Foot Trails Brochure 2015

British Walking Trips & Tours for 2015

Crafted...

Journey...

Real...

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Welcome from Alison

Dearest guest,

If you want to truly travel through rural Britain in depth - in a thoughtful manner, experience what is real, eat proper, real food and drink, tread Britain's most scenic and historic paths, Foot Trails walking and hiking experiences are for you.

A Foot Trail takes you off the beaten track. Avoids the crowds and souvenir shops. We focus on the richest experience with gorgeous accommodations.

Foot Trails can plan from scratch and create your own tailor-made independent walking itinerary. Or you can join a handful of people on one of our expert-led small group tours. Either way you'll get to relax, have fun, explore, spend time in nature and find out what rural Britain is really all about.

Please read on. Let Foot Trails inspire you. Pick up your boots and make the decision to travel and walk Britain with Foot Trails.

Warm regards and happy walking.

Alison

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Foot Trails, why travel this way?

Travel says something different. It focuses on experience. Something in depth. And that sums up everything that a Foot Trail walk is about. Your experience.

Foot Trails avoids the formulaic nature and predictability of mass tourism and focuses instead on you. Individual guests and real experience. Take a Foot Trail and you will walk and hike in genuine places. Enjoy real, not manufactured moments. Shared conversations with a local, the stillness of time spent in a beautiful landscape, the unforgettable taste as you bite into properly produced local food.

Today three words describe Foot Trails values perfectly –

Journey, Real, Crafted

Testimonial - “The combination of quality inns, great food, friendly welcoming service and the opportunity to revel in the great outdoors and take in the many fantastic views. For those who do not normally engage in walking activities the achievement of completing wonderfully peaceful routes and the return to quality Inns where you can pamper yourself.” Karl

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Journey - describes Foot Trails approach to walking and hiking. It is a journey. The best journeys help you explore somewhere in depth. Get beneath its skin. Scratch below the surfaces. We are focused on helping you make lingering memories that endure.

Real – We are dedicated to helping you experience what's real, honest and authentic about rural Britain. This means we have to get you off the beaten track. We work with local people who share this ethos. We use our expertise in local places to guide your choice of itinerary, walking route or location.

Crafted - describes the way we make your Foot Trail. It takes years to learn how to craft something properly. And tremendous knowledge. Everything about your Foot Trail is deliberate, organised and chosen with care and intent. We love to craft every aspect of our trips and tours.

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The Diversity of South West England

The South West is the largest and most diverse of England's nine regions. This makes South West England unique as a walking destination. And Foot Trails offers the greatest number of waking trails here of any British travel company. You can see a wide variety of landscapes in a relatively small geographic area.

Foot Trails offer you walking in five of the South West's counties, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, The Cotswolds and Bath (Avon).

You can enjoy everything from riverbanks, woodland, wild meadows, chalk downs, canals and villages to market towns and historic sites.

The region is well known for its warm hospitality and also its fabulous local produce including cheeses, apples, meats, cream, cakes, real ales and ciders .

Most Foot Trails are within a 120 minute journey from London and the region has an excellent choice of airports and train stations.

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Personally chosen country inns & hotels

Foot Trails stand for accommodation that's both real and indulgent. There is nothing formulaic about our personally chosen country inns, country pubs and hotels.

Alison chooses every one for its warm welcome, hospitality and comfort. Each provides the perfect and historical setting in which you can relax, restore and indulge at the end of an inspiring day of exploring picturesque landscapes and villages.

Those new to this British style of accommodation love the peaceful locations in picturesque villages and the chance to join the locals in the bar for a pint of real ale, wine or cider.

Testimonial - “Thank-you, Alison, for a superbly organised walking holiday in Dorset and Somerset. The inns were of the highest standard and in lovely old villages. They are destinations in themselves The staff were most welcoming. Thank you for all your work!” Barbara



Proper food and real drink

Nothing speaks more loudly than the story behind great food and drink. And in Foot Trails' world proper food and real drink is an essential part of your walking trip. Think regional cheeses, local meats and hand-made desserts and real ales and ciders as well as fine wines. Our chefs love what they do, which is to feed you and make you happy.

Our country breakfasts will set you up for the day. Begin with fruit juices, hot tea or coffee, and a choice of freshly laid eggs, proper bacon, English breakfast, toast and butter, yoghurt or cereals. The choice is yours.

Lunch is taken mid trail. Always at a country pub or farm café. Choose a decent sandwich on fresh crusty bread, hot soup or something more substantial.

Dinner is the anticipated treat at the end of the day. A reward for your efforts. You will be spoilt for choice at our country inns and hotels, many of whom have won awards for their food.

Testimonial - “ 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 foodie author.

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Responsible tourism

We believe tourism should be conducted responsibly. We care about and think about deeply how we do things and hope that you are pleased to hear this. We know for many of our guests this plays a part in why you choose to walk and hike with us.

