Foot Trails

04/09/2024

Our English hedgerows bring much character, colour and life to the landscape here in South West England. By this time of year, the blooms of spring have transformed into an abundance of berries, fruits and nuts, a feast for the birds and mammals that call the hedgerows home.

But one thing that often surprises people is just how much our hedgerows grow each season; three to four feet of growth is usual. And this means some paths, stiles and gates can get congested with growth. So whenever the Foot Trails team is out walking we carry a pair of hedge cutters for a little cutting and pruning as we go.

And whenever our guests feedback to us that they've encountered places that are overgrown, we head out as soon as we can, hedge cutters in hand, to do a little trimming.

Last week, in the late afternoon sun, David headed over to the Somerset Levels for a quick check (and cut!). We love this little corner of Somerset, it has a unique feel and is full of mystique, legend and cider.

Once an inland 'sea', being a watery landscape it is criss-crossed by ancient trackways and punctuated by islands, dry land where villages and communities have established themselves. This little trail leads down tracks and paths to a village that sits on the slopes of one such a hill, just 150 feet high it rises to give a view over the level land.

Known as Knole, in Anglo-Saxon this means, summit, knoll, hillock. Aptly the sun shafted through the clouds as I stood and gazed out on the view. Wandering past pretty cottages, amongst sheep and orchards, it was a lovely way to welcome the evening.

This trail is part of our Myths & Legends walking holiday (https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/myths-legends/). Message us if you would like to know more.

30/08/2024

Whilst there’ll be many more sunny and warm days through September & October it’s hard to believe the summer is drawing to a close and autumn is just around the corner. We’ve enjoyed welcoming many guests this August, who collectively walked over 1,700 miles (over 2,700 km!) along the footpaths and bridleways of the southwest of England, from the north of the Cotswolds to the Dorset coast. We’ve loved creating and delivering these adventures and delight in hearing from our guests and reading of their adventures.

‘Our vacation was nothing short of magical, filled with delightful meals, charming inns, and breathtaking nature. The serene landscapes and the slower pace of life made us feel like we had stepped into another world, where time stretched and moments lingered.’
Francis & Lieve, Belgium

It’s always humbling to receive comments like this. It makes us love what we do even more, giving us even more inspiration to find new walks, new views and new places to share with you, our guests. In fact, we’ve been gathering lots of inspiration for 2025 and can’t wait to share our exciting new plans with you over the coming months.

We hope you’ve had a wonderful summer and are looking forward to autumn and 2025 as much as we are. Where will you be walking over the next few weeks? We’d love to know what your plans are.

28/08/2024

We’re thrilled to announce that we’ve received another award!

Foot Trails has just been named Walking Tour Operator of the Year in the 2024 Corporate LiveWire Innovation & Excellence Awards.

We’re particularly proud of this achievement as it recognises our commitment to sustainable tourism and the positive contribution we make to the regions that we explore. It’s also testament to the wonderful inns and drivers we partner with and who make up a vital part of our Foot Trails community. Our guests are at the very heart of what we do and we would like to thank you all for your kind comments and feedback, which helped us to win over the judging panel'

The judging panel was also impressed by the authenticity of our walks, which is great for us to hear. It’s the very reason why Alison and David started Foot Trails over twenty years ago - to do things differently and to help our guests explore the heart of southwest England off the beaten path. And this ethos still drives us today. We put our heart and soul into crafting once-in-a-lifetime walking adventures for our guests, so an award of this kind is great confirmation of the work we do. We can’t wait to welcome more guests to our corner of the world.

Find out more about our award win and comments from the judging panel on our website:

https://foottrails.co.uk/news-reviews/

24/08/2024

Just a few more photos from our team walk earlier this week, showing some more of the highlights of this fascinating route. From verdant river pathways, past traditional cottages and their lush gardens to ancient buildings that have been standing in the same spot since medieval times.

22/08/2024

David, Deborah, Alistair and Emma started this week’s adventure in a picture-perfect village on the edge of a grand country estate, heading off down country lanes past traditional thatched cottages and a temptingly cosy country inn.

