporate law matters with a particular focus on business sales and purchases – several of these being some of Gloucestershire’s largest companies. He commented: “We’ve grown organically, often through referrals and recommendation, and as our clients have won new business. We are very proud of what we have already achieved and plan to build on this success further”.

These significant promotions mark an exciting stage in the development of Sherbornes. Simon said: “I’m confident this decision to promote two valued and respected lawyers will help ensure we continue to go from strength to strength as a firm as clients continue to receive the quality level of support and advice they expect from us.”

From left: Simon Birks, Trula Brunsdon, Matt Lennon and Darren Sherborne.

SHERBORNES

THE FIRM THAT SOLICITORS GO TO FOR EMPLOYMENT LAW ADVICE