Foot Trails believes business can be a positive force for good. Travelling with us you are choosing a company that has introduced over 60 measures with direct positive impact on rural communities, people and planet. Things such as reducing paper use, creating car free trips, working with rural suppliers.

Many prominent people have called Foot Trails' approach to rural tourism pioneering. In 2008 we were the first British travel company to be awarded the Big Tick for Rural Action reaching the top 5 companies in the UK. We were invited to Downing Street and the Houses of Parliament to share good practice.

Last year we were honoured to receive the Gold Star, the UK's highest responsible tourism accolade. We love rural Britain and we want to take our responsibilities for bringing visitors here seriously.


“ We had a wonderful time on our inn to inn walking holiday in Wiltshire & Dorset. Lots of different types of trails and paths, we never got bored! And the food at the Inns was absolutely delicious.” Mike and Lola USA (pictured)

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“ Wonderful! I learnt so much about our countryside and fell back in love with it. Unforgettable experience, thank you.”Susan, UK

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Self-guided (independent) walking

It takes years of know-how and a passion for local places to be able to tailor make your independent walking trip in the way Foot Trails can, but we love being able to do this for you. Whether you are looking for something over a couple of weeks or simply a short break we will take time to get to know you and to understand what you want from your walking trip and then ensure you achieve it.

Carefully planned and crafted, independent walking will always be at your own pace and you can include rest / sight-seeing days if you wish.

Choose from three different styles of walking -

Inn to Inn trails – Linear walks with a sense of journey. Walk from village to village spending two nights at each country inn on route. Your luggage is transferred ahead for you so you can explore light of foot.

Walk, Tour and Explore - Great for touring. Enjoy a variety of locations during one trip. You can even enjoy a variety of counties.

Staying in One Place - Ideal for short stays or multiple locations. Relaxed travel at one of our gorgeous hand-picked country inns/ country pubs with a totally different and varied walk every day.

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Finding your way...

The essence of a great walking holiday is confidence in knowing where to go and how to follow the trail. In the last decade we have walked a lot of paths and directed thousands of guests. And used this knowledge to create the largest number of tried and tested trails in South West England of any British travel company.

To find your way you can do one of two things. Either map read using our local maps. Or follow our innovative trail cards which give clear word directions yet still ensure you are left with a sense of discovery of your own. Both are given to you on durable waterproof paper that will withstand the elements as part of your own Walk & Explore Box.

You can learn about the history and legends of the area as you walk with stories and tales on your trail cards. We also give suggested departure times, recommended lunch stops and other guidance. We help all, from beginners to experienced walkers.


“ Thank you so much for organising a carefully planned program. We have booked with other companies in different parts of the world but we would have to say your company has been outstanding in all areas. ” Adele, Australia

A typical day, independently

No two days are ever the same but they usually form a soothing pattern. Your day begins with a country breakfast following a great nights sleep. After breakfast set out for your walk taking your own pace and pausing to admire the view as you wish. On the way you will likely pass through villages and also come across some historic sites.

Lunch can be eaten on route indoors if you wish at a country pub or farm café. A great part of the experience. After lunch your walk continues. You may pass an ancient church and points of interest before returning to your country inn around 5 pm in the afternoon when you can relax, take a hot bath or shower or enjoy a drink in the bar before dinner.

In the evening relax with a drink in the bar and enjoy dinner, chat about your days experiences and read your notes ready for your adventure and trail the following day.

Your Foot Trail is a complete walking trip and tailor made package that includes your accommodation, personal itinerary day by day, breakfast, a bottle of wine, Walk and Explore Box with local maps and trail cards on waterproof paper, nature guides and Foot Trails famous fortifying sweets. Some trails also include transport drop off services, airport transfers and luggage transfers if needed.


2015 trips & tours - independent

Journey Across the Cotswolds

Inn to inn (village to village) hike/walk, Gloucestershire & The Cotswolds, up to 7 night stays

Prepare for a magical journey through the Cotswolds (away from crowds) with one of our most indulgent inn to inn hiking vacations. Traditional stone villages, some of the Cotswolds finest luxury country pubs and fascinating historical sites and heritage await.

Call or email to receive an example itinerary & brochure.

Wessex Ancient Kingdom

Inn to inn (village to village) hike/walk, Wiltshire, Dorset & Somerset, up to 12 night stays

A must for rural England lovers. An historic and breath-taking journey on foot. Discover England’s ancient Saxon kingdom, Wessex. Starting in Wiltshire, travelling across the south of the county, into north Dorset before arriving in Somerset.


