It feels as if summer may be coming to an end and the weather is a bit more autumnal.  In the Peak District things quieten down a bit and Autumn can be a lovely time to come and visit for a short break or longer if you are lucky to have the time.

One of our favourite things to do in the Peak District in the Autumn is to visit The Monsal Trail.  This is a traffic free stretch of former railway line running from Bakewell to outside of Buxton.  

There's a great bike hire option at Hassop Station, with electric bikes too, as well as a cafe, book and gift shop and plenty of parking.  If you start from here we suggest heading in the direction towards Buxton and you can cycle through several railway tunnels and stop at the Monsal Head Viaduct to enjoy stunning views (see the picture above).  A refreshment pit stop is also available at The Stable Bar at the top of the Monsal Head, but it is a steep walk up, so note with bicycles it could be tricky.  

If you happen to be staying with us at Riverside House holiday cottage, The Monsal Trail is only a short walk across the river Wye at the back of the cottage and up a small slope to access the Trail.  If you are feeling fit and energetic walk all the way to Hassop Station, or even Bakewell and back.  Allow a few hours and extra time to wander around Bakewell.  Or simply enjoy a stroll in either direction from Riverside House holiday cottage to take in the industrial heritage such as lime kilns, railway tunnels and some stunning vistas.  

The Monsal Trail is ideal for dog friendly walks as it is traffic free and in the Autumn there are less cyclists and walkers on the Trail.  If you pick the right time early in the morning or later in the day it can almost feel as if you have the place to yourself.  

We have some limited availability this Autumn at Riverside House holiday cottage so if you want to take a short break and enjoy The Monsal Trail why not get in touch?  Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  

Running a holiday cottage business is great fun, especially when you get to stay in your own holiday cottages and enjoy the walks, scenery and relaxing in front of the log fire.

However, sometimes there are plenty of jobs to be done and last week was no exception.  We stayed at Riverside House holiday cottage for a week and certainly got a lot ticked off.

Here's some of tasks we acheived:

• Annual boiler service
• Annual chimney sweep
• Fixing some snooker cues and table football in the games room
• Getting a brand new TV, free sat box and satellite dish for the games room
• Meeting up with lovely new caterers and sampling their food
• Meeting Sauced Here a local delivery company where food and provisions are from the Peak District
• Getting the oven cleaned and given a once over
• Having a new mattress delivered for the downstairs double bedroom
• Replacing some older pillows with new ones
• Giving the utility room and washing machine a spring clean
• Replacing an extractor fan in the ensuite bathroom

It's very satisfying to know that Riverside House is ship shape and ready for the Christmas and New Year guests.  We stay in our holiday cottages on a regular basis and this is one of the things that makes us different from other holiday cottage owners.  We know how many mugs, glasses, knives, forks are in the kitchen; we know if a light bulb needs replacing or if a door knob is loose.  We know if the pillows and mattresses are comfy and how warm the house feels on a winters day.  We experience our holiday cottages in the same way as our guests do, and we wouldn't want it any other way.

If you are looking for a short break or longer holiday cottage stay in 2018 do get in touch and book direct with owners who know their holiday cottages inside and out!

Contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

SAVE £100 on this late short break deal at Riverside House holiday cottage in the Peak District, Derbyshire. NOW £689 for nine guests plus two on sofa bed and a cot.  Availability from 14 or 15 December 2017 for up to four nights.  

The price includes all bed linen, towels, heating and an unlimited free supply of logs for the log burner.  

We are dog and pet friendly too!

Some of the features of Riverside House holiday cottage include

• Games room with pool, air hockey, table football
• Sky Sports and Movies in HD
• BT Sports in HD
• Large surround TV
• Log fire and unlimited free logs
• Huge lounge with plenty of space
• Three bathrooms
• Downstairs bedroom and shower room with wc
• Wi-fi included
• Off-street parking for up to four cars
• Child friendly
• Dog and pet friendly
• Walks from the door including traffic free Monsal Trail
• Lovely local pub only one mile

For more information about this special offer or for our short breaks availability for 2018 contact: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

The Merchant's Yard is a family owned restaurant in Tideswell in the Peak District.  Ideally located for visitors of Riverside House holiday cottage, we highly recommend checking out this great place for a family lunch, dinner or special occasion meal.  

Located in the High Street in the stone Markovitz Courtyard building that in 1935 originally housed a builder's merchant, the Merchant's Yard opened in 2015.  It specialises in dishes using fresh seasonal produce from local suppliers, making as much in-house as possible; from the home-smoking of the salmon and bacon, to the hand-crafted petit fours that accompany each tea or coffee served. 

Head Chef Carl's menu offers something for everyone.  From classic steaks, burgers with a twist and pizzas fired in the wood-buring oven, to the a la carte selection that includes dishes like the beef shin and lemon thyme corquette, a platter of lamb for two and the Derbyshire Trout.  Puddings range from the classic to the quirky, with past dishes such as the chocolate cigar and a 'chocolate garden' (complete with 'snail')!  Sharing platters like 'The Picnic' (served on a miniature picnic bench!), their classic afternoon tea and Sunday Roasts that come to carve at the table piled high with giant Yorkshire puddings and all the trimmings are also not to be missed!

Bar Manager Peter, who hails from London's Shoreditch, and his team love the opportunity to show off their passion and expertise with the carefully crafted drinks menu.  A wide selection of wines with a cocktail menu offer options before, during and after a meal, or just for a drink in the sunshine outside the courtyard!

There is a private function room that can seat between 16 and 24 so this would be ideal for our holiday cottage guests at Riverside House. The Merchant's Yard is child friendly, lunch and evening menus are available along with a variety of special offers including two course for £14.95 and two for one on slected cocktails on Wednesdays and Thursday. 

Visit www.themerchantsyard.com for more information or call 01298 872442.