I love having a day out in Hereford, and since the increase in parking charges a year or so ago, I now park near to the leisure centre and walk up to town via the Left Bank where I stop for morning coffee in the delicatessen and treat myself to one of their delicious pastries.

I leave by the back entrance and make my way up toward the cathedral through a narrow lane with pretty gardens which are always a joy.

I often stroll through the cathedral and have visited the Chain Library and Mappa Mundi - a must if I have visitors with me.

Then I head for Church Lane which is full of very interesting little shops. The superb music shop has such a good range and I always find what I am looking for in there.

The map shop too has an extensive range of books and maps for the would-be traveller. Unusual plants can always be purchased at the health food shop.

Nearby there are a few very interesting clothes shops especially if you like something different.

The cheese shop is a new addition and is proving most successful.

Another favourite is the craft shop - here you can find all that is needed for your hobby. Down a little lane is the vegetarian cafe, where I have often lunched.

For smokers, there is a most interesting tobacco shop - surely one of the last in this field.

Before leaving Church Lane there is a delightful pottery shop full of bright ideas.

Away from the lane in the main shopping thoroughfare there is an excellent range of shops for clothes, shoes, books etc. In one of the churches there is a splendid cafe and often interesting exhibitions are held there.

When I have my grandchildren with me a special treat is the fun fair and before going home an ice cream at the Left Bank and a play around in the park by the leisure centre.