Foot Trails

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“Oh! Who can be ever tired of Bath?” Northanger Abbey, Jane AustenIf there is something such as a country city then sure...
23/03/2025

“Oh! Who can be ever tired of Bath?”
Northanger Abbey, Jane Austen

If there is something such as a country city then surely Bath is it. Surrounded by wooded hills and graced by beautiful Bath stone buildings, the River Avon flowing through, it’s a stunning spot.

Alison & I lived in the city for nearly a decade. From day one, we fell in love with the ancient history and magnificent Georgian architecture of Bath as well as the wonderful views of the city and river from the surrounding countryside.

It is an incredibly historic place, founded 2,000 years ago by the Romans—the Roman baths are still a major draw today. Bath’s Georgian architecture is stunning too, reflecting its status as a fashionable and popular spa resort and social centre in the 18th and 19th centuries. The city was a magnet for socialites at the time, attracting the crème de la crème of London society as well as more ‘humble’ figures such as Jane Austen, who made the city her home from 1801 to 1806 (and with it being the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen’s birth this year, there will be plenty of Austen-themed events going on in Bath this summer). Add to that the many museums, cafes and restaurants, and it’s a combination that’s hard to beat.

Our Bath & The Avon Valley trip takes you from the heart of the rolling countryside to the heart of Bath. Passing quaint villages, ancient churches, ruined castles and English Civil War sites along the way. And once you have explored the city, it’s time to head out again into the surrounding countryside, along the River Avon Valley, an idyllic, lush and green region with imposing aqueducts and brightly coloured traditional narrow boats bobbing peacefully on the neighbouring canal.

The beautiful city of Bath and its surrounding countryside are a wonder to explore on foot. Our Bath & The Avon Valley Foot Trail does just this, providing the perfect connection between the city and the surrounding countryside. If you’d like to tread in the footsteps of Ms. Austen and other Georgian luminaries this summer, visit our website or send us a message here on Facebook.

David

https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/bath-the-avon-valley/

A bright, sunny day greeted David and myself (Emma) last week as we set out to check one of our routes through the rolli...
20/03/2025

A bright, sunny day greeted David and myself (Emma) last week as we set out to check one of our routes through the rolling Somerset countryside to the garden city of Bath. Our starting point was a wonderfully picturesque village surrounded by undulating hills. Right from the start, the views were spectacular. The terrain was steep, but the vistas were more than enough reward for our efforts.

Our route took us down through woodland to a pathway that followed a disused canal. Originally built in the 1800s, this now defunct waterway once transported coal from local quarries to Bath and beyond. It was atmospheric to walk through the quiet countryside alongside the remains of this industrial past, imagining how two hundred years ago, this quiet scene would have been a hive of activity as narrowboats laden with coal made their slow but steady way through the landscape.

Soon the countryside started to give way to the city, although the streets still had such a village-like feel it was easy to forget we were entering Bath. Our route into the city took us through a stunning 18th century landscaped park, full of wild spring flowers and sweeping views of the city below us (and beautifully ornate Palladian bridge).

Leaving the park, we wandered through quiet streets, past grand town houses and along another canal, this one very much in use, with colourful narrowboats trundling past, leaving the smell of woodsmoke wafting in the air. Nearing the centre of the city, the hustle & bustle increased, and our eyes were distracted by the quirky shops and cafes in the heart of Bath. As we reached our destination, we rested for a while on a bench, tucking in to our provisions, soaking up the sun, and watching city life go by.

It’s a wonderful feeling to enter a city on foot from the peace and quiet of the countryside. Walking from a tranquil village, through fields and woodland, past the remnants of our industrial past and to the heart of a beautiful city.

This fascinating trail is part of Bath & the Avon Valley, a trip that connects the city with the history and stories of the surrounding area and countryside. It explores the picturesque Avon Valley, following a canal and river that wend their way through wooded glades and green pastures. It’s the perfect spot for summer walking.

If you’d like to explore this gorgeous rolling countryside this summer, it’s not too late to book. Simply visit our website or send us a message here on Facebook.

https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/bath-the-avon-valley/

At Foot Trails, there’s nothing we love more than showing our guests parts of England off the beaten path; regions that ...
16/03/2025

At Foot Trails, there’s nothing we love more than showing our guests parts of England off the beaten path; regions that they may otherwise never visit. The beautiful county of Wiltshire is a perfect example here. Away from the more established walking regions of England, this wonderful county has so much to offer: sweeping views, big skies, moss-covered stone cottages with thatched roofs, stately country houses and gardens—thousands of years of human history all waiting to be discovered.

