Autumn Breaks Independent (self-guided) walking holidays South West England
Autumn Walking Breaks Autumn, from September to November, explore the countryside in all its earthy, atmospheric glory on a Foot Trail. From harvest, a time of plenty, to the fading sun and the first frost. Autumn is a magical time that stretches for longer than most of us would believe. Read on for perfect short breaks (longer holidays too!) to enjoy the most of this colourful season. To book your autumn break, just get in touch with your preferred dates and we will do the rest.
Contents To Autumn (poem) About us Where you stay (accommodation) About Self-guided walking Break – Duo of Shires Break – Cotswolds Journey Break – Somerset Knights Break – Dorset Smuggle (Coast) Bookings Guest Testimonials
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To Autumn From harvest and a time of plenty to the fading sun and the first frosts, autumn is a magical time To Autumn by John Keats Season of mists and mellow fruitfulness, Close bosom-friend of the maturing sun; Conspiring with him how to load and bless With fruit the vines that round the thatch-eves run; To bend with apples the moss’d cottage-trees, And fill all fruit with ripeness to the core; To swell the gourd, and plump the hazel shells With a sweet kernel; to set budding more, And still more, later flowers for the bees, Until they think warm days will never cease, For Summer has o’er-brimm’d their clammy cells.
Simple, Handcrafted, Authentic These three words sum up our Foot Trails and the experience we wish to give you.
Simple – Life is hectic enough. We like to make things simple for you. We will learn your wishes and work with you to create a trip that suits your needs and experience. Where can you eat? Park? Need an airport transfer? No problem. We'll take care of the nitty gritty so you can focus on creating long lasting memories.
Handcrafted – It takes years and tremendous knowledge to learn how to craft something properly. Something lasting. This is our passion and everything about your Foot Trail is deliberate, organised, chosen with care and intent, for you.
Authentic – To discover what's real, honest and authentic about rural England we have to get you off the beaten track. We work with local people who share this ethos. We use our expertise in local places to guide your choice of itinerary, trail, walking route and location.
Where you stay personally chosen Every one of Foot Trails choice of country inns and accommodation is unique, characterful and charming, and personally chosen by our founder Alison. Expect a warm country welcome. Often centuries old, each building provides a historical setting with modern comforts in which you can relax, eat and then sleep at the end of your day on the trail. Our guests love the peaceful locations and the opportunity to support our great country pubs by enjoying a pint of real ale or glass of wine at the bar before dinner. You will receive full details and website addresses of our suggested accommodation with your itinerary when we confirm availability of your trip.
“The inns were charming and quaint – just what we envisioned.” Trip Advisor May 2019
“Every inn was amazing and the food was excellent – breakfasts and dinners.” Trip Advisor June 2019
When is Autumn? Many of us think of autumn as the two weeks when the autumn colour in the leaves and trees is at its peak. This short period (later than most imagine, in early November) is one small part of the story of autumn. Autumn as a season begins long before this short few weeks and every stage offers you something beautiful to see, experience and enjoy. Autumn begins with the last of the harvests in mid September and continues through the fading sun and onto the first frosts. A time for maturity in nature and preparation for the winter sleep it is a great time for us humans to take a rest and prepare for winter. Weekends are hugely popular all year round. Please plan and book in advance to avoid being disappointed. If you travel mid week you'll enjoy greater availability and lower prices.
Experience autumn.. There is something to see and experience all through the autumn. In the hedgerows blackberries, rose-hips and hawthorn berries can be spotted. The plants having flowered earlier in the year now bear fruit. And in woodlands the mysterious and curious fungi begin to appear in all sorts of wonderful shapes. And many with equally wonderful names! The trees of cause are well known for their autumn displays. They start early with a gradual changing in colour as chlorophyll in their leaves falls and it's enjoyable looking out for the reds, rusts, oranges and yellows which grace the woodland canopy. You'll receive a nature guide in your Walk and Explore box to help you identify autumn nature.
Self-guided (independent) walking Self guided - you walk independently but benefit from the expert planning, pre and mid trip support and specialist materials we provide at Foot Trails. Our local know-how, earned out on the trails themselves, means you can walk with confidence, and relax and enjoy your adventure, knowing you are exploring the best of the area which we have mapped. We have thought through each aspect of your day including where you can have lunch and taken care of these details for you. This brochure features a choice of ideal breaks & trips for autumn. These amazing little adventures give you a real sense of autumn, journey and rural life, enjoying stories and histories on the way. If you would like to stay for longer, our full range of trips are also available. Read on and find your perfect autumn break.
