English Walking Trips 2021 Collection
Hello, welcome A warm welcome to Alison Howell's Foot Trails. Being in English countryside and walking through nature is a simple, calming and achievable adventure. My team has the expertise to delight you through walking. What is a Foot Trail ™? It is your own custom made walking trip. Off the beaten track. Our flexible approach enables you to lengthen or shorten your days, include rest days, sight see and upgrade accommodation. Foot Trails is a small company with a big heart, and one of England's most capable, award winning walking Contents companies in South West England. South West England p7 Ready to begin? Simply pick up the phone Accommodations p8 for a friendly but expert conversation, email or write to us as you prefer. We Self-guided walking p12 would love to hear from you. Trail Summaries p22 – p44 Warm Regards and Happy Trails. Seasons p47 Alison Howell Founder & CEO
Alison's story
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Contact details
Back cover
Why choose Foot Trails? So much tourism is mass produced. Ignoring the individual and focusing on what's easiest not necessarily best. Choose Foot Trails to walk the path less trodden. We avoid national trails and create our own, getting you off the beaten track, away from the crowds and coaches and out into a rural South West England that's genuine and real. Our team, drivers and country inns are local people. Our flexible, custom made approach will enable you to enjoy a special experience you won't find anywhere else. Three words describe Foot Trails values perfectly:
*Simple *Crafted *Authentic Our guests say - “My husband and I walked 11 days in the Cotswolds with Foot Trails. The trip was beyond our wildest expectations. We viewed each days trail guide as a treasure hunt. We would love to come back again.� Trip Advisor June 2019
Simple – Modern life can be busy and oh so complicated. Foot Trails favour simplicity. We work in partnership with you, to understand your needs and create a trip that meets your experience and wishes. We'll make things easy and take care of the details, so you can focus on making great memories.
Crafted – Through our deep, local knowledge we custom make your trip. We have a passion for experience excellence. Everything about your Foot Trail is deliberate, chosen with care and intent for you.
Authentic – Discover what's honest and authentic about rural England, allow us to take you off the beaten track. As a part of our local community, we use our immediate connections and knowledge to build and shape your choice of itinerary, trails, walking route and accommodations.
Diverse South West England Foot Trails know South West England inside out, upside down and back to front. We are expert here. This is our local patch. The largest and most diverse of England's nine regions, The South West is well known for warm hospitality and delicious artisan produce which includes cheeses, apples, cider, meats, cream, cakes and real ales. It is very diverse. You can see everything from riverbanks, woodland, wild meadows, chalk downs, canals and villages to market towns, coast, beaches and castles. We offer trips in six different counties of South West England – Devon, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, The Cotswolds and Bath. You can choose to focus on visiting one area, or we also offer trips designed to explore multiple areas. Most Foot Trails begin within a 120 minute journey from London. We have an excellent choice of airports and train stations, and a trusted team of local drivers who can meet you at the airport and chauffeur you to where the trip begins.
Unique country inns & accommodation Every one of Foot Trails selected country inns and accommodation is unique, characterful and charming, and personally chosen by our founder Alison. Expect a warm English 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. Those new to this British style of accommodation will love the peaceful locations in genuine English villages and the opportunity to join local people in the bar for a pint of real ale, cider or a glass of wine. Our guests say -
“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
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Food and drink with provenance When on a Foot Trail you will have the opportunity to try delicious local produced food and drink. Think artisan cheeses, local reared meats, handmade desserts and real ales and ciders as well as fine wines. Good quality food with a story of its own.
Breakfast will set you up for your day on the trail. Freshly laid country eggs, hot coffee, an English breakfast or something lighter such as fruits, breads or toast.
Lunch is taken mid-trail. Always at a country pub or farm café (so no squashed packed lunch to carry). Choose something light or more substantial.
