A beguiling name for a delightful area which takes its place alongside Herriot Country, Tarka Country and the Darling Buds of May Country to name but a few.

It is appreciated that the use of ‘Country’ is a marketing gimmick but it is one that has paid off, not only in the form of increased revenues for the areas concerned but also in dispersing some tourists from the usual honeypots of London, Bath, Stratford and Edinburgh into the real countryside of Britain.

And it is in this context that Summer Wine Country excels. With Holmfirth as its base it introduces us to an area that is glorious, unspoilt and sparsely populated.

There are several ways of getting there from the Fylde. On this occasion our route is via Halifax and Huddersfield. Catch the 07.29 from Blackpool South and book a Supersaver return to Halifax, via Burnley Manchester Road. (Do not travel on any Friday or on Saturdays in July or August). Those travelling from Blackpool North catch the 07.47 Scarborough train, which those from South board at 08.12 at Preston.

You arrive in Halifax at 09.25 and walk through the town centre to the bus station. Bus number X36 leaves at 10.00 and arrives in Huddersfield bus station at 10.25. Senior Citizens with Fylde bus passes can travel at the flat rate fare of 20p between 09.30 and 15.00.

Depart Huddersfield at 10.40 on service 310 and reach Holmfirth at 11.05. First call should be to the tourist information centre to pick up a copy of the Visitor’s Guide packed with useful information and a street map.

Do combine your immersion in the world of Nora Batty and Sid’s Cafe with an amble, slightly uphill, along the upper road, Upthong Lane (towards Holme), where you may discover a ‘secret’ memorial garden on the left - an ideal spot for that picnic lunch.

Leave Holmfirth on bus 310 at 13.34 arriving back in Huddersfield at 14.04. The return bus, service 502/503, departs at 14.10 and reaches Halifax at 14.45.

On your walk back to the railway station do have a look at the Piece Hall - one of the most fascinating buildings in Britain which is only five minutes walk from the railway station.

Your return train leaves Halifax at 15.50. It arrives in Preston at 16.56, and in Blackpool North at 17.24. For those returning to South your train leaves Preston at 17.24.

As ever Don, yet another ‘little gem’. (Ed)