A Breath of Fresh AirGuided (escorted) walking / hiking holiday

NEW for 2015

A Breath Of Fresh Air(Spring Break)Guided (escorted) walking / hiking tour

Lets celebrate spring! When winter has melted away, Easter celebrations beckon and we can look forward to the clocks moving forwards, the year takes on a different feel.

Spring has been marked since the earliest of times, the point where daylight hours equal night time darkness. Like the new leaves spring unfurls gradually. The first leaf buds appear then followed by more and more. Late snowdrops and early daffodils bring welcome splashes of colour to a landscape that is waking up.

Come and join this special 3 night walking trip and celebrate the start of spring!

Led by Foot Trails' very own David Howell, this small group walking tour will be for just 10 guests. Avoiding the national trails you will explore on local paths, taking you into the landscapes and away from crowds.

“Foot Trails began with guided walking trips” says founder Alison Howell. “Following a break of several years, we are thrilled to be returning to our roots, again offering guests, from across the UK and around the world, the opportunity to see the best of rural England with these expertly created luxury walking tours.”

At a glance...A Breath of Fresh Air is available –

*Arriving Sunday 29 March 2015 and staying for 3 nights

Walking distances and walking grades!

We are often asked why do you not grade your walks? We answer quite simply because a Foot Trail is all about enjoyment and not the physical challenge. We will take the opportunity to stop and enjoy the views, the villages, the local churches and of course the lunch time pubs.

Walks on your holiday will range from 7 to 10 miles per day. Along the way you will find a mix of open country, some stiles and the odd hill, but never too many.

Where & how to get here?

You holiday starts near Sherborne, Dorset. Travel time is about a 2½ hour drive from London by car. The nearest train station for arrivals is Sherborne, 120 minutes from London Waterloo. From further afield, the nearest airports are Bristol, Southampton and London Heathrow.

The highlights

'A Breath of Fresh Air' is an indulgent walking tour that celebrates spring, a time of renewal and freshness, what better time to escape to rural England and refresh yourself!

Your tour is based near the ancient heart of Wessex at Sherborne. Wessex was one of the great Saxon Kingdoms and is steeped in myth & legend or a little 'Somerset mystique' as the locals would call it! Part of the legends and stories that abound in this area are the legends of King Arthur and during your tour we visit the hill fort some lay claim as Camelot.

Based at an indulgent country inn beneath curving Somerset hills you will explore out each day for a varied itinerary, spending time climbing hill forts, wandering in charming villages, discovering tales and with time to explore the country town of Sherborne too.

The countryside is breathtaking, with curving hills, far reaching views and hidden away valleys and villages. As we wander in the villages we will find the cottage gardens to enjoy with the early spring flowers giving colour as nature awakes.

Including...

* Relax before and after your walks each day with our indulgent country inn. In the midst of a rural village beneath the hills it is a home from home with creature comforts galore.

* Walk in the shadow of an historic hill fort some claim to be legendary Camelot.

* Enjoy vies that extend across Somerset and to Glastonbury Tor.

* Enjoy sensational landscapes in an area of outstanding natural beauty.

* Stand at an ancient Beacon point for the region that used to warn of danger.

* Discover and explore the town of Sherborne, once the heart of the ancient Kingdom of Wessex.

* Enjoy views of Sherborne Castle, Sir Walter Raleigh’s hunting lodge, the grounds beautiful in spring.

* Stand beneath the breathtaking 15th century ceiling of Sherborne Abbey, famed as one of the most impressive in Europe.

* Enjoy Somerset’s honey coloured stone cottages with their cottage gardens and spring flowers.

The tour in detail…

A Breath of Fresh Air is a 3 night guided walking tour. Staying in a gorgeous indulgent country inn set in a character English village.

If you wish to stay longer then we can arrange this for you with extra nights at the start or end of the trip.

The Itinerary -

Day 1 - Arrive, relax and refresh

Arrive to stunning Somerset and your indulgent country inn. The area is easily accessible from London and Heathrow airport. A welcome box of goodies will be waiting for you when you arrive. As part of your box you will find a self-guided trail to help you explore the village and the immediate area.

In the evening you will be met by Foot Trails founder Alison Howell, together with your guide. You will enjoy a welcome drink followed by dinner, so you can get to know you companions (included).

Day 2 - Out on the trail - Knights Quest- 9 mile walk (14½ km)

Enjoy a delicious breakfast prepared for you by the inn. After breakfast you will be met by your guide and set out from the doors of the inn for our ‘Knights Quest’.

A stunning trail that explores the legend of Camelot. Your trail will lead you through charming Somerset countryside, the hills rounded and sculptured.

Views will extend for miles out into the levels and on the horizon, Glastonbury. The ancient hill fort at Cadbury is regarded as King Arthur’s stronghold, Camelot. A very fine quest indeed!

You will enjoy lunch in a lovely village setting and pub. Late afternoon we will return on foot to the inn, invigorated by a day exploring, refresh and enjoy dinner at your own leisure.

Day 3 - Journey ‘in to Sherborne’ - 6 ½ mile walk (10½ km)

Another breakfast freshly prepared for you. A short trip this morning by mini coach and we will be at the start of our trail in a nearby valley, ready to journey, ‘in to Sherborne’.

Walk the ridge on this great trail that, there are great views, rolling hills and tales of two castles and an abbey! You will enjoy views over the grounds of Sherborne Castle, a hunting lodge built by Sir Walter Raleigh.

Refreshed in the café, we will wander to the town of Sherborne, once the heart of ancient Kingdom of Wessex. You will explore the Abbey and then enjoy some free time to wander in the town.