Dinner is the anticipated treat. A reward for your efforts, at the end of your day. You will be spoilt for choice because many of our country inns have won well deserved awards for their food. Our guests say - “My over-riding memory of my hike in England was of an overwhelming prettiness, as well as a calibre of food that was far more local, whole and mindful than I had expected. I really wasn't expecting the South West of England to have such an informed foodie focus.” Sarah Wilson, Australian food author, Masterchef judge & TV presenter
Thoughtful rural tourism Tourism is a huge industry that impacts deeply on communities and landscapes. At Foot Trails our approach to it is thoughtful and considered. We believe business can be a positive force for good. We strive to impact positively on our world. Walk with us to demonstrate your respect and support for our local English communities and landscapes. The company has a proven positive impact on rural communities, people and their landscapes receiving numerous accolades and awards. Many prominent people have kindly called our approach to rural tourism pioneering. In 2008 we became the first British travel company to be awarded the Big Tick for Rural Action. Alison and David Howell were consequently invited to Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament to share Foot Trails good practice. We love, live and work in rural England and are proud to support jobs here.
“We love, live and work in rural England and are proud to support jobs here.� Alison Howell, Foot Trails Founder
Self-guided (independent) walking Self-guided means that you walk independently but benefit from the expert planning, pre and mid trip support and specialist materials we provide. Not many travel companies can customise a walking trip to the degree Foot Trails can. Our local know-how, earned out on the trails themselves means you can enjoy a flexible approach, shorten or lengthen walks, schedule a rest day or enjoy some sight seeing giving you anything from a 3 night short break to a 4 week trip. Choose from 3 styles of walking with Foot Trails Inn to Inn – Linear, giving a sense of journey. Walk from village to village. Spend two nights at each country inn – explore more deeply and with no need to keep unpacking daily. Your luggage is transferred ahead with our trusted team. Walking & Tour – Experience more of the South West! Multi-centred to give both a send of holiday / vacation and touring. Time to visit and explore some of the great houses & sights of the West Country whilst enjoying walks. Can be a mixture of walking, sightseeing and driving. Staying in One Place - Ideal for short breaks, taster trips or those with limited time. Stay in one place but experience a completely different and varied walking trail every single day. As featured in The Telegraph
How will I find my way? Foot Trails has dedicated a lifetime to walking the region's lesser known paths and we've crafted over 1000 miles of trails across South West England. Our unique combination of innovative Trail Cards, with easy to follow word directions, plus the option of detailed local maps with your routes annotated, give you confidence you know where you are going. Naturally there is also an element of good adventure. Our team of trail experts and amazing trail volunteers keep things up to date though it's worth acknowledging that we work with a living, working landscape. Give technology a break. Foot Trails Trail Cards & maps are fully waterproof for peace of mind and wonderfully tactile to hold. Learn lots about histories, stories and the area as you walk with our foot notes and take advantage of our expert suggested departure times, recommended lunch stops and other useful guidance. Our guests say - “The trail information was extremely detailed and accurate which was much appreciated. We felt quite happy and fortunate to be the beneficiaries of the Foot Trails efforts to provide a safe and scenic walking holiday.� Trip Advisor February 2019
A typical day? A Foot Trail is a complete experience, planned and organised for you. It includes your accommodation, a custom made itinerary, a Walk and Explore Box with everything you need including - fully waterproof local maps and trails cards, nature guides and Foot Trails' famous fortifying sweets. Some of our trails also include luggage transfers and transport drop off services if you need them to provide the best experience. No two days are the same, but they do form a soothing pattern * Begin with a delicious country breakfast (yum). * Step out on your trail (exciting and relaxing) * Lunch, enjoy a pause on route at cafe, pub or shop (no need to carry it) before setting out on your afternoon walk. * In the evening, back at your country inn, have fun talking about your adventures in the bar (with a drink!). Over dinner read through your notes ready for your adventures the next day. * Sleep well!
The 2021 collection introducing the trails Over the next few pages we would like to introduce our range of trips & tours to you. For each trail you will find a short summary of the experience to be enjoyed. And each of the trips titles are a link to click through to the corresponding page on our website. On the website you can find more information and pictures about the trail, and also request one of our 20 page mini brochures with example itinerary. We are excited to share our walking trips and tours with you and we hope you like what you see. 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.
