Barely 500m down from the Sticks, a public footpath crosses the lane. To the left it climbs up through the fields and along the path over Marshes Hill to the common, to the right it passes through the yard of Lion's Paw farm, over the styles, along side the farm buildings, through a meadow I always think might be, with only a little imagination, alpine, and down into the woods. 

With a dog and so many footpaths within a few hundred metres of our gate it is not surprising that one of our many activities is walking. After years spent running and concentrating more on the effort than on my surroundings, walking is an eye opener. I have spotted things I have run past many times but never seen. At a slower, even if often brisk pace, there is time to notice the flora and fauna, the changing seasons and the colours and textures of nature.

North Staffordshire is not the first place you'd think of as a major tourist area, but it is. If you haven't visited, you really should. From the Peak District to the Potteries, from Alton Towers to Trentham Gardens, indoor entertainment and outdoor adventure, there is something for everyone. 

For most of its history, Ladymoor Gate was in the parish of Horton, in the district of Blackwood and Crowborough - but that was before the borders changed.

We are close to a number of borders. Never live near a border. If our experience is anything to go by you will get all sorts of problems, even registering the death of a loved one.

Our official address is Marshes Hill, Brown Edge. Marshes Hill, a local nature reserve is a site of biological interest. It is the only remaining part of the old healthland that was once common in the area before agriculture and cultivation. It is also a good vantage point for enjoying the panoramic views.