Alongside the magnificent Stonehenge, of course, there is a whole wealth of English history to experience, all traced through the landscape and ancient buildings. From prehistoric and Neolithic monuments, through Iron Age hillforts, Saxon strongholds and Norman Cathedrals to medieval castles and tales of the Civil War. This small corner of the English countryside offers a huge amount of variety.

Our Explore Stonehenge & Wiltshire Foot Trail takes you down quiet country lanes, over stiles and gates along paths less trodden; through hamlets and villages, and up to lookout points where you can see vistas of patchwork fields that have changed little in centuries. You can wander through water meadows to the sight of a cathedral spire captured by artists in days gone by—another view that remains remarkably unchanged to this day. It’s a wonderful part of the world and we love sharing it with our guests.

If you’d like to while away the long days of summer in this delightful region of the South West, visit our website page or send us a message on Facebook. We’d love to discuss your summer walking plans.

https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/explore-stonehenge-wiltshire/

14/03/2025

Here's a short video we've put together of our NEW Wild Coast & Wild Moor trip. We think it captures the beautiful landscapes and atmosphere of this wonderful trail.

Pebble beaches, steep-sided river valleys and the open wild spaces of Exmoor with its big views and coastal backdrop: If you love nature and beautiful landscapes, you’ll really enjoy Wild Coast & Wild Moor.

If you'd like to explore this beautiful landscape this summer, visit our website page or send us a message here on Facebook.

https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/wild-coast-and-wild-moor/

South West England is a treasure trove of history, both recent and ancient. Our ancestors have lived in and shaped the l...
12/03/2025

South West England is a treasure trove of history, both recent and ancient. Our ancestors have lived in and shaped the land here for thousands of years. Walking these landscapes brings us up close to buildings, places and stories that reveal our story.

One of the most iconic and special places to be seen in this part of the world is Stonehenge. This magnificent Neolithic structure is fascinating for what it tells us about our ancient ancestors, but equally mysterious for all the questions it raises and the things we do not know.

Who were the people who created this site? What were their lives like? Why did they choose here? How did they build such a monument? There are just so many questions! And it’s amazing to think that people still journey here some 5,500 years later to stand in wonder.

Our Explore Stonehenge & Wiltshire trip delves into the mystery of Stonehenge and beyond, exploring the stunning landscapes that surround this prehistoric site. This is a Foot Trail that's big on history: 5000 years ago this region was one of the most active areas of the Neolithic world. And ever since then, through the ages, it has remained an area rich in history. Iron Age hill forts, 14th century castles and the stunning 13th century cathedral at Salisbury: There’s 6000 years of human history to explore and be inspired by. Not to mention a guided day with David Howell at Stonehenge!

If you’d like to delve into the history and culture of this corner of South West England this summer, visit our website or send us a message here on Facebook.

https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/explore-stonehenge-wiltshire/

There’s something wonderful about walking in an English summer. From the end of May to the beginning of September, the l...
09/03/2025

There’s something wonderful about walking in an English summer. From the end of May to the beginning of September, the long days and warm sunshine are the perfect invitation to while away the hours outside. Wandering the footpaths and trails, meandering through villages and country house gardens, simply soaking up the atmosphere of this wonderful time of year. While all of our trips are ideal for summer walking, we’ve put together a list of our favourites below :)

King Arthur’s Trail (NEW)
Summer is a wonderful time to wander in the footsteps of the legendary King Arthur. The rolling landscapes of the South West are bursting with life and colour, offering views that stretch for miles. Traditional cottage gardens and landscaped country house grounds are at their best, and the ancient apple orchards common to this part of England are heavy with leaves and growing fruit. This is the heart of rural England, where mystery, legend & myth entwine with ancient history and country traditions.
https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/king-arthurs-trail/

Country Houses & Gardens
The South West of England is home to some of the country’s most treasured country houses & gardens. And what better time to visit them than in summer, when their landscaped grounds are a riot of life and colour. From 18th century country houses and landscaped gardens through Elizabethan houses, castles and hunting lodges, to the stunning architecture of the city of Bath, there really is something for every house and garden enthusiast.
https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/english-country-houses-and-gardens/

