Answers

Sleepless is absolutely right re hot and cold to flush out lactic acid. It's not that bad and it really does work. Obviously it's easier at a spa but it can be done whilst showering. After the hot put the cold on your feet first and then work it up your legs to the thighs. It sounds dreadful but it really does work. Repeat the cycle a few times - honestly you soon get used to it !

It sounds mental but apparently beer is a good recovery drink after excercise.  Check out the link below from runners world:

http://www.runnersworld.co.uk/news/article.asp?uan=3390

Good for the legs but bad for liver...if you have too much of course!!

I usually get aching feet when I get long walks from a long absence of not doing so

The simplest form of remedy I can give is probably soaking your feet in some bath salts and keeping them in higher elevation when you go to bed,

Whilst the argument for cold is true, most of us feel the need for warmth, the hot bath is fine but one should add a lot of salt to that bath.  It helps teh muscles relax, alternatively some nice lazy swimming in the sea (both cold and salt)

then add alcohol of choice

About 12 pint's usually does the trick. I forget all about the aches after about that many, then in the morning it's only my head that hurts.