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Email [email protected]

mailto:[email protected]


Explore Bath & The Cotswolds

Walk, Tour & Explore, city of Bath and the Cotswolds, up to 12 night stays

Explore both Bath and The Cotswolds with Foot Trails. Discover authentic and genuine places which lie off the beaten track alongside some of our best heritage. With this multi centre holiday (two centre or three centre) you will enjoy a totally diverse walk each day.


Wiltshire & Dorset Borders

Inn to inn (village to village) hike / walk, Wiltshire & Dorset, up to 9 night stays

Explore the hidden gem that is the Wiltshire and Dorset Border. A journey taking you from the lands of Lords to those of a Duke. You will explore grand 18th century country estates, lakes, thatched cottages and a castle.


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Tess's Journey (Hardy's Tales)

Inn to inn hike / walk, North Dorset, up to 6 night stays

Explore and walk in the footsteps of Tess D’Urbervilles, a character created by the legendary English author Thomas Hardy. In an area where time feels as if it has stood still you will experience a rare peace and beauty in a landscape that is little known and rarely walked.


Classic Cotswolds

Staying in one place walking / hiking tour, Oxfordshireup to 5 night stays

We’ve called this trail, Classic Cotswolds. Still off the beaten track it’s great for honey coloured stone cottages and the quintessential Cotswolds you may have read about. This centre based holiday staying at one country inn gives you a completely diverse walk each day.


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Bath, City & Country

Staying in one place walking / hiking tour, city of Bath, up to 4 night stays

Bath City and Country is both indulgent and down to earth. Experience iconic sights of this world heritage status city and then immerse yourself in the surrounding countryside. A world away with its canal, river, aqueduct, herons, wildlife and villages. All while staying in an indulgent hotel in the Georgian heart of the city.


Truly, Madly, Deeply Dorset

Staying in one place walking / hiking tour, North Dorsetup to 5 night stays

The far-reaching views of the north Dorset countryside are hard to beat. Explore with Foot Trails to reveal Dorset’s true character and beauty. The landscape evokes feelings of times gone by, and of a slower pace of life. This is a rural spectacular.


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Knights Medieval Castle

Staying in one place walking / hiking tour, Wiltshire, short breaks up to 3 night stays

Rural England at its best. Undiscovered. Relax in the peaceful countryside of South Wiltshire. Your trails are full of adventure and discovery with large impressive country estates, idyllic medieval villages and a 14th century castle.


Somerset Knights Quest

Staying in one place walking / hiking tour, Somersetshort breaks up to 3 night stays

South Somerset, land of the summer people; an area steeped in history, legends and ancient stories. Peaceful trails will enable you to explore many of the areas highlights including stunning castles, historic stone villages and a hill fort where legends of King Arthur and his knights resound.


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Secret Cotswolds

Staying in one place walking / hiking tour, Gloucestershire, short breaks, up to 3 night stays

Secret Cotswolds is a must for anyone who prefers to walk without the crowds. Discover historic sites left by your ancestors with Neolithic burial mounds and Roman villas. Explore unspoilt villages of Cotswolds stone cottages and beautiful big landscapes with dry stone walls. Discover, the secret Cotswolds.


A Bluebell Trail

Staying in one place walking / hiking tour, WiltshireBluebell season special, up to 3 night stays

To stroll amongst the Bluebells in an English wood... it is one of those 'must do' experiences. A feast for the senses, indigo with soft spring greens, the scent on the breeze... For the perfect balance of village, landscapes and woodland bluebells, look no further than Foot Trails.


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Great British seasons

Our seasons are wonderfully distinct. Travel in every one and you will experience something totally different each time. Get the most from every season. Explore with Foot Trails and you have access to our extensive local knowledge ensuring you get the best walks for spring, summer, autumn or winter.

English Spring - Spring will delight you as the countryside re-awakens. Beginning with the budding of trees, springs touch slowly deepens until wild flowers like the bluebells create spectacular coloured carpets through the woods and pretty blossoms hang on trees like beads.

English Summer - Summer's spell is created with the welcome effect of a cool breeze on a sunny day or the sight of the wheat in the fields waving in the wind.

English 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.

English Winter - Winter is a magical time to walk. Forget any 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 from a log fire and the mysterious and beautiful silhouettes of the skeleton trees.



Luxury guided tours for 2015

Walk amongst hidden villages and secret landscapes which lie off the beaten track with like minded people whilst hearing fascinating stories and tales of England's past from our expert guides.

A genuine and exclusive experience with a maximum of ten guests. Completed with Foot Trails signature morning elevenses, (hot tea, coffee and biscuits on route) country pub lunches and fabulous stays in real country inns.

Testimonial - “We are basking in the afterglow of our wonderful time with you in Somerset and then Wiltshire. We enjoyed time in London then flew back to our workaday lives in Florida still picturing one of the most memorable holidays we have ever had.