Explore Stonehenge & Wiltshire
The long days of summer are ideal for exploring 6,000 years of history in South West England. Prehistoric monuments, ancient cathedrals, ruined castles and quaint cottages wait at every turn. The crowning glory is Stonehenge, a magnificent Neolithic structure that has fascinated humans since time immemorial. With the option of a guided tour from Foot Trails Co-Founder David, this history-rich trip is perfect for embracing summer in all its glory.
https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/explore-stonehenge-wiltshire/

It’s not too late to book a summer walking adventure here in South West England. If you’d like to know more, visit our website or send us a message here on Facebook.

https://foottrails.co.uk/walking_holidays/an-english-summer/

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been named Best Travel Company for Activity Holidays in the 2025 Travel Awards org...
06/03/2025

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve been named Best Travel Company for Activity Holidays in the 2025 Travel Awards organised by Business Awards UK. This is the second year in a row that we’ve won this category and we couldn’t be happier!

The award recognises our commitment to delivering great walking trips in South West England. We’d like to say a huge thank you to Business Awards UK for this recognition and, of course, to you, our guests. Your trust in us as well as your feedback and comments are vital to what we do. We look forward to delivering more great walking adventures for over the coming years!

We’ve been enjoying some stunning weather here over the past few days. Blue skies and spring sunshine are putting a smil...
04/03/2025

We’ve been enjoying some stunning weather here over the past few days. Blue skies and spring sunshine are putting a smile on all of our faces here at Foot Trails HQ. The days are getting longer too, causing our minds to wander ahead to summer as we dream of long, hazy days and warm, mellow evenings.

Summer is a time when trees and shrubs are in leaf, roses and other flowers are in bloom, and gardens - from humble cottage patches to grand country estates - are looking simply stunning. The countryside is fresh, green and echoing with the sound of birdsong and buzzing insects. Hedgerows and woodlands are full of colour.

As the season progresses, the land turns from green to gold. Crops ripen, and the distant hum of combine harvesters is unmistakable. The long, late evenings are marked by chirping crickets and grasshoppers, and, if you look up into the approaching dusk, you may well see bats swooping silently overhead on the hunt for their supper (as we tuck into ours at one of our hand-picked country inns).

In fact, summer is the perfect time for al fresco feasting: home-made ice creams, chilled white wine, the freshest of salads paired with warm crusty breads and creamy yellow butter. There’s nothing better than a fine picnic with local fare such as pork pies & chutney, scones with strawberries and cream and more besides. The fizz and crackle of drinks poured over ice: everything tastes (and sounds) better outdoors!

Walking in the warm sunshine is one of the great joys of this season. Rolling chalk grasslands, swaying wildflower meadows, dappled sunlit woodlands and and dramatic coastal vistas that stretch on forever - it’s all in a day’s walking in South West England 🙂

There’s still plenty of time to book a summer walking adventure in South West England. To find out more, visit our website or send us a message here on Facebook.

https://foottrails.co.uk/walking_holidays/an-english-summer/

Emma

Earlier this week, David and myself went to research and finalise one of the routes in our NEW King Arthur’s Trail trip....
28/02/2025

Earlier this week, David and myself went to research and finalise one of the routes in our NEW King Arthur’s Trail trip. It was a beautiful day - blue skies and bright sunshine but with a slight breeze and a frosty nip in the air reminding us that we were still at the tail end of winter.

Starting at a beautiful small church dating back to the 14th century, we headed off into the countryside along footpaths and quiet country lanes. Signs of spring were everywhere, primroses, snowdrops and daffodils brightening up the hedgerows and verges. The air was full of the sound of birdsong - something that has become noticeably louder these past few weeks as nature gears up for spring, and males start doing their best to defend their territories and attract a mate.

As we walked on through another village, past picturesque cottages and another ancient church (where we stopped for a peek inside, of course, admiring the ornate wooden carvings on pews and a Saxon font), we soon had views over the wonderful Somerset Levels. This wide open wetland area teems with birdlife, and it wasn’t long before we saw two herons stalking a freshly ploughed field on the lookout for some tasty insects. Continuing on to a nearby woodland, we spotted two squirrels chasing each other up a tree trunk and leaping effortlessly from tree to tree over our heads. Spring really is in the air now here in South West England!

Our route then took us to a beautiful market town that was once the capital of Saxon Wessex. Built of the grey lias stone typical of this part of the world, the town looked remarkably unchanged from centuries ago. It was easy to imagine locals making their way on foot from surrounding villages for a bustling market day. After stopping to look at the stunning wood-carved ceiling in the town church (complete with Gothic fleurons, angels and wyverns), we briefly paused for a delicious pastry and coffee at a cafe just off the market square.