Resisting the urge to stop so early in our journey, we left the lanes and made for the carefully landscaped grounds of the country estate. The peace and serenity of the countryside was almost immediate. The lush green of our surroundings transporting us away from the hustle and bustle of our everyday lives to a slower, more relaxing pace.

As we walked over the fields, the clouds gathered overhead, turning the sky into a mosaic of grey. Just as we approached the far end of a cool, dark lake, the heavens opened. With our jackets zipped and hoods up, we stopped to watch and listen to the rain bouncing off the lake surface, our only companion a lone swan floating quietly on the water.

The squall passed as quickly as it had arrived, and we continued on our way, the path wending through swathes of pale swaying grass. Slowly but surely, the sun started to edge out the clouds, sweeping away the grey to reveal bright blue sky high above. We continued on down to the outskirts of a village and a small collection of medieval farm buildings, centuries old but still in full use today as an artists' space and cafe.

After stopping to admire the sculptures on display in the peaceful grounds, we moved on through the village. Past traditional stone cottages and gardens bursting with flowers, stopping occasionally to savour some of the many blackberries and raspberries in the bushes along the way. On we walked, until we left the winding lanes and headed into a quiet river valley. Bright sunlight dappled through green leaves and we were surrounded by the sound of water, dancing tributaries feeding into a crystal clear river, fish darting away from our prying eyes.

By the time we emerged into fields of wheat, the wind had died down. So we paused to soak up the warmth of the sun and listen to the buzzing bees and chirping crickets before making our way back to our start point, stopping for a welcome rest at the country inn. To our delight, they were serving home-made, non-alcoholic ginger beer. The wonderfully spicy, sweet and cooling taste proving to be the perfect pick-me-up after our Wiltshire adventure through field, farmland and country estate.

David, Deborah, Alistair and Emma from the Foot Trails team were walking part of our Folly of Fonthill trail.

16/08/2024

Earthy, atmospheric and mellow, autumn is a fantastic time for immersing yourself in the English countryside, and it’s a favourite here at Foot Trails. In some respects, nature is winding down for the year, preparing itself for winter slumber. At the same time, it is still an incredibly active season for so much plant- and wildlife.

In our woodlands, ferns, mosses, and lichens are putting on an impressive show of luscious greens, browns yellow, while the leafy forest floor bustles with the scamperings of squirrels, mice, birds and other small mammals looking to fatten themselves up before winter. Badgers are also active during autumn, building up body fat for the lean winter months ahead - although you’d be very lucky to see one of these shy, nocturnal creatures during daylight hours!

Mushrooms and fungi are also in abundance at this time of year, pushing their way silently from below through field and forest floor. From above, the seeds of the horse chestnut tree, known colloquially in the UK as conkers, start to fall, bursting from their spiky shells. They may not be edible, but who can resist the temptation to pick up one of these smooth, shiny gems and put it in their pocket while out walking?

Then, as dusk starts to fall, who doesn’t relish the prospect of pushing open the door of a cosy, characterful pub to be met by the sights, smells and sounds of good food, local ale and a roaring fire in the grate? Followed by an after-dinner stroll, venturing out to see the stars and take in the blissful silence of an October evening.

There is so much to enjoy during the autumn months in the English countryside. We’re already looking forward to some quiet autumnal wanderings and would love to welcome you, our guests, to experience this beautiful time of year. It’s not too late to book an October adventure, so if you’re thinking of experiencing autumn in southwest England, we’d love to hear from you. Simply click below to explore our top trips for autumn and to get in touch with our team.



https://foottrails.co.uk/walking_holidays/golden-autumn/

14/08/2024

Summer may be in full swing in England at the moment, but here at Foot Trails, we’re always thinking ahead to the next season. And at this time of year, it can only mean one thing: Fall, or autumn as we call it, is just around the corner.

Autumn is a hugely popular season for walking in the UK. In fact, it’s many people’s favourite time of the year. And for good reason. The days are still long, the weather is cool, clear and crisp, and the countryside looks spectacular.