Late afternoon we will return by coach to the inn, invigorated by a day exploring, refresh and enjoy dinner at your own leisure.

Day 4 - A quick blast before saying goodbye with ‘Ghostly Tales’ - 5 mile walk (8km)

A lingering breakfast and then check out of your bedroom. For those that wish we will take a shorter walk today for one last blast.

A lovely wander along the streams and fords to the nearby village of Sandford Orcas. Here take some time to view the ancient manor, unchanged for some 400 years and learn of some of the past ‘ghostly’ residents!

We will return to the inn, then if you choose stay for lunch (not included) or make your onward journey.

Guest Testimonial:

“We are home from the UK, over the jet lag, and just looked at the photos we took of our walk. We both wanted to tell you and David what a WONDERFUL time we had.

We appreciated the careful and warm leadership that David provided and his use of history and literature to make the stunning landscape even more significant. We loved Dorset, the Inn, the side trip to Shaftesbury, and the gorgeous villages. We will never forget the trip! Thank you.”

Toni, USA

Your indulgent country inn

A Breath of Fresh Air is a 'staying in one place' walking tour. Perfect for relaxed time out, somewhere you can make a home from home for your tour whilst taking a different and varied trail each day.

Your tour is based at The Queens Arms, Corton Denham. It's the sort of place where you breath a relaxed sigh of relief as you cross the hearth. Built in the 18th century and sitting in the heart of a peaceful and historic village, you'll find indulgent bedrooms and delicious food.

What's lovely are the small touches. Hand-made pork pies and chocolate brownies sit on the bar alongside the rows of real ales and properly crafted ciders. The vegetables are grown in the village and eggs collected from the pub's own hens.

Look out the windows and you can enjoy the sight of rolling green hills and sometimes, sheep.

Included in your trip & tour

Insider know-how at your fingertips

Our expert local guides know your walks and the area inside out. Their focus is your comfort and enjoyment and also to share their passion and expertise for the area with you. Using their knowledge of local paths, villages, pubs & cafés you will explore off the beaten track and away from crowds. And always with a local tale or two to bring the landscapes and villages you see to life!

Chilled out stays in character English country inns

Relaxation with peace of mind. Your gorgeous country inn has character, an English village setting, fine wine, real ales, passionately prepared food and creature comforts. Our hand-picked country inns are a much loved part of the Foot Trails experience.

Small groups - relaxed experience

Our groups don’t have more than 10 guests. They are small, relaxed and fun. We know many of you don’t like a group holiday feel, and we would rather give you a holiday that feels like a group of friends. Guests love our relaxed atmosphere.

Travel in style

Sometimes we need to travel to and from the start of your walks, to experience the best an area has to offer. When we need to do this we arrange your travel in private mini coaches, and this is included in the price of your trip.

Leisurely breakfasts

To set you up for the day – proper meaty bacon, freshly laid eggs, fresh ground coffee and more.

Lunch like a King

We meticulously plan your trails with a great lunch in mind. Stopping at a country pub, your lunch and a drink is included in your holiday price. Much better than carrying a squashed sandwich or a rumbly tummy.

In detail your trip will include -

* 3 days guided walking led by local expert David Howell.

* Welcome box with advice on getting the most from your trip, souvenirs and more.

* 3 night stay in a luxury character country inn set in an English village.

* Transport by private coach to and from walk as needed during your trip.

* Welcome drinks and 2 course evening meal with Alison Howell, founder of Foot Trails.

* Full breakfast included every morning, fresh tea & coffee and how do you like your eggs?

* Lunches on 2 days, 1 pub lunches and 1 in a café in Sherborne.

* Elevenses and afternoon tea, it is a holiday after all!

* Contribution to Sherborne Abbey's funds.

Your guide & companions

A Breath of Fresh Air is a guided tour for a small group of no more than 10 guests. We like our groups to be small, relaxed and fun. We don't force you together, we like there to be the social side but still enough room for you to feel independent. We welcome guests from all over the world, couples, families, friends and solo travellers.

Your trip will be 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 local knowledge but is also an enthusiastic story teller, and local historian, able to bring the landscapes and histories of the West Country to life for guests.

“We are basking in the afterglow of our wonderful time with you in Somerset and Wiltshire. We enjoyed some golden weekend days in London, then flew back to our workaday lives in Florida, still picturing one of the most memorable holidays we’ve ever had.

All of the arrangements made by FootTrails were superb, and efficiently done. 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 FootTrails and the perfection of our holiday with you. Many, many thanks.”

Ervin & Julia, USA

Prices & bookingsPrices inclusive as detailed above. Why is dinner not included? We have found over the years our guests like to have a little freedom in the evenings and not all appetites are the same, so to give flexibility you can dine just as you choose.

A Breath of Fresh Air

Sunday 29 March 2015 for 3 nights

Classic bedroom (lovely bedrooms with indulgent en-suite bathroom)from £585 p/p half board*

Superior bedroom (our most indulgent and spacious, with luxury en-suite bathroom)from £675 p/p half board*

Based on two persons sharing a bedroom, solo traveller places available from a £99 supplement.

To book

Call +44 (0) 1747 820 626 we will then confirm your place for you upon which a 35% deposit will be payable. Full balance due 8 weeks before arrival.

Pay Pal & all major credit & debit cards accepted.

Contact us

+44 (0) 1747 820 626 (landline)056 0366 7087 (voip)Enquire@FootTrails.co.uk

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 with thanks to The Queens Arms for pictures of the bedrooms and bar.