All the arrangements made by Foot Trails were superb. David's guidance and companionship on the walks gave depth and meaning to the sights we saw. The choice of trails and scenery was inspired. We can't say enough about the excellence of Foot Trails and the perfection of our holiday with you. Many, many thanks.”Ervin and Julia, USA

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Expertly guided walking tours

On a Foot Trail you will be led by either one or two expert guides. Passionate and local people who have lived in the area where you are walking, created your walking trails and know the ins and outs of them. They will help you to get under the skin of the area and places you are exploring in the way that only a local can.

All our trips are led by passionate south west local David Howell. David is a walking expert, trail creator and tour guide. Having lived in the West Country all his life he has not only an immense knowledge of local places but is also an enthusiastic story teller, and local historian, able to bring the landscapes and histories of the West Country to life.

And during our June and July Ancient Gods, Myths and Temples tour David will be joined by local Bath expert Jeremy Seal. Jeremy is a tour guide, author and presenter who has made Bath his home. Jeremy brings much passion and knowledge to these tours.


Guided tours & dates 2015

Sunday 29 March 2015, 3 nights

“A Breath of Fresh Air”

Blossoming flowers, bright and dewy mornings and fresher than fresh spring produce. Getting outdoors and into the blossoming landscapes of rural England is the best and only way to enjoy spring.

A Breath of Fresh Air is truly a chance to shake off the cobwebs of winter and enjoy expertly lead walks in the heart of ancient Wessex.

Arthurian tales abound, with a couple of ghosts thrown in for good measure, you will pass mysterious Camelot, and wonder at the splendour of 15th century Sherborne Abbey.

Call or email to receive an full itinerary & brochure.


New



Sunday 12 May, 5 nights

“Dorset Chalk and Cheese”

From Stone Age landscapes to castle ruins, ornate gardens to 19th century novelists, enjoy the ‘chalk’ of the curvaceous Dorset landscapes, and the magnificent locally made ‘cheese’ and other fine food and drink the gentle county of Dorset has to offer.

Heralding the start of Summer, May is the perfect time to enjoy the far reaching views and incredible displays of

nature, giving you the chance to immerse yourself in meadows of wild flowers, birdsong and rambling villages, before returning to your inn set at the end of a meandering country lane.

Call or email to receive a full itinerary & brochure.

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New

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Sunday 07 June, 6 nightsSunday 12 July, 6 nightsTuesday 22 September, 6 nights

“Ancient Gods, Myths & Temples”

Journey through the eras from the beginnings of civilization to the Roman Empire and on to the finery of Georgian Bath. Ancient Gods, Myths and Temples promises to delight, astound and intrigue you with mysteries of the ancient world. A finely balanced blend of countryside rejuvenation pairs with exploration of the ancient city of Bath, Celtic in its origins and

inhabited by the well-at-heel for centuries.

The majesty of Stonehenge as you approach by foot enables you to enjoy this world wonder as it has been enjoyed for centuries before. Taking in not one but two UNESCO world heritage sites, Ancient Gods, Myths and Temples allows you to indulge in the finest history of the UK, partnered with the finest country inns.

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Reservations & bookingsIndependent

Independent tours will be personally crafted by Alison Howell and her team to suit your requirements and the season as well as your preferred travel dates.

Alison Howell will put together your itinerary. Alison has been planning Foot Trails walking tours for 11 years. She will work with you to ensure every detail is taken care of. Please contact her on [email protected] or call Alison on +44 (0) 1747 820 626 to discuss your options and plans.

Your itinerary

Alison will look forward to getting to know you and to understanding your needs and wishes in full so that she can first give you ideas at and advise you of availability.

When you are ready to proceed further Alison will craft your own itinerary using her expertise.

Confirming your booking

You can secure and confirm your trip with a deposit of 35%.

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Guided

Our guided tours have a maximum of ten places on each trip. For many guests you will enjoy talking to us in person and finding out more or asking questions. We love to talk to you in person.

Anna Kilcooley works as part of Alison's team as a Holiday Planner. You can contact Anna by email at [email protected] or by phone on +44 (0) 1747 820 626 Anna can answer your questions and book your place.

Confirming your booking

You can secure and confirm your trip with a deposit of 35%,.

Testimonial – "Thank you so much for organising a carefully planned program. As first timers to the area we could not have been happier with your planning and communication. We have booked with other companies in different parts of the world but we would have to say your company has been outstanding in all areas." Adele

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Contact us

+44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline)[email protected]

www.FootTrails.co.ukwww.facebook.com/foottrailswww.twitter.com/foottrailsUK

www.issuu.com/foottrailsUK

Office 1803 Edgar BuildingsGeorge StreetBathBA1 2FJ

Pictures: All pictures copyright Alison & David Howell. Except cover with thanks to guests Derek and Gemme and thanks to guest Mike and Lola.

Documents

Foot Trails Brochure 2015