Heading out of town, we made our way into the Levels, enjoying stunning views across the plains. In the distance, a swan was serenely bobbing on a flooded field. Downhill through another woodland, we emerged into a classic feature of this part of England: vintage cider orchards. Cider (or scrumpy as it’s more commonly known here) has traditionally been produced on the Levels for many centuries, and there are still lots of smaller, independent manufacturers producing this delicious tipple. Resisting the urge to stock up on supplies at a farm shop, we continued along ancient trackways until we reached our destination village. Walking up a short hill, we emerged at a quintessential village square - a village green surrounded by traditional cottages, a church and a very fine country inn. The perfect way to finish our walk in the Somerset.

If you’d like to explore this ancient, rural part of South West England, visit our King Arthur’s Trail website page or send us a message here on Facebook.

https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/king-arthurs-trail/

We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for the 2025 Travel Awards organised by Business Awards UK. The awards honour th...
20/02/2025

We’re thrilled to have been shortlisted for the 2025 Travel Awards organised by Business Awards UK. The awards honour the extraordinary services, destinations and innovations in the UK travel landscape today, and we’re delighted to be in contention. Having won the 'Best Travel Company 2024 - Adventure / Activity Holidays' category, we are excited to see if we can make it two years in a row 🙂

Secluded beaches in the dead of night, the splash of oars in the water, the crunch of footsteps on shingle, and the muff...
20/02/2025

Secluded beaches in the dead of night, the splash of oars in the water, the crunch of footsteps on shingle, and the muffled neighing of horses waiting in the dark…

In the 1800s, this could only mean one thing: Smugglers! The beautiful rocky coastline of South West England provided the perfect landscape for smugglers in days gone by. Smuggling (or free trading as it was euphemistically known) was rife from the 17th Century to the 1800s. And with the Exmoor coast lying on the sea route to the trading city of Bristol, this rugged coastline became a hotbed of smuggling.

The beaches, coves and caves were the perfect place for smugglers (or night runners as they were often called) to land their vessels in the dead of night. The remote farmhouses and roads of Exmoor provided the perfect routes to bring goods.

Lamps would be hung from coastal cottages to guide ships into secluded harbours. Caves were dug out and fake walls added to buildings to provide spaces for hiding contraband. Customs officers would be bribed to turn a blind eye and elaborate ruses concocted to keep out other prying eyes. One tale tells of a band of smugglers posing as a ghostly funeral cortege, spreading the rumour that if anyone looked at them when they passed they would ‘die ere twelve months have passed.’

Smuggling eventually died out in Exmoor when the crown dispatched the Royal Navy to police the shores. But the landscape remains as wild and beautiful as ever.

In many ways, it's everything you don’t expect from South West England: heather-covered moors, prehistoric stones, rocky rivers where the white water tumbles, and the coast. It’s both dramatic and beautiful.

It’s a landscape we love and we can’t wait to share it with our guests on our NEW WIld Coast & Wild Moor trip this year.

If you’d like to immerse yourself in this truly stunning landscape, visit our website or send us a message here on Facebook.

https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/wild-coast-and-wild-moor/

14/02/2025

Staying in the Cotswolds, here's a little video of Alison and David exploring some lesser-known paths in the region a few weeks ago 😊

Under a grey winter's sky (it is February after all), Alison and I popped on our walking boots for a Cotswolds wander. I...
13/02/2025

Under a grey winter's sky (it is February after all), Alison and I popped on our walking boots for a Cotswolds wander. It was lovely to be out in the fresh air, drinking in the tranquility and enjoying the little signs that spring is not far away. Birds chatter as we walk, the catkins adorn the hazel, joyful snowdrops cluster amongst the trees, and the first daffodils give a flash of yellow. Opening the door to a centuries old inn, the fire alight, a perfect opportunity to warm our boots (and ourselves!).

“Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly”Van MorrisonWalking the coast is a joy. Dramatic, exhilara...
09/02/2025

“Smell the sea and feel the sky, let your soul and spirit fly”
Van Morrison

Walking the coast is a joy. Dramatic, exhilarating and refreshing. There’s something wonderful about the space where the land meets the sea. Coastal views, fresh salty air, the wash of the waves on the beach and the rich history and traditions of our seafaring ancestors (tales of smugglers, pirates and other, more legitimate, mariners abound!).

