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23/12/2024

The Christmas holidays are about to begin and we’re looking forward to some restful days with friends and family. We hope you are too.

With the winter solstice just gone (21st December), the days are now officially getting longer, and we’re looking forward to the slow return of spring breathing life back into the countryside here in the South West of England.

Our office will be closed from 24 December to 26 December (inclusive), however our trip consultants will be available from 27 December onwards (including the weekend), so please do send us an email or message here on Facebook if you would like more information on any of our walking trips.

On a fittingly festive note, we thought we’d share with you some photos and words from Foot Trails team member Emma, who, in the pursuit of some traditional festive cheer, went for an evening wander around the historic market town Sherborne:

‘Twas the week before Christmas…' and I had a hankering for some festive cheer and Christmas carols. And what better place to find that than at a carol concert held in the magnificent Sherborne Abbey?'

You can read about the concert and Emma's winter wander around Sherborne on the Foot Trails blog here:
https://foottrails.co.uk/christmas-in-sherborne/.

May we take this opportunity to wish you all festive cheer, good tidings and a happy New Year.

14/12/2024

"To walk three miles, or four miles, or five miles, or whatever it is, above her ancles in dirt, and alone, quite alone! what could she mean by it? It seems to me to shew an abominable sort of conceited independence, a most country-town indifference to decorum."
Pride and Prejudice, Jane Austen

Famous regency novelist Jane Austen wasn’t just a gifted writer, she was also a keen walker. So it’s no surprise that this fondness for perambulation (🙂) often found its way into her novels.

Many of her heroines caused consternation amongst their peers by striding for miles through the countryside in South West England. In Pride and Prejudice, the waspish Miss Bingley may have disapproved of Elizabeth Bennet’s habit of walking, but we at Foot Trails certainly don’t!

Jane Austen has strong ties to the South West, and Bath, in particular, having lived in the country city for five years in the early 1800s. Today, it’s still easy to imagine Ms Austen meandering through the well-preserved streets of Bath, passing by the Royal Crescent, Pulteney Bridge or the Assembly Rooms. It’s one of the reasons why we love Bath so much and why it’s one of our favourite places to start and finish a good day’s hiking in and around the River Avon Valley.

Whenever I can, I try to get out and spend a few hours meandering next to the still water, cocooned by trees and wooded valleys, taking in the sights and the sights and sounds of wildlife—coots, moorhens, swans and ducks, not to mention countless other birds flitting from branch to branch above my head. Once or twice, I’ve even been lucky enough to see the bright blue flash of a kingfisher speeding past. On cool spring evenings, I love walking past the colourful, cosy barges on the canal, wood burners warming those inside and spreading the wonderful smell of woodsmoke through the air.

Arriving on foot in Bath puts the perfect finish on the day. Walking down from the wooded hills gives you stunning views of the city. As I wander past some of its most well-known landmarks, I like to think that I’m seeing the same sights that Jane Austen saw when she lived here in the 1800s 🙂

Now is the perfect time to book for a refreshing spring adventure in this wonderful corner of England. To find out more simply message us on Facebook.

08/12/2024

I've been walking in The Cotswolds all my life and yet I'm still finding new paths and places to explore, sometimes in areas I thought I knew well. This past week I headed to an area just a few miles from where I grew up. Under a wintry pastel sky with a less than favourable forecast I laced up my boots and struck out to explore.

A narrow lane led me steeply down to a ford, the water deep, I was thankful for the ancient clapper bridge that crossed the stream. A white egret startled by my presence scuttled away before gaining flight.

Crossing the rolling wolds, a landscape that has been inhabited since at least Bronze-age times, I found myself strolling into a remote Cotswolds village. Charming cottages set around the green, dressed with its Christmas tree in anticipation of the upcoming festivities.

The sheep grazed the meadow beneath the perfectly proportioned manor house, a scene unchanged for centuries. I plunged through the woodland and happened upon two happy pigs foraging the ground looking for hidden gems.

As I arrived at the ridge the wind was quickening, the weather was on the change just as forecast. Red Kites (birds of prey) danced on the gusty winds, swooping low to check on me as I passed. Stunning views before me, descending the hill, the end of my trail was in sight.

Strolling into this medieval market town the glow of the fire through the window lured me in, time to sit beside the fire and refresh just as many a pilgrim may have done before me.

A day hiking on the 'Journey Across The Cotswolds' trail, by David

04/12/2024

This Autumn I’ve been lucky enough to be exploring new paths and trails which form a NEW inn to inn trail (can’t wait for you to all see!).