A Mini Inn to Inn Trail “Duo of Shires” Style? Inn to inn (village to village) Where? Wiltshire & Dorset Duration? 3 nights Miles? 30 miles / 48 km Trail overview Your trail starts in the river valleys to the west of Salisbury. It has a distinctly medieval feel, you can just sense the history. Here all is lush and watery, the white creamy stone of the cottages blends perfectly in the landscape. There’s a 14th century castle to explore, charming villages and a wealth of history. Your trail then leads up onto the chalk downs of the Cranborne Chase. Such a contrast to where you have been exploring. The Cranborne Chase is one of England’s ‘areas of outstanding natural beauty’, idyllic countryside, beautiful and peaceful. Your daily itinerary Day 1 - Arrive, Explore and Relax Arrive today, it's an easy journey. Then then take time for an afternoon walk, enjoy some fresh air, and discover the village around you. Return to the inn for dinner (not included) and enjoy looking over your itinerary and box at the days coming adventures. Day 2 - Out on the Chase! (Luggage transfer included) The Chalk downs provide some sensational walking. You are surrounded by sweeping views and curving downs where the sheep graze.
You will pass through a string of medieval villages, picturesque with their flint cottages and fascinating stories. High on the chase, a former hunting ground of King John, once notorious for smugglers and poachers you can enjoy the far reaching views across Wiltshire & Dorset. Day 3 - Circling Dorset (Luggage transfer included) This is a great little ramble for exploring so much, pretty little villages, grand estates of Lords, before arriving at Knowlton with its ancient rings and ruined church. It's an evocative site, the church desolate and standing alone in the landscape. Then there's the legends to discover too! You will arrive at your next inn on foot, time to check in and enjoy the change of scene. Day 4 - Depart at your leisure At the end of your Foot Trail it's time for your onward travel, full of memories and tales of your adventures. If you would like a walk today we can include one for you. Price & trail detail Start day: Tuesday Daily miles: 6 – 11 (or 8) – 13 – depart Grade: Moderate, some ascents & descents Arrival train: Tisbury, Wiltshire September – standard - £495 p/p // superior - £575 p/p October – standard - £470 p/p // superior - £546 p/p November – standard - £445 p/p // superior - £517 p/p Prices based on two persons sharing a bedroom, see 'what's included?
A Mini Inn to Inn Trail “Journey Across The Cotswolds” Style? Inn to inn (village to village) Where? The Cotswolds (Glos. & Oxfordshire) Duration? 3 nights Miles? 29 miles / 47 km Trail overview Your trail starts in the countryside around the spiritual heart of the Cotswolds. In the 12th and 13th centuries Cotswolds wool was famed for its quality but the best wool, that came from the town of Northleach. From here it’s into the Evenlode valley, this is classic Cotswolds country. Stow on the Hill sits above the vale, this was once the largest sheep market in the area, the countryside around undulates with farms and old villages dot the landscape. Onward and you are reaching the eastern edge of the Cotswolds, a land of village greens, brooks and sheep. The market town of Burford is called by many the 'gateway to the Cotswolds'. It's where the Cotswolds meets Oxfordshire. Your daily itinerary Day 1 - Arrive, Explore and Relax Arrive today, it's an easy journey. Then then take time to do a short walk, enjoy some fresh air, and discover the village around you. Return to the inn for dinner (not included) and enjoy looking over your itinerary and box at the days coming adventures. Day 2 - In the Meadow (Luggage transfer included) Full of contrast and diversity this trail is a real treat.