Spring is a wonderful time to visit the coast of South West England. In the cool, clear air, the views inland and out to sea seem to stretch even further. The landscapes are alive with colour: bright yellow gorse, pink and white tree blossoms and a rainbow pallet of spring flowers. The countryside teems with new life as returning migratory birds fill the air and newborn lambs, calves and foals start to appear in the fields and on the moor.

In our beautiful corner of England, there is a wonderful variety of coastline. From the rugged, rocky shores of Exmoor and north Somerset to the rolling downs and cliffs of south Dorset.

Did you know we now offer both of these unique coastal areas as Foot Trails trips?

Our Landscapes & Seascapes of Dorset take you on a journey through the creases and folds of the rolling landscape, catching glimpses of the sea as you walk before arriving at the beach to explore all things coastal. This is where the rolling downs of Wessex meet the coast with great drama, an 18 mile long barrier beach, and a story that traces back to the Jurassic.

In our NEW Wild Coast & Wild Moor trip on the north coast of Somerset, you journey from the dramatic rocky coastline of Exmoor, through steep-sided river valleys with tumbling white water, to the evocative and moody wide open space of Exmoor. Stories of our ancestors from Neolithic times, each step opens up new sights, sounds and experiences.

We love this variety of landscapes & seascapes. Immersing ourselves in the culture and history of the coast and coastal life; discovering characterful villages, hidden spots off the beaten path, old market towns and ancient monuments that tell of thousands of years of history.

If you’d like to experience coastal walking in England in spring, simply send us a message here on Facebook, we’d love to chat with you about your plans.

Happy Trails,

David

https://foottrails.co.uk/walking_holidays/coast-water/

‘The bluebell is the sweetest flowerThat waves in summer air;Its blossoms have the mightiest powerTo soothe my spirit's ...
05/02/2025

‘The bluebell is the sweetest flower
That waves in summer air;
Its blossoms have the mightiest power
To soothe my spirit's care.’
Emily Brontë

With spring starting to show its welcome face here in South West England, our thoughts are turning to spring walking. As the weather starts to warm and the first wildflowers emerge, we nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts are waiting with baited breath for one of England’s most anticipated spring displays: The profusion of bluebells in woodlands and hedgerows across the country.

Known in the past as lady’s nightcap, witches’ thimbles and (my personal favourite) cuckoo’s boots, these delicate, sweet-smelling blooms start to emerge from late March onwards until early May, forming incredible indigo-blue carpets across woodland floors.

They really are one of the highlights of spring. And there’s no better place to see them than in the UK. Great Britain is home to around half the world’s population of bluebells. They are a common site in many of our woodlands, especially those that are very old (over 400 years). So if you’re walking through swathes of these drooping blue flowers on one of our Foot Trails, you can be sure that you are treading on ancient ground. Who knows how many travellers have trodden these same pathways over the centuries?

Knowing the best places to see this seasonal spectacle is often down to local knowledge. Which secret little corner of ancient woodland is the perfect spot to see these wonderful flowers? The intense blue-indigo contrasting with the deep greens and browns of the forest. Iridescent patches lit up by shafts of light falling through the trees. All set to the backdrop of busy woodland birdsong.

We know what a wonderful experience this is and are keen to share these and other seasonal highlights with our guests. For us, it’s a quintessential part of walking in the English countryside. It’s not too late to book for a spring walking adventure. Simply visit our spring website page for inspiration or send us a message here on Facebook.

https://foottrails.co.uk/walking_holidays/refreshing-spring/

Spring is on the way! The days are getting brighter and amidst the wintry scenes the first flowers are emerging, cheerfu...
02/02/2025

Spring is on the way! The days are getting brighter and amidst the wintry scenes the first flowers are emerging, cheerful white snowdrops are making a welcome return to our woodlands, riverbanks, hedgerows and gardens.

Soon, the rest of the countryside will be awakening from its winter dormancy. Fields and hillsides that have been barren over winter will begin to sprout. Grasses will start to grow, creating lush carpets of green across the rolling hills of South West England. And it won’t take long before these vibrant landscapes start to buzz with life.

South West England boasts some of the most diverse and ecologically significant grasslands in the UK. Many of them are protected conservation areas (Sites of Special Scientific Interest), and some are even designated ‘unimproved grasslands’, meaning they have never been ploughed or reseeded. These important landscapes are a vital haven for flora and fauna.