It felt great to be out on the trails again in this part of the world, and in my favourite season too. It’s an area I’ve wanted to share with our guests for a long time—rugged, dramatic and very beautiful. The landscape here always takes my breath away with its striking coastal vistas, intimate river valleys and wild moorland. There are lots of fascinating tales and history to discover, too, as well as some wonderful inns to stay overnight. I can’t wait to unveil this new trip very soon. But until then, I couldn’t resist sharing some photos with you from my most recent trip. 🙂

David

01/12/2024

We’ve been talking a lot about spring here at Foot Trails HQ as we’re helping many of our guests plan their spring walking adventures. All of which got me thinking back to a brilliant walk I did along the coast in the south west last spring. It really stuck in my mind and felt like a proper sunny spring day, so I thought I’d share it here on Facebook.

As I arrived at my startpoint, I immediately knew I was by the coast. In fact, I’d have known this even if I’d had had my eyes shut. The wind was blowing in off the sea, bringing with it the smell of the ocean. Waves were crashing against the rocks, sending salty spray up into the air, and gulls were wheeling and shrieking above my head, presumably on the lookout for some unguarded fish and chips.

It was all very familiar but also very exhilarating. Because I knew I was in for an adventure—with big skies and a landscape that would take my breath away (literally and figuratively 🙂). As I moved through the countryside, I was delighted by the bursts of colour I saw—white hawthorn lining the narrow path, contrasting sharply with the dark skeletons of the still-leafless trees. In fact, one of the things I love about spring by the coast is that the landscape is muted but still really beautiful. The views in all directions were spectacular, a patchwork of farmland to my left, the sea shimmering off to the horizon on my right, and cliff after cliff stretching out in front of and behind me.

The paths are less frequented at this time of year, which meant that I only met a few other walkers out on the trail. The sunshine was a welcome reminder that spring was underway. The first small fishing port I visited, I even dared to sit outside for a coffee and a slice of cake, letting the sun warm my face. I think it was my first al fresco ‘meal’ of the year.

Tempting as it was to stay and soak up the rays, I kept walking, past thatched cottages and back out onto the path. The trail took me inland and out, through shaded woodlands and villages that look like they’d clung to the coast for centuries.

When I reached my destination, I was windswept but very happy. And, much like the gulls that accompanied me on this walk, I was also on the lookout for some fish and chips!
Emma

Now is the perfect time to book for a spring walking and hiking adventure in South West England. If you’d like more information, simply send us a message on Facebook.

28/11/2024

Earlier this month, I was out & about in Somerset on one of our walks in our Bath & Avon Valley trip.

In addition to checking the footpaths (and enjoying the autumnal landscape), I extended the existing route to take in an ancient long barrow from the early Neolithic period. Built between 3800 and 3400 BC, this prehistoric tomb is open to the public, and visitors can enter through a 13-metre passage.

I’m always fascinated by these ancient monuments and think this will be a great addition to our Bath & Avon Valley trip. 🙂
David

22/11/2024

O dandelion, rich and haughty,
King of village flowers!
The Dandelion, Vachel Lindsay

From the first stirrings of nature after winter’s grip, spring unfurls, dressing the countryside in bounteous floral colour. Joyful spring meadows are alive with life - bright wildflowers, bees, butterflies and birds lifting our hearts and spirits with every step through the lengthening grass.

Even the humble buttercup and dandelion can transform the most unassuming of fields into a magnificent carpet of yellow, white and green. Hiking through these swathes of colour is a simple yet exhilarating experience, making spring one of our favourite times of year to explore the South West.

For the best choice of arrival dates and bedroom options, now is the perfect time to make your plans for April and May 2025. If you’d like more information, simply send us a message on Facebook.

19/11/2024

A walk in the woods is a joy any time of year. But there’s something extra special about spring. As you pass from field to woodland, it’s like stepping into a different world. Enveloped by the fresh green leaves starting to unfurl on the trees, the welcome sound of birdsong rising in intensity as males start to outdo each other in the search for a mate. And all around, the signs that life is returning to the countryside.

The woodland floor teems with delicate yet hardy spring flowers: snowdrops, primroses and red campion to name but a few. But for me, bluebells and wild garlic are the real stars of the show.

Bluebells are arguably one of the most eagerly anticipated harbingers of spring here in the South West. There is something uniquely magnificent and joyful when you happen across a swathe of these deep violet blooms whilst out walking in a forest. Standing amongst the trees and taking in this wonderful display of nature is an experience that’s hard to beat.

