WE parked at Low Mill and walked along the River Dove. No doubt the daffodils would have been stunning had we been there a few weeks earlier. Now past their best, there were other things to catch our attention.

A well-defined path, suitable for wheelchairs for most of the way, eventually reaches Daffy's at High Mill. "Use the back door" said the notice.

Following instructions we came to the garden with picnic tables. The kitchen entrance acted as both servery and the way to an inside room.

It was just warm enough to sit outside, but to be on the safe side Ann ordered vegetable soup with a large buttered bap (£1.50). This should certainly have satisfied most hungry hikers. Half the bap migrated my way!

I chose a special bacon bap (egg or sausage as alternatives) with tea for £2. The bap was delivered to our table with the bacon still sizzling from the pan. It was accompanied by sachets of tomato and brown sauce. The teapot yielded enough for two large mugs.

There was a range of home-made cakes on offer. As usual, we shared our selection, a piece of apricot and almond sponge (80p) and a square of Genoa cake (£1) which was full of fruit.

We noticed other walkers (even bikers) tucking into baps, sandwiches, beans on toast, scones and teacakes so there was no lack of variety, most of which also attracted a flock of cheeky chaffinches!

There was a children's play area and ice cream was on sale. Home-made jam and organic eggs could also be obtained.

The caf opens from 11am to 5pm daily in March and April; from May to September it is closed on Wednesdays. It presents a welcome resting spot before setting off for the 40-minute stroll back to the car.

Updated: 09:06 Saturday, May 04, 2002