Gammon Walk is a situated between the western end of High Street and Tuly Street in Barnstaple. It is a delightful covered shopping area which retains that outdoor feel while keeping you sheltered from the elements. Don't forget to glance upwards as you enter the lane to admire the signage overhead.

The lane has a light and airy feel and hosts a variety of shops, from those concerned with hair, health and beauty to shops selling gifts and light refreshments. I use Specsavers and have always had a good experience with their service. Best of all, for those with busy schedules, they even have evening appointments too. Golds hair salon was established in 2000 and caters for men, women and children. Here you can refresh your image and get an up-to-the-minute style, or be confident in the fact that the expert stylists will help you retain the look that you love. And if you're not happy ....... Golds actively encourage you to let them know and they will do their best to put things right.

The Frame Warehouse in Gammon Walk offers a variety of ready-framed prints for sale, as well as being able to frame your own pictures, tapestries or certificates with a moulding of your choice. And if you want to make up your mind later, there is an on line order facility where you can purchase selected items either framed or unframed. Next door in Gammon Walk's own Health Food Store, the aromas that greet you as you enter are many and varied. Whether it's the ready-to-eat vegetarian food waiting to be devoured or the herbs and spices I don't think you can decipher, nevertheless it's a great place to browse around for your health and dietary requirements.

I'm not particularly a keen photographer, but friends tell me that J & A Cameras is the place to go for all your photographic equipment. They're an independent retailer with just 3 shops in the South West and sell all the leading brands. Not only that, if like me photography isn't your forte, then they now offer a Wedding, Portrait and Commercial Photography service.

The shop I particularly love to browse around is Bazaar. This is an independent gift shop with some quirky products for sale. Every inch of space is used to display goods suitable for both the home and for gifts. There are some beautifully crafted pieces and something to suit most people's pockets. The staff are friendly and helpful and it's a rare day that I don't find something to buy - whether I intended to or not!

And don't forget that shoppers need to be fed. Side-by-side are Carvery Express and Warrens Bakery. Both will provide you with a warm snack at a reasonable price which you can then take down to the library square or onto Castle Green to eat at your leisure.

You might just be passing down through Gammon Walk on your way from High Street to the Tuly Street car park, or be visiting the Library or Castle Green, but I suggest you take a little extra time and look inside one or two of these Barnstaple shops on your way through. I'm sure you won't be disappointed.