For me, wild garlic has a similar effect. Perhaps not as iconic as bluebells, but no less impressive, these delicate white, star-shaped flowers suddenly burst onto the scene from mid-April onwards. Bringing a heady, unmistakable garlicky scent to the air. I love seeing this luxurious mass of white, that appears like a fresh coating of spring snow, providing an impactful contrast to the deep greens of the forest.

We’re blessed here in South West England with such a diverse landscape - rolling hills, grand country estates, idyllic river valleys, dramatic sea cliffs, and, of course, lots of different woodlands.

If you’d like to start planning your spring walking adventure with Foot Trails, send us a message here on Facebook.

16/11/2024

We're delighted to be featuring in today's edition of The Guardian's Travel section. Foot Trails has a great write-up in the print edition (the digital version will be available a bit later on). So naturally, I've bought myself a copy to read at my leisure with a nice cup of tea and some biscuits - the only way to read a Saturday newspaper :)

13/11/2024

As the chill of winter arrives on the breeze and the cosy warmth of log fires beckons, it’s naturally a time when thoughts turn to the adventures we might enjoy when the days lengthen and the warm sunshine returns next spring.

I love walking in an English spring.

In the countryside, life is bursting forth in dramatic fashion. Everything wakes up. Beneath the growing woodland tree canopies, beautiful carpets of wild indigo-coloured bluebells fill the air as you walk with a delicate scent.

Wild garlic, with its more pungent smell, is another springtime favourite. Its small symmetrical white flowers look striking against the mild green coloured leaves. And green is the colour of the moment in an English spring.

As you walk, myriad shades of green jump out at you from the vibrant almost luminous shades of the growing new leaves to darker hues.

Spring is a time of reawakening. A time of new life.

Walks at this time of year evoke great feelings of happiness within me and are refreshing and bright. The noticeable sound and chatter of bird song and mild, warm spring sunshine after winter's cool chill are particular favourites. Walks in spring put a smile on my face.

If you’d like to start planning your spring walking adventure in South West England, simply send us a message on Facebook.

With warm regards,
Alison Howell

10/11/2024

'They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old:
Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn.
At the going down of the sun and in the morning
We will remember them.’
For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon, 1914

08/11/2024

A couple of weekends ago, I ventured across the border from Somerset into Wiltshire to explore the chalk downs around the town of Mere. Although the morning had been cloudy, bright sun and clear skies were forecast for the afternoon. Not wanting to miss the opportunity for some October sun, I set off. Walking through fields and over styles, climbing steadily until I reached the top of the chalk hills that loom over the landscape in this corner of the South West.

The view from the top was magnificent, fields stretching out as far as the eye can see, the sun bright yet sinking slowly to the horizon, casting a warm light over the curious ridges and furrows that crisscrossed the ground below my feet. It turns out that the hill is a treasure trove of prehistoric archaeology, boasting a neolithic enclosure, Bronze Age barrows and a large Iron Age hill fort.

Stopping a while to take in the view, I found it comforting to know that I was just the latest in a (very) long line of people to enjoy the panoramic views from this promontory.
(Emma)

05/11/2024

Remember, remember, the 5th of November…
John Milton, 1626

Today, the 5th of November, is Bonfire Night in the UK. This popular British tradition (also known as Guy Fawkes Night or Fireworks Night) sees us gather together to watch fireworks being sent up into the night sky and bonfires lit.

The origins of this annual celebration date back to the 5th of November 1605 and the Gunpowder Plot, a conspiracy to blow up the Houses of Parliament. The plot failed, but the event was immortalised in a tradition that has become an annual highlight in our calendar. Guy Fawkes, the man who was caught red handed guarding barrels of gunpowder in a cellar under Parliament, has always been the most famous of the plotters. But the actual mastermind behind the undertaking was a man called Robert Catesby. In addition to being an infamous figure in political history, he also has a unique link to The Cotswolds, or to be more exact, the magnificent house and grounds at Chastleton.

Considered today to be England’s finest Jacobean house, Chastleton was in quite a different state back when Catesby inherited it from his grandmother. The house at that time was in a poor state of repair, so when Catesby sold it in 1601 (to pay a fine incurred by being involved in another plot, this time to overthrow Elizabeth I!), the new owner demolished it and built the Jacobean gem that still stands today. Chastleton House is a real marvel, which is why we include it in several of our Cotswolds walks. It’s a quintessentially English property, bursting with history and stories that we love to share with our guests in our trail cards.