October is perhaps the most vibrant month to enjoy the delights of this fruitful season. It’s a wonderfully mellow time of cool mornings and gentle sunrises, of low mists that hug the contours of the landscape, slowly dissipating to reveal the vibrant reds, golds and browns of leaves still just clinging to the trees. It’s nature’s last hurrah before settling in for its winter sleep. The last of the summer fruits have been harvested, yet other delights emerge at this time of year: Quince, nuts, sloes, rosehips, sweet chestnuts, sea buckthorn and fungi are a forager’s delight throughout October. In the southwest, it’s also a time for traditionally making cider, and many cider farms and local villages hold festivals and special events to mark National Apple Day, held every year here in mid-October.

But what about the weather? Well, you may be surprised. October is a traditionally mild month with average highs of 14℃/57℉ and lows of 7℃/45℉. What’s more, the days are eight to nine hours long, and with sunset around 6.00 pm until the end of October, perfect for experiencing the magic of dusk. There’s still plenty of opportunity to see some sun too, with the south of England clocking up over 100 hours of sunshine for the month. That doesn’t mean there won’t be rain, this is England, after all. But as a rule, October offers great conditions for walking and hiking. So what better time to lace up your hiking boots and take to the footpaths and bridleways of our corner of England?

If you are tempted to hike in this wonderful season, we still have availability for October this year. We’ve put together our top trips for October in the link below (plus a wealth of other information about walking in England in autumn). So take a look and discover some great inspiration for your autumn Foot Trail in the beautiful Southwest.

https://foottrails.co.uk/walking_holidays/golden-autumn/

09/08/2024

Undeterred by a less-than-favourable weather forecast, David, Alistair and Emma from the Foot Trails team headed out yesterday on a walk along the paths and bridleways in the county of Somerset.

Armed with our trusty Foot Trails trail card, we start at an idyllic country church, its grey stone walls and slate roof perfectly mirroring the moody sky above. With dark clouds threatening rain, we ventured out of the village, making our way past picturesque cottages and out into the surrounding hills. Our departure heralded by cawing rooks, wheeling steadfastly in the stiff breeze.

As village gave way to rolling pastures, we climbed steadily on, accompanied by the sounds of the wind in the trees and the gentle bleating of sheep. On we walked, encountering two shepherds and their bright-eyed collies, eager to get into the fields and herd their flocks.

Soon, the green grass gives way to golden wheat and barley, buffeted recklessly by the increasingly strong winds. Overhead a red kite spins, struggling to maintain its position against the gusts. It soon gives in, realising the futility of battling this kind of weather. But we walk on undeterred. Past apple trees laden with fruit and the quizzical stares of young cattle. Our passing footsteps occasionally startling a pheasant, causing it to explode riotously out of the bushes and into the sky.

As we descended the hill, the rain arrived, drenching our clothes, but not our spirits. The surrounding hills were soon shrouded by clouds. But as quickly as they descended, they also lift, allowing our gaze to broaden to the horizon once again, and our clothes to dry. Just in time for us to enter the green embrace of a tranquil woodland. A startling change in scenery after the rolling hills above. Our eyes drink in the green before we head on to a clear, babbling stream with a wide, deep ford. Resisting the urge to wade, we take the bridge, emerging onto a country lane that leads us back to our tranquil starting point. Our senses refreshed and our hearts full with the sights, sounds and scents of this beautiful corner of England.

We were walking the Deverill Way, part of our Wessex Ancient Kingdom trip.

07/08/2024

What does slow travel mean to us?

People often ask us what we love most about walking and hiking. Our answer may surprise you: It’s not really about the walking. For us, walking or hiking is simply a way of slowing down, of disconnecting from the hustle and bustle of modern life. It’s a means of experiencing simple, joyful moments in nature, tracing the footsteps of our ancestors, treading ancient pathways stitched into the landscape, embracing the simple pleasures of life - off the beaten track and far from the madding crowds. It’s these experiences that matter to us.

