The Sheffield and Chesterfield to Derby Roads - South Yorkshire Yesterday (Glimpses of the Past) - The Peak District Cafe and Tea Room Guide - The Peak District Pub Guide - Historic Walks in Derbyshire - Map and Compass - Forest Walks Guide - Peak District and Central England

Many readers will be familiar with Howard Smith and his excellent books on Turnpike Trails. His latest publication covers The Sheffield and Chesterfield to Derby Roads . This is a fascinating history book, starting with the Roman route, then following the later development of turnpikes along the route. There are sections on road making, coaching and coaching inns, suggested walks on parts of the route, details on carriers and the decline of Turnpikes. The book is amply illustrated with old and new photographs, drawings by Mike James and maps by Tony Smith. This is a must for anyone interested in local history or history in general. The book is available direct from the author himself on 0114 258 8054 price £9.95 or from Greens shop on Causeway Head Road, Dore. ISBN 0-9521541-5-3

Listeners to BBC Radio Sheffield will be familiar with Melvyn Jones and his regular local history spot. His new book South Yorkshire Yesterday - Glimpses of the Past develops and records much of his research to create a rich 170 page miscellany of the region's economic, social and cultural history. There are 18 chapters ranging from our Viking ancestors to striking miners, from mythical Ivanhoe to Victorian migrants along with Sheffield in the 16th and 17th centuries and old calendar customs. Amply illustrated with old photographs, drawings and maps there is something here for everyone interested in our past. Dalesman Publishing, price £11.95 ISBN 1-85825-187-7

With longer spring days in prospect, it is time to think about getting back out into the Derbyshire countryside. There are plenty of places to go and things to do, and while you are out, why not stop off somewhere for lunch or a refreshing tea break.

The Peak District Cafe and Tea Room Guide contains details of some 74 establishments, carefully researched by author Andrew McCloy. Along with location, telephone number and opening times, each cafe has a brief general description plus a note on the range of food and drinks it serves. Venues vary from the famous Pudding shop in Bakewell to less well known locations in railway stations, book shops and even a motorcycle showroom. Sketches and pictures illustrate many of the places and there are extra snippets on such things as coffee and speciality tea choices. This competitively priced, refreshing and compact guide, is published by Johnson Publishing price £3.95 ISBN 0-9542574-1-3 (or direct from the publisher on 01623 645471 for £4.50 incl p&p)

It is often difficult nowadays to draw a clear distinction between pub and restaurant, as the former offer increasingly wide and ambitious menus. But there are still plenty of pubs in the Peak District, catering for all manner of customers and needs. The Peak District Pub Guide , now in its first reprint, details over 200 pubs listed by location within four geographical divisions of the Peak District. This best seller provides key information for each pub covering beers, food, accommodation and opening times. There is also a general description of each pub, and the guide is illustrated with occasional line drawings, pictures, and maps. Interesting snippets such as What's in a pub name and details of Peak Breweries add to the overall interest. This indispensable guide for local or tourist is published by Johnson Publishing price £4.99 ISBN 0-9542574-0-5 (or direct from the publisher on 01623 645471 for £5.50 incl p&p)

Cicerone continues to publish new editions to its excellent range of guides for walkers, covering the UK and many locations overseas. Historic Walks in Derbyshire brings together in its 288 pages some sixty circular walks of 2 1/2 to 9 1/2 miles, specially selected for their historical interest and suitable for all the family. Key information on routes, terrain and starting points are provided for each walk along with a full colour OS map extract. All are illustrated with photographs taken by the author, showing some of the most interesting places visited on route. There is an overall location map and a useful introduction to the geology, history and customs of the area. I can think of no better handy sized way of being introduced to, and exploring, the history of Derbyshire. Published by Cicerone Price £ 12 ISBN 1-85284-353-5

Getting away from the crowds, inventing your own routes, discovering new areas, and gaining the confidence to do these things yourself, are all part of making the outdoor walking experience more enjoyable. A new 160 page guide Map and Compass - the art of navigation, aims to give you the skills and incentive to do this. Author Pete Hawkins has some twenty years of experience of teaching navigation and puts this across in a humorous and accessible style. The books fifeteen chapters range from why we need to be able to navigate, through how to use the equipment, including satellite guidance (GPS), to what needs to be considered when planning a walk. OS map extracts and photographs are used throughout. In short everything you need to learn how to plan and enjoy hill walking in safety. Published by Cicerone Price £12. ISBN 1-85284-394-2

Extensive forest woodland provides opportunity and fascination for both walkers and nature lovers. The National Forest project is now 10 years old, involving the planting of 30 million trees on 200 square miles of farmland and reclaimed coalfield near Birmingham. Already some 350 km of trails have been built, and you can enjoy these in the form of 15 walks detailed in a Forest Walks Guide . Ranging from 3 to 22 miles, the walks pass through new and existing woodlands or sites of interest in The National Forest. Held in a useful ring binder so that guides can be carried separately, each walk details the route with map and points of interest. To obtain a copy send £5 made payable to the National Forest Company, to Enterprise Glade, Bath Lane, Moira, Swadlincote, Derbyshire, DE12 6BD.

The Woodland Trust is active in saving and preserving some of the best woodland in the country. They have recently produced a series of five Exploring Woodland guides in association with Collins publishers. Our local guide Peak District and Central England describes a good number of easily accessible and beautiful woodland sites both privately and publicly owned. Overall guide maps allow each site to be easily located, and there are descriptions of history and wildlife that you might encounter. Well presented, with colour photographs taken in many of the woods, this is a guide to make you want to explore. To order a copy price £4.99 call FREEPHONE 0800 056 0643.

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