So tonight, when fireworks light up the sky and bonfires are lit up and down the country, we’ll also be dreaming of the Cotswolds and how this curious history led to the wonderful Chastleton House 🙂

30/10/2024

It's dawn as I make my way to The Cotswolds, the sun rising and casting a delightful glow over the land. I was on my way to meet one of our guests to see how their adventure was going. Catching up with our guests on their trips is one of the most rewarding things we do, a moment to share in their stories and experiences, and it's something I love to do. After breakfast the last of the morning mist cleared to reveal perfect blue skies, I couldn't resist a little side wander, and walk, to take a few pictures. I think you’ll agree that the countryside was really showing itself from its best side 😊
(David, co-founder)

27/10/2024

"Never to be forgotten, that first long secret drink of golden fire, juice of those valleys and of that time, wine of wild orchards, of russet summer, of plump red apples…”
Cider with Rosie, Laurie Lee

The Sweet Cyder Trail features in our Myths & Legends of Somerset walking tour, a trail that combines our love of traditional apple orchards with our passion for the stories and histories that resonate across the landscapes and villages of Somerset & Dorset. Take a journey on foot over 6 to 9 days through this beautiful, mythical area, with time to sample the local fare. Simply message us here on Facebook to find out more.

In the meantime, I hope you enjoy the rest of our photos from the trail 🙂
(Emma)

24/10/2024

To celebrate National Apple Day, Alastair and myself (Emma) set off to check one of The Foot Trails hikes in the Somerset Levels, a region steeped in legends, mystery…and cider.

The weather was stunning: bright, sunny and crisp. Perfect for wandering through peaceful villages and between row upon row of trees laden with apples, the bright sunlight dappling through the leaves and onto the grass below.

Occasionally, tractors full of apples passed us by, heading to and from the local cider farm with a sense of activity and excitement that always seems to accompany any kind of harvest. The air was heavy with the sweet scent of apples, adding to the sense that we were in a totally unique part of the South West, witnessing a tradition that had been taking place for millennia.

The miles disappeared beneath our feet as we walked through the lush, green countryside until we reached the iconic tree on the hill that signalled our arrival at the local cider farm. Before we entered the yard, we ventured up the hill curious about what we might see on such a clear day. We weren’t disappointed, the view was breathtaking, the fields and orchards stretching out for miles in every direction. We paused a while under the tree to take in this magnificent sight, wondering how much (or how little) it had changed over the centuries.

Then we descended to the farm. It was everything I could wish for in a traditional Somerset yard, a ramshackle collection of ancient brick buildings, a haughty cockerel strutting past, a couple of elderly sheep dogs basking in the sun’s rays, piles of apples waiting to be mulched and pressed.

As we stepped into the farm shop, our eyes took a few seconds to adjust to the dark oak interior while our noses were assailed by the wonderful scent of hundreds of years of cider making, the very fumes infused into the giant oak beams around us. There were barrels everywhere, and in the back, huge vats full of cider. It was a marvellous spot to end our walk. A tranquil rural haven amongst a sea of cider orchards. Although we resisted the temptation to sample the shop’s wares, we both agreed that we’d be back before Christmas to stock up on gifts for family and friends!

We were walking one of the day trails in our Myths & Legends walking tour. If you’d like to find out more, simply message us here via Facebook.
(Emma)

21/10/2024

Apple harvest is in full swing here in rural Somerset, it’s wonderful to see and smell (wish we could share the scent on the air!). Today is National Apple Day here in the UK, an event that celebrates apples in all their glory, and highlights the importance of orchards and the need to preserve these richly diverse ecosystems. Rural communities, community orchards and cider producers up and down the country hold special events in honour of this most versatile of fruits.

Apple Day is particularly cherished in Somerset, our home patch. The county is renowned for its heritage apple varieties and a centuries-old cider making tradition. We’re blessed to have so many orchards and traditional cider farms on our doorstep.

Whether you’re a fan of apple pie, crumble, juice or cider, we hope you have time to raise a fork or glass to the humble apple today 🙂
(Emma)

17/10/2024

I thoroughly enjoyed a beautiful autumn morning out walking today. Watching the sun slowly climb over the trees was the perfect way to start the day 🙂

Emma

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Our Story

Hello, We're Alison Howell’s Foot Trails One of England's best loved regional walking & travel companies. We’re a small, family company who are an expert authority in walking in South West England, and we can completely custom made & craft your Foot Trail walking experience.

Our Founder Alison Howell is a farmer’s daughter, who started Foot Trails in 2002 because of a frustration with the lack of authenticity in British walking experiences.

So, she decided to make her own.

Originating the routes and trails using local knowledge, hand selecting places for guests to stay and delivering first class customer service at every step.