Many moons ago, Alison and myself gave up our jobs and headed across the English channel to hike 680 miles through France armed solely with a two-man tent and the bare essentials in clothing and equipment. It was a glorious journey that enabled us to live in harmony with the rhythms of nature, to wander fields and travel through ancient villages. And it was from this trip that Foot Trails was born. We wanted others to experience what we had. Not in France, but in the beautiful countryside of southwest England. And this is still what drives us and our dedicated team today. It’s why we do what we do. It’s why we’re so keen to share these experiences with you, our guests, from far and wide.

What about you? What do you love most about walking?

03/08/2024

Ancient cobbles winding up steep rural hills. How many feet have climbed this hill in centuries gone by?

 

02/08/2024

At , we believe that every adventure starts with a single step, and every pathway opens up a world of possibilities.

So where will your feet be taking you this weekend?

28/07/2024

Beautiful day to be out hiking here in the West Country of England. Following some quieter corners of the Avon valley today. One of the daily trails from our 6 night inn to inn trail through Avon and via Bath.

25/07/2024

From across the 'Land of the Summer People' there's one iconic monument that draws you, Glastonbury Tor. To journey to a place, to be a pilgrim, can be a lovely way to enjoy a trail.

I set out the humble, a simple church on the edge of the Somerset Levels surrounded by orchards and water. As I entered the moss covered gate a swift swooped out of the porch alarmed at my progress, all around there was hush, a grounding experience.

Through the apple orchards to then catch a first glimpse of the Tor, rising from the levels, drawing the eye, the focus of my journey. Through little villages, across small plank bridges, and joining ancient trackways I got steadily closer.

158 metres above sea level the hill is a natural formation. It lies on a geological fault line and a spring rises from the hill, known as the 'Chalice Well'. The tower atop, it stands like an island amongst the marsh myths, legends and history all collide.

With evidence from Neolithic times, to Celts, and to the birth of Christianity, this spot has drawn people for 1000's of years, a place of pilgrimage. To stand here and gaze beyond to the horizon, to where land and sky meet is remarkable, even with the grey skies of today.

Discover more and take your own journey on Foot Trails Myths & Legends trail, a 7 night inn to inn trip steeped in Somerset mystique. Message for more details.

14/07/2024

Food & drink from the land on which you stand is a joyous thing, and a little corner of Somerset is one of the vintage cider making areas of England.

With sunny spells we ventured for a walk in the ‘Land of the Summer People’ an area entwined with folklore, myth & legend.

10,000’s of years ago the Somerset Levels was an inland sea, dotted with islands of dry land. This mysterious landscape has given us many tales, from King Arthur to King Alfred. Today, it’s still a managed landscape, with winter floods and pumping stations to manage the waters.

Cider, or Cyder, is a part of the story of the West Country. For how long our ancestors have been fermenting apples is uncertain. But when Julius Caesar attempted to invade in 55 BC, the Romans found the local Celts fermenting apples.

You can still enjoy traditional ciders, still & clear and fermented in oak vats. It’s fun to walk the orchards and spend the day immersed in the area and its story, finishing at the cider farm to enjoy sampling the cider.

The first taste of Cider? No one sums it up quite like Laurie Lee in Cider with Rosie;

“I held the jar to my mouth and rolled my eyes sideways, like a beast at a waterhole. ‘Go on,’ said Rosie. I took a deep breath…

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, and Rosie’s burning cheeks. Never to be forgotten, or ever tasted again…”

‘Sweet Cyder’ is one of the trails to feature on our ‘Myths & Legends of Somerset’ inn to inn walking holiday. Simply get in touch to find out more.

10/07/2024

Introducing our Landscapes & Seascapes of Dorset Foot Trail to you. sharing histories & stories from the trip.

This South Dorset Foot Trail is all about a rural idyll that leads you to the coast, with the unique stories that the area holds. From being far from the madding crowd in forgotten valleys, to the tales of smugglers from yesteryear, and dramatic coastal views, it’s a joyous inn to inn hike.

This area of Dorset is synonymous with smuggling. Or ‘free traders’, as they would like to be known (free of tax!), or from the authorities perspective "a wretch who, in defiance of justice and the laws, imports or exports goods either contraband or without payment of the customs".