They also make for wonderful walking. Especially in spring. Primroses, daisies, bluebells, and orchids are just some of the wildflowers that start to paint the fields with splashes of color from March onwards. These blooms attract important pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and moths as well as a wide range of migratory birds returning from warmer climes. This is the season when the air starts to echo with the calls of skylarks, lapwings, and meadow pipits (to name just a few). The sight of birds hovering above the fields and hopping among the grasses and flowers is one of the many joys of walking in grasslands in spring.

The rolling chalk grasslands of South West England hold a special place for Alison and myself. They are our home, and it’s why they feature in so many of our trips. ‘Hill and Dale, doth boast thy blessing’ wrote John Milton in his Song on May Morning, we wholeheartedly agree.

There is still to book for a spring walking and hiking adventure in South West England. If you’d like to discover our top trips for spring, visit the spring page on our website. Or if you’d like to get started planning a spring tour, simply send us a message here on Facebook.

Happy Trails
David

https://foottrails.co.uk/walking_holidays/refreshing-spring/

David and I have been continuing our walks in The Cotswolds this week, trying out new trails and routes. It’s been wonde...
29/01/2025

David and I have been continuing our walks in The Cotswolds this week, trying out new trails and routes. It’s been wonderful having the time to explore this region that we know so well (and which never fails to surprise us with new views and experiences).

The Saturday just gone, It was a perfect winter's day.

Frost glistened on the grass in the early morning sunshine. The skies were bright blue and there was barely any wind.

Our drop-off service took David and I up to a hill in a Cotswolds estate. We had 12 miles ahead of us as we set off on a research trip for what we hoped would be a new Foot Trail.

The winter landscape held a serene calmness. Our eager chatter the only noise.

A Cotswolds stone wall made a great spot to rest! We crossed stone stiles and walked deeper into the English countryside.

Our exploration was rewarded with a couple of wildlife sightings. A muntjac deer stood by a woodland; a green woodpecker flew up to our right and into a tree. Buzzards called shrilly overhead, and a large one took off from the fence close to us.

Soon, our lunchtime pub beckoned and we enjoyed a welcome drink, lunch and break.

As we descended the hill after lunch, snowdrops flowered in the hedgerow.

Our walk led us to a beautiful village far from the tourist trail. Here, Cotswolds stone cottages and houses stood to be admired and a pink tinge to the sky signified the approach of dusk.

The silence was broken by dozens of crows calling and flying home to roost in the treetops.

With our hearts happy and our legs a little tired we descended the hill, seemingly stepping into the view. And lights from our Cotswolds stone country pub soon twinkled in front of us.

We arrived back to our room, put the kettle on for a mug of tea and looked back over our photos from the day.

Happy trails
Alison

If you are interested in walking the Cotswolds and would like an example itinerary and brochure or more information please email us at [email protected]

David and I are out & about in the Cotswolds, exploring new routes and trails.It's so good to be back in the Cotswolds.D...
26/01/2025

David and I are out & about in the Cotswolds, exploring new routes and trails.

It's so good to be back in the Cotswolds.

David grew up here and several of my cousins and an aunt and uncle farm here. So it's very familiar ground.

We started today's 10-mile walk with an explore of a new rural food hall! Here we stocked up on filled rolls and hand cooked crisps for lunch. The pork pies on the butcher's counter looked amazing! We resisted the cakes and pastries....

Soon we were out amongst green pastures and fields. Wildlife and nature felt close. In the woods we spotted deer and we heard several woodpeckers.

Today's walk was interesting and varied. We walked through several stunning Cotswold villages where tourists do not tread. Here we admired large manor houses with smoke furling out the chimney tops and smaller English country cottages. Playing a game of choosing which one we'd live in!

It is fun to be off the beaten track and oh so peaceful.

Us English always like to talk about the weather! It is January. Rain was the picture until lunch time and then the cloud cleared and out came the sun. Everything instantly glowed in the sunshine. The cream coloured Cotswolds stone, the stained glass windows in the 12th century church.

We paused in the porch of an ancient church to enjoy our lunch, mulling over the thousands of pairs of feet who had walked before us over the centuries.

It is difficult to sum up 10 miles in a few sentences, but as the miles passed we chatted and decompressed.

Soon, as dusk was falling we saw the welcome sight of our destination village for the night. Twinkling lights greeted us at our country inn and in the sky the first stars were appearing.

The pedometer told us we had walked 10 miles, 25,000 steps so we had no guilt tucking into our beef bourguignon and glass of red wine. We'll sleep well tonight.

Alison

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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.