As featured in The Independent
There are views, and views! And charming villages. Tales from the iron-age and the prehistoric. And time to explore the iconic town of Bourton-on-the-Water too. Find yourself amongst some wonderful Hay Meadows, being restored. A little tale about the composer Holst and then more of those views! Arrive at your next inn on foot. Day 3 - Hush, the Windrush (Luggage transfer included) Moving into the River Windrush valley the countryside opens up into a huge wide expanse, there are far reaching views and quiet valleys before arriving into a picture perfect Cotswolds village. Pick up the lane to take you on to the banks of the River Windrush, great views of Burford spire. Time to explore the shops & cafes and many historical tales from Golden Dragons to medieval graffiti! Follow the river to your next country inn. Day 4 - Depart at your leisure At the end of your Foot Trail it's time for your onward travel, full of memories and tales of your adventures. If you would like a walk today we can include one for you. Price & trail detail Start day: Tuesday Daily miles: 5 – 12 – 12 – depart Grade: Moderate, walking with some ascents & descents Arrival train station: Cheltenham Spa, Gloucestershire September – standard - £585 p/p // superior - £645 p/p October – standard - £555 p/p // superior - £612 p/p November – standard - £525 p/p // superior - £580 p/p Prices based on two persons sharing a bedroom, see 'what's included?
Stay in One Place Break “Somerset Knights Quest� Style? Stay in One Place Where? Somerset Duration? 4 nights Miles? 27 miles / 43 km Trail overview Somerset Knights Quest is set on the Somerset / Dorset borders, not far from the ancient country town of Sherborne. Somerset, land of the Summer people, is steeped in history and a little legendary mystique, from beautiful villages to dramatic castle ruins, big views and tales of knights. On your walks you will enjoy some wonderful contrasts and variety. You will walk on pastures, through villages and explore ancient hill forts. Woodlands, babbling brooks and sweeping curving hills, there's a peace and tranquillity of the landscape to enjoy. Your daily itinerary Day 1 - Arrive & Relax Arrive in Somerset and your Foot Trails adventure! Take a little time to settle in and for those that wish take today's short introductory trail to get to know the local area. Day 2 - On a Quest! Walking filled with pastoral views of rural England. Up on the ridge the vistas stretch dreamily for miles across the Yeo valley. You can explore historic ham stone Somerset villages with their gorgeous cottages and wander inside the rare 13th century church. At the hill fort of Cadbury the views from the top extend all the way across Somerset to a distant Glastonbury Tor. Is this Camelot?
Day 3 - To the heart of Wessex (Drop off service included) There are great views, rolling hills and tales of two castles on this trail. You will arrive into the old market town where you can explore and enjoy the cafes and if you wish to, walk around the castles which is well worth doing. The abbey is world renowned and another place well worth a visit. Then it’s across the countryside, curving hills and gorgeous views. Day 4 – Legend of the Holy Cross (Using of your own car) Discover the legend of he holy cross, a mythical religious stone unearthed from the hill. Your trail leads to a charming 'Ham Stone' village with pretty cottages and a medieval feel. Return to Montacute and take time to explore the gardens. Day 5 - Depart at your leisure At the end of your Foot Trail it's time for your onward travel, full of memories and tales of your adventures. If you would like a walk today we can include one for you. Price & trail detail Start day: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Daily miles: 2 – 9 – 8.5 – depart Grade: Easy to moderate, walking with some ascents Arrival train station: Sherborne, Dorset September – standard - £420 p/p // superior - £455 p/p October – standard - £365 p/p // superior - £395 p/p November – standard - £310 p/p // superior - £335 p/p Prices based on two persons sharing a bedroom, see 'what's included?
Nature guide included
Stay in One Place Break “A Dorset Smuggle� Style? Stay in One Place Where? Dorset Duration? 3 nights Miles? 21.5 miles / 35 km Trail overview Spend a few days on Dorset's Jurassic Coast. The area around Bridport has some stunning and iconic scenery. From the highest sea cliff on the south coast to the sweeping coastline views, there's much to enjoy. Not forgetting the rolling green landscape, smuggling and shipwrecks, and thousands of years of history in the area. Your daily itinerary Day 1 - Arrive & Relax After a leisurely morning we will arrange a car to transfer you to the Dorset coast, about a one hour drive (included) (we'll ask the driver for a scenic route!). Check in to your hotel and then spend a little time gazing at the sea and countryside, wander at the seafront. Day 2 - Abbots & Swans Enjoy breakfast, then set out from the doors of the inn on this coastal explorer. Your trail today is called 'Abbots & Swans'. Climb to an ancient hill fort and enjoy some of the best views on the Dorset coast Stroll about Abbotsbury and discover more of this beautiful Dorset town, famous for its Swannery, The Fleet (iconic inland water), Chesil beach, seaside views, it's all rather lovely!