One local smuggler, Isaac Gulliver, was regarded by Customs officers as "one of the greatest and most notorious smugglers in the West of England.

This area also has some of the best coastal views, from the sweeping coastline of Chesil Beach, to climbing hill forts and hills with far reaching views to the sea, it’ll take your breath away.

This Dorset Foot Trail is an inn to inn walk / hike over 5 to 8 nights. Find out more at https://foottrails.co.uk/holidays/landscapes-and-seascapes/

03/07/2024

It's been a busy spring welcoming guests and sharing our little corner of the world. And whilst we've been out walking every week we've not always had the opportunity to share our adventures and pictures. The weekend past we headed to Wessex, a chance to hike in the landscape and absorb all the sights, sounds and scents of nature.

The countryside at this time of year is on the cusp of change, meadows are thick with swaying grasses on the breeze. Seeds and fruits are forming, and the first hints of the mellow tones of yellows and the harvest to come. And so it was as Alison, Molly and I set out on our hike, standing amongst the centuries old Lime trees looking out at the landscape beyond.

Following a small tributary of the River Nadder, the sound of water adds to the natural peace and quiet. Crossing the river a farmer moves up and down the field turning the hay, and a buzzard soars overhead looking for possible movement. A leafy lane of dappled sunlight leads to the ancient church, a bench amongst the wildflowers in the graveyard the perfect stop for a rest. A Robin hops around, and a blackbird watches from the wall.

Through the cool of the woods and past the lake our trail leads us to the ruins of a castle, these stones will have a few tales to tell.

It's not too late to arrange a walking holiday or tour for August, September and October. Get in touch to find out more about taking your own adventure in Wessex.

27/06/2024

Is Autumn a good time to walk in England?

We are often asked this question. Autumn (or fall) draws in from early September to early November. It is a magical time, a change of season that marks nature's spectacular harvest, abundance, before nature falls asleep, waiting to awake in the spring.

The first hints of change are September's damp, misty mornings. As the sun rises it pierces through and burns the mist away. On the air is the smell of ripening fruits and berries, in the local churches its all about the harvest festival.

Mid to end October the trees turn with their burnt oranges, reds and yellows. At the end of October the clocks go back and the evenings draw in. Nothing beats snuggling by an open fire in one of our country inns, enjoying some local seasonal produce. Roasts and stews make a welcome return to the menus. Enjoy a taste of the hedgerows in a crumble for dessert!

The first frosts and dark evenings, we mark November 05, Guy Fawkes attempt to burn the House of Parliament down, with fireworks and bonfires. It's a great time to be in the countryside and a part of rural life.

We still have availability for October and early November, book now to enjoy an English autumn.

To find out more - Email [email protected] or visit https://foottrails.co.uk/

25/05/2024

A fine way to set out on a hike. Through the arch and into 'Splendens' on a fine sunny Wiltshire morning.

☀️

22/05/2024

June is fast approaching, a month of wild flowers and greenness in England.

Wild meadows become jungles of buttercups, ever cheery and summery with their yellow petals. White clover, prolific, with their white pom pom flowers. And stunning Pyramidal orchids with their cone-like shape and wonderful vivid pink purple colour.

The names of the flowers in our meadows are often wonderful in themselves: Common-blue-sow thistle, Creeping Bellflower, Dog Rose, Lady’s bedstraw and Love in a Mist. It’s great fun to spot the different varieties along the trails, you can use the lovely little Collins Gem wildflower book, found in our Walk & Explore boxes.

Find out more about an English summer at https://foottrails.co.uk/walking_holidays/an-english-summer/

28/04/2024

Wild garlic and Bluebells on our Wessex Ancient Kingdom Foot Trail with Alison Howell

Well. Always take a British weather forecast with a pinch of salt! It's a very British saying which means you can't always trust the weather will do what's forecast!
Today's forecast read as overcast and cloudy with rain showers. The reality on David's and my walk today was very different. We had a dry day with beautiful sunny spells!