“Wessex Ancient Kingdom”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Inn to inn (village to village) Where? Wiltshire, Dorset & Somerset Duration? 8 or 10 night stays Cost? From £1230 p/person for 8 nights
As featured in 'The Telegraph' - Foot Trails™ signature inn to inn experience – it is historic and breath-taking in a region that was the centuries old Saxon Kingdom of Wessex. Defined by tales of kings, castles and ancient battles. The trail takes you deep into rural England giving you a heady mix of green beauty, nature and history with wide appeal. Once in a lifetime. Highlights: * Castles * Iron-age Hill Forts * Character Villages
“Complete Cotswolds – Chipping Campden to Bath” Style? Inn to inn (village to village) Where? The Cotswolds (Gloucestershire, Oxfordshire & Avon) Duration? 10 to 14 night stays Cost? From £1950 p/person for 10 nights
As featured in 'The Times' - Complete Cotswolds is the ultimate trip for Cotswold lovers, potentially leading you all the way from Chipping Campden to Bath. Described by 'The Times' newspaper as a rival to the Cotswold Way, this is a more peaceful and less trodden route. Discover the Roman story, learn about the wealth of the wool trade, the opulence of Roman Cotswolds and the humble villages. Highlights: * Royal connections * Rural landscapes * Genuine Cotswold villages
“Journey Across The Cotswolds”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Inn to inn (village to village) Where? Central Cotswolds (Gloucestershire) Duration? 6 or 8 night stays Cost? From £1100 p/person for 6 nights
An inn to inn trail to take you away from the main throng of tourists to discover some lesser known gorgeous Cotswold villages. Ancient trails, lesser known local paths. Explore stone villages, market towns filled with stories and stay at personally chosen Cotswold country inns. Highlights: * Stone Villages * Tales of the wool trade * Stow-on-the-Wold
“Devon Creek to Coast”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk NEW for 2018
Style? Inn to inn (village to village) Where? South Devon Duration? 5 to 7 night stays Cost? From £1120 p/person for 6 nights
As featured in 'The Times' - A landscape of rolling green hills dotted with small towns & villages, the South Hams also includes some of the most unspoilt coastline on the South Coast of England. This inn to inn trail does not simply follow the coast path but leads you on a journey from the upper part of the River Dart to the cliffs & coves of the coast. Highlights: * Ferry boats * Seascapes & views * Historic Dartmouth
“Bath & The Avon Valley”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Inn to Inn (city to town) Where? Bath & South Cotswolds Duration? 4 night stays Cost? From £735 p/person for 4 nights
Delve into our region's heritage with this mini inn to inn tour. From Bath's stunning golden stone architecture and Palladian bridge over the River Avon, your trail journeys along the Avon to an old town of ancient mills. Rivers, charming villages and tales of the weavers, the landscapes here tumbles and falls. Highlights: * Bath, heritage city * Stunning countryside * Pretty villages
“Thomas Hardy's Dorset”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Inn to inn (village to village) Where? Dorset, South West England Duration? 4 to 6 night stays Cost? From £635 p/person for 4 nights
As featured in the 'i-News' - The spellbinding beauty of the countryside of North Dorset inspired English author Thomas Hardy to write some of his most famous works. Follow the story of the fictional character 'Tess' of the D'Urbervilles on this literary trail through villages and countryside. Thatched country cottages, Saxon Shaftesbury with its cobbled street and a glimpse of England past will delight your eyes. Highlights: * River Stour * Dorset's rolling landscapes * Unspoiled villages
“Stonehenge & Bath”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Walking & Tour (multi centre) Where? Bath, Somerset & Wiltshire Duration? 6 night stays Cost? From £1460 p/person for 6 nights (with founders guided walk)
Experience Stonehenge, Bath and Wiltshire. Step back in time and get up close to some of the regions most iconic sights. Stonehenge is enjoyed on a day with David and Alison who will privately guide you and provide a delicious picnic. Enjoy Salisbury, whose Cathedral boasts England’s tallest spire, water meadows painted by Constable and peaceful, idyllic English countryside. Highlights: * Ancient Burial mounds * 6000 years history * Medieval Salisbury
“Country Houses & Gardens On Foot” Style? Walking & Tour (multi centre) Where? Wiltshire & Somerset Duration? 6 or 9 night stays Cost? From £795 p/person for 6 nights
As featured in the 'LA Times' - English garden lovers will delight in this special walking tour which incorporates opportunities to visit some of the regions best loved country gardens and their magnificent houses. They include the world renowned Stourhead, created by banker Henry Hoare in the 18th century and Montacute, a late Elizabethan Manor and gardens, as well as stunning Prior Park Gardens in Bath. Highlights: * World class Stourhead * Hidden Cottage Gardens * Elizabethan Montacute
New
“South West Explorer”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Walking & Tour (multi centre) Where? South West England Duration? 21 night stays Cost? From £3900 p/person for 21 nights