You can visit the Tropical Gardens and some of the other spots on route. Return to your hotel on foot, refresh and then enjoy dinner. Day 3 - In the bride (Drop off service included) Start on high with views out to sea and with the whole span of Chesil beach, then descend into the Bride valley and some charming Dorset villages and cottages. Then its back to the coast descending all the way to the beach front. Salt marshes here bring an array of wild life. Listen to the waves and then wander along the beach to your hotel. Day 4 - Depart at your leisure At the end of your Foot Trail it's time for your onward travel, full of memories and tales of your adventures. If you would like a walk today we can include one for you. Price & trail detail Start day: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday Daily miles: 0 – 12.5 – 9 – depart Grade: Moderate, walking with some ascents & descents Arrival train station: Weymouth, Dorset September – standard - £420 p/p // superior - £455 p/p October – standard - £365 p/p // superior - £395 p/p November – standard - £310 p/p // superior - £335 p/p Prices based on two persons sharing a bedroom, see 'what's included?
Booking your trail If you would like help choosing the best trail for you then call us on +44 (0) 1747 820626 or email us at Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk. We plan, write and create all our own walking trails and are here to offer you our expert advice. If the trails featured, arrival days or lengths of stay are not right, you can choose your preferred dates and start on any day of the week. We will create an itinerary for you based on on your preferences. Prices for custom trips are quoted per trip and vary from the prices quoted in the brochure. You can make your booking by calling us on +44 (0) 1747 820626 or if you prefer you can email us at Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk. We will ask you a few details to enable is to make a reservation for you. We will then be able to confirm the availability of your trail. Due to the crafted nature of our trails there may be a day or two's wait while we contact our inns and hosts. We will email you with confirmation of your itinerary, accommodations and details for your deposit of ÂŁ125 per person. Payment of your deposit will confirm your booking. Balances are due 8 weeks before arrival. We accept all major credit cards, PayPal and bank transfers.
What's included.. * Our services in creating and arranging your itinerary * Our guest support in preparing for your trip and on call support during your trip * Accommodation for x nights, double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms * Country breakfast to set you up each day * x days of independent walking with a tailored itinerary to suit you and the season * Transport drop off services if required for your itinerary * Luggage transfers between your country inns if required * A comprehensive 'Walk and Explore' box, posted to your home address) Including: * Local maps with your trails clearly marked (on our fully waterproof paper) * Innovative trail cards, one for each day, with clear easy to follow directions in word (on waterproof paper) * Trail cards also include local histories and stories to enjoy and read as you explore * Suggested departure times so that you don't miss lunch, recommended lunchtime stops at hand-picked country pubs or cafes (lunch not included) * Foot Trail’s famous fortifying sweets, nature guide, guest booklet, local information and more Prices based on 2 persons sharing a bedrooms. Twin (2 x single bed) bedroom options available. Solo's welcome, solo supplements for your own double bedroom. Group discounts and returning guests thank you discounts offered.
Guest Testimonials “I was incredibly impressed by Foot Trails. The passion for and expert knowledge about this corner of England shows through in everything you do. Everything from the organisation and booking, to the easy to follow walking routes and itineraries, to the inns where we stayed, was spot on. I have been on several walking trips with different companies and none has matched the personal touch that you provide. This trip made me fall in love....with Wiltshire and Devon...and I can't wait to return there. Thank you so much.” Kay, August 2020 “From the moment I spoke to them I felt welcome, cared for. And well informed. Communications about transportation, accommodations, appropriate clothing were timely and thorough.” Trip Advisor May 2019 “My adult son and I took a walking holiday in The Cotswolds with Foot Trails, I can't express how good the experience was. The team at Foot Trails were great they listened to what we wanted to do and the sort of places we'd like to stay and the planned the perfect trip for us." Trip Advisor May 2019 Read more guest comments & reviews on our trip advisor page www.tripadvisor.com/foottrails
Bookings & contacts Call +44 (0) 1747 820 626 with your chosen date, we will then confirm your place for you upon which a £125 per person deposit will be payable. Bank transfers, PayPal & all major credit & debit cards accepted. +44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline) Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
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