We were out today in Dorset and Wiltshire, two ancient and stunningly beautiful counties on our Wessex Ancient Kingdom inn to inn walking trail.

April is here! I love walking at this time of year. When areas of woodland pop with indigo coloured bluebells and the pretty white star flowers of wild garlic. Both grow in carpets, swathes, creating streams of colour and wonderful smells as you walk.

April and May are also super green months when spring brings the countryside to life with an amazing number of different shades of green in the countryside and hedgerows.

Every Foot Trails is created using our local knowledge. ( We've been walking and exploring the South West of England for 30 odd years).

Our trails take you off the beaten path and showcase a more authentic South West England. Find your way using our written word instructions creating a step by step adventure or follow your route on our detailed maps.

Today's trail brought many highlights.
North Dorset cottages with their flint and red brick and thatched roofs. Some of the thatchers created ducks or hares on top of the roofs.

We paused for lunch at a farm cafe and shop. Here donkeys and chickens roamed with pygmy goats in the field next to the orchard where we ate.

The countryside was magnificent. Green, rolling with fabulous views. We saw two hares run across the fields and heard and saw buzzards fly and soar overhead.

As the miles rolled by our spirits were lifted through the experience of being immersed in nature.

As the day neared it's end we arrived to a 14th century country pub. Fairy lights were strung around the bar. Here we tucked into a British roast beef and roast lamb dinner with Yorkshire pudding and roast potatoes! As we ate we talked over our days adventures and supped on beer and cider. Wouldn't it be wonderful to do it all again tomorrow!

Foot Trails Wessex Ancient Kingdom Inn to Inn walk is recommended as an 8 night experience but we do can arrange anything from 4 to 10 nights. Accommodation is in handpicked country inns with great rooms and food.

Wessex Ancient Kingdom takes in the English countries of Wiltshire, Dorset and Somerset and is just a two hour train ride from London.

To find out more about how you could take your own tailor made Wessex Ancient Kingdom walking adventure get in touch for a free mini brochure. Email [email protected] to request yours or visit us at www.FootTrails.co.uk

17/03/2024

A weekend of adventures on the Dorset coast as we check our walking trails and make little tweaks and adjustments. True to March we've enjoyed sunshine, rolling seas mists and rain showers, and along the way great views, hidden treasures and spring blossom.

We love this area of Dorset, it's where the rolling Wessex countryside meets the coast and you can combine wonderful scenery and landscapes, coastal views, beach side walks as well as characterful villages.

Get in touch if you would like to know more about our Dorset coast walking holidays.

15/03/2024

Super thrilled for the Foot Trails team and their recent win of 'Best Travel Company 2024 - Adventure / Activity Holidays' from Business Awards UK. It means so much to recognise all their dedication in delivering great walking trips for our guests.

When Alison founded Foot Trails it was to do things a little differently, to not walk the beaten path but help pour guests to find lesser trodden paths. Each one of our guest's trips is planned and organised individually.

At the heart of these trips is our community, Suzy, Deborah & Alastair (pictured with David), but also to our amazing partner inns & drivers. Our community runs much wider, the feedback, loyalty and help given by our guests is the added reward for us.

It is wonderful to receive this reward, our heartfelt thanks to our community & guests. We look forward to welcoming many of you on our trips and tours this, and in future, years.

12/03/2024

06/03/2024

A crisp blue sky and, as Suzy in our team likes to call them 'sheep' clouds, nature was inviting me to head on out for a walk. It was warm in the sun as I set out, making my way down an ancient trackway covered over by trees. The bird song was a delight, Blackbirds, Robins and a Wren darting into the hedgerow. On the banks of the lane the warm sun had encouraged bright joyful Celandines to open.

Ahead I could hear the rush of the river as it cascaded over the weir, I was curious after all the rains of late to see the river level and paths around. All was well crossing the ancient pack horse bridge and then climbing the cobbled path into this small hamlet. A lady tendered her hillside garden and daffodils bobbed their heads in the breeze.

Refreshed by a little spring walk.