Fancy an in depth tour of the South West? This is a hugely fun and exciting way to tour the whole South West in one trip. Combine time in Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset Devon and Bath & The Cotswolds, stay for a few night is each area and mix walking with some sightseeing & touring. Once we know your wishes we'll create your own custom itinerary & trip. Highlights: * Castles * Variety of landscapes * Market Towns * Days to tour at your leisure
Regions to discover on South West Explorer
As featured in
The Independent
The Cotswolds (Gloucestershire mostly!) Quintessential England and pretty well known worldwide. Walk with us here and we’ll use our local insider’s knowledge to get you off the beaten track and away from those crowds. Enjoy impressive market towns and also a wealth of secret and little known villages. Bath & Avon Bath is a UNESCO World Heritage City. Bath is a special place, a country city surrounded by gorgeous rolling green countryside, stunning architecture and old villages. Many superlatives have been used to describe this part of the Avon Valley, due to its intense natural beauty. Devon (The South Coast) Deep in the west country, Devon is well worth the trip. Our trails take you into the South Hams, an area of immense beauty with cliffs, coastal paths, beaches and coves that will delight you as you walk. The sight of the sea is always a joy! Wessex (Dorset, Somerset & Wiltshire) Wessex is the area where Foot Trails first began. This ancient and beautiful rural part of the South West region was once a Saxon kingdom from where the very idea of England originates. Our walks and early explorations here hold a special place in our memories. This varied area offers much to discover.
Walking The Jurassic (Dorset Coast)
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Walking & Tour (multi centre) Where? Dorset Coast Duration? 4 night stays Cost? From ÂŁ715 p/person for 4 nights Enjoy spectacular views and scenery on Dorset's Jurassic Coast, a great way to add a finale to a longer Wessex Foot Trail. Stay in two locations, from bustling old market town to a 16 th century manor house just yards from the sea. On foot you will explore iron-age hill forts, charming towns, scenery from the Broadchurch TV series, an old medieval Abbey and more. Highlights: * Golden Cap sea cliff
* Tales of smugglers
* Pretty Dorset cottages
“Knights Medieval Castle”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Taster short break, staying in one place Where? Wiltshire Duration? 3 or 4 night stays Cost? From £305 p/person for 3 nights (mid season)
As featured in the 'i News' - Discover South Wiltshire’s medieval history, capture ancient England’s amazing stories and explore its beautiful rural countryside. Visit a 14th century castle (the only hexagonal castle in the whole of England!), enjoy traditional country pubs and far reaching views. Take in Salisbury, a medieval city with a cathedral that boasts England’s tallest spire and the Magna Carta. Wow! Highlights: * 14th century Castle
* Medieval History * Cosy country inns
“Taste of the Cotswolds”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Taster short break, staying in one place Where? Gloucestershire, Cotswolds Duration? 3 or 4 night stays Cost? From £335 p/person for 3 nights (mid season)
Whilst staying in the heart of the former wool trade, discover a rich variety of authentic Cotswolds landscapes, villages and market towns. Tucked away in an area full of Roman history, explore a 2nd century villa with some of England's finest examples of mosaic floors. And explore the market town of Cirencester with its parish church, charm and abbey grounds. Highlights: * Roman Villa * Market town of Cirencester * Heart of wool trade
“Devon Coast”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Taster short break, staying in one place Where? Devon Duration? 3 to 4 night stays Cost? From £290 p/person for 3 nights (mid season)
As featured in 'Coast' magazine - Devon's South Hams is an area of outstanding natural beauty whose first settlers can be traced back centuries. Enjoy a boat ride, coastal walks, a lost village, author Agatha Christie's home, a steam train experience, breath-taking scenery and peaceful landscapes. All set with the soothing backdrop of pretty seascapes and coastal views. Highlights: * Devon coast * Nature & wildlife * Salcombe & Dartmouth harbours
“Somerset Knights Quest”
For a detailed itinerary get in touch +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk
Style? Taster short break, staying in one place Where? Somerset Duration? 3 or 4 night stays Cost? From £305 p/person for 3 nights (mid season)
Discover Somerset, land of the summer people (the summer set...). A place of mystery and intrigue, where you can climb an iron-age hill fort, see the distant Glastonbury Tor, taste locally made cider, cheeses and eggs & bacon fresh from the farm. Walk peaceful paths through quiet valleys where glimpses appear of distant castles you will later explore. Highlights: * Castles * Sherborne Abbey * Peaceful green countryside
Distinct English seasons English seasons are wonderfully distinct. In every one you will experience something totally different. Explore with Foot Trails and rely on our extensive local knowledge, enabling us to ensure you get the best from every season.
Spring - an English spring will delight you. First trees bud, then wild flowers of different colours and shapes burst onto the woodland floor. Finally fresh green leaves emerge on the trees and pretty blossoms froth and explode on branches. Summer - Summer's spell is created by the welcome effect of a cool breeze on a warm day or the sight and smell of ripening wheat swaying in the fields. Picnics! Autumn - Autumn is mellow and comforting. A time for texture filled walks as an earthiness fills the air. Fields, hills and woodland trees appear in vivid rusts, oranges, reds and golden yellows. Early mornings are filled with mists. Winter - Winter is a magical time to walk. Forget pre-conceptions, wrap up warmly and cosily in gloves, hats and scarves, and be rewarded by tranquil landscapes and villages, tinged with the evocative smell of wood-smoke furling from a log fire.
Your reservation how do bookings work? A Foot Trail is often a trip of a lifetime. We work in partnership with you to understand your requirements and wishes before advising, and then creating, your personalised itinerary. We find a more individual and flexible approach works best. We plan write and create all our own walking trails and are here to offer you our expert advice. When you are ready we will confirm availability for your trail and email a confirmation of your itinerary, accommodations and details for your deposit. Payment of your deposit will confirm your booking. Before your arrival we are here to help you prepare and get ready for your trail. You will receive regular updates, informaton, travel tips and packing list suggestions to enable you to prepare for your arrival.
Alison Howell’s story Alison enjoyed a simple start to life, with self sufficient parents on the farm in Wiltshire before leaving at 18 to study business. But it was after being called a “maverick” at IBM that she realised big corporate life didn’t suit her and spent 3 months walking 680 miles across France with David in a 2 man tent called Therese. An adventure that was to change her life forever. She adored living with the rhythm of nature and returning home to England spotted a gap in the adventure tourism industry and started Foot Trails ™. From humble beginnings, guests now travel from around the world to walk Foot Trails award winning experiences. Alison has led the company to win a string of both business, sustainabily and travel awards. In 2014 she herself won one of only 20 scholarships awarded by the Department of International Trade to study at Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University, Chicago, USA. Alison believes travel gives us new perspective. Adventure is one of our greatest joys. That life is a continual journey of learning and that we would all benefit from spending more time outdoors in nature.
News headlines from around the world Foot Trails is regularly invited to talk to press and contribute to journalists, within travel, the rural economy and more widely. Articles about Foot Trails have featured in well respected publications world wide such as National Geographic Traveller, The Los Angeles Times, BBC TV, BBC radio, The Huffington Post, The Guardian, Jet Setter and The Telegraph.
Guest testimonials “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 “We've been on many walking holidays over the past 20 years and the one we recently took in The Cotswolds was the best! Foot Trails was extremely easy to work with.” Trip Advisor February 2019 " My adult son and I took a 9 day walking holiday in The Cotswolds with Foot Trails/ I can't express how good the experience was. The team at Foot Trails were greatthey 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
Get in touch We are here to help! If you would like help to choose the best trail for you then please just get in touch for a friendly consultation, either by phone or email. And if you are ready to book, thank you. Bookings can be made by phone or email too. +44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline) Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk W www.FootTrails.co.uk www.facebook.com/FootTrails www.instagram.com/FootTrailsUK www.twitter.com